Conditions in the region were dry last fall, the winter lacked normal snowfall amounts, and now some areas of Massachusetts have extensive rainfall deficits for 2016. August was among the warmest on record in many areas, and the heat has only exacerbated the challenges for landscape care.
For an update on drought conditions in Massachusetts, refer to the U.S. Drought Monitor at http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA
To this end, the following are a collection of fact sheets from UMass Extension on the subject of water and water conservation in the landscape:
Long-term drought effects on trees and shrubs
Drought tolerant plants for the landscape
Drought tolerant annuals and perennials
Indoor and outdoor residential water conservation checklist
Managing soil structure for water conservation in the landscape
The role of the irrigation audit in water conservation
Turf irrigation and water conservation
Maximizing irrigation efficiency and water conservation
Turfgrass response to water deficits
Water conservation for landscape turf
Landscape professionals and homeowners alike are further advised that many Massachusetts communities have water use restrictions in place at this time. A current map can be found at
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/outdoor-water-use-restrictions-for-cities-and-towns