WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | No watering until April 1st -- Sprinkling limited to new landscaping

No watering until April 1st -- Sprinkling limited to new landscaping

Mar. 24, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) -- If you think Georgia's drought hasn't affected your home, you may want to take a look at your lawn.

"This is the first year, I've been in the business about six years, and this is the first year I've not seen the grass not green enough in March," said Maurice Jones Jr., a Columbus landscaper.

Maurice Jones cuts grass in the Spring Lake subdivision. In that neighborhood, nearly every other lawn is brown because winter just ended.

But, if homeowners want to have a green lawn, Jones says this is the time of year to get started.

"Right now is the season to lime. Once you lime it, it really neutralizes the soil so the grass can suck up the fertilizer you put down," explained Jones.

After fertilizing your lawn, Jones says the grass just needs a little water and it should green up nicely.

However, Muscogee County residents will have to wait until April 1st, to start watering. Watering will only be allowed with only hand-held items such as garden hoses.  Homeowners will only be allowed to use sprinklers for new landscaping. 

Some homeowners say they'll keep following the restrictions, even if it means looking at a brown lawn everyday. "I've been doing what I'm supposed to. I've been doing what I'm supposed to about the water," said Starla Barnes, a homeowner.

Also starting next month, Muscogee County will go back to the even-odd watering system.

Homes with even addresses can water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Odd numbered homes are allowed to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Watering will only be permitted between midnight and 10 a.m.