Take Care Of Your Lawn With This 5 Lawn Watering Tips
In this blog you will learn that watering a lawn is not an easy task, you must learn many things before turning on the hose. We created this content to teach you all the tricks so that you can give the best maintenance to your grass. In other words here are the main lawn watering tips:
Now that we mentioned them, it only remains for us to explain them one by one. Lets not waste any more time, lets continue with this blog and run to water your lawn!
Consider The Shaded Areas
Many homeowners have trees that hang over the lawn. The shady areas will actually need less water than the sunny sections. Ideally, speak to your landscape services about pruning the trees or bushes.
The majority of the lawn should be free from deep shade. The lack of light creates growth problems, weed infestations and possible mold growth.
When you cant alter the shady area immediately, try to hand water it as an irrigation alternative.
The rest of the lawn can be saturated with the irrigation system while you control the shaded area with small amounts of moisture.
Hiring lawn treatment services is a great idea when you need to tune up the yard. Professional landscapers can aerate, fertilize and service your property several times a year.
With your own care supplementing the professionals visits, your lawn should have a dense and deep-green appearance all the way until fall.
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Change With The Seasons
Different seasons call for different approaches to watering your lawn. If you have an irrigation system, adjust the watering scheduled regularly based on seasonal weather conditions. Or, invest in a smart controller. It will adjust these settings automatically. We recommend Toros EVOLUTION series irrigation controller.
When paired with a Smart Connect® wireless weather sensor and the associated wireless accessories, the Toro EVOLUTION controller helps you better manage your water usage by using live temperature and solar measurements as well as historical weather data for a particular location to calculate the right amount of water needed from the irrigation system.
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Get Down To The Roots
The whole point of watering your grass is to get the water deep into the soil to promote deep-root growth. Your lawn is getting the right amount of water when the soil is wet 6 down. To check, use a long screwdriver and drive it into the ground. If it easily goes in 6, your soil is properly watered. If you face resistance, the soil is still too hard and dry and needs more water.
Return To Normal Watering Schedule
- 1 inch of water per week between rainfall and irrigation. Adjust your irrigation schedule as needed.
- Rotating Irrigation Heads: 25 minutes per zone
- Fixed Irrigation Heads: 15 minutes per zone
- Hand Watering/Hose and Sprinkler System: 25-30 minutes per section
If you have followed this schedule, you should have green, healthy, lush grass. At this time you can let Mother Nature take over for the winter. The root system will develop through the winter and early spring to give your lawn a good chance to survive the summer heat.
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How To Tell If Your Lawn Has Been Watered Enough
There are some simple tricks that will determine if a lawn is receiving enough water. First, does it look healthy? If it looks healthy, then it probably is which means stick to what you are doing. Another way to determine if your lawn needs to be watered is to submerge a screwdriver into the grass. If it easily sinks 6 to 7 inches, then your lawn is receiving an adequate amount of water each week. If not, it is probably time to make a change to your watering routine.
Be ready for changing weather and be aware of when a lawn needs more feeding and fertilizing. Give lawns an organic fertilizer and compost in fall and spring and cut back on watering when dry days turn to rainy ones.
If you see mushrooms growing in your grass, it is most likely due to overwatering. The best next step is to decrease the amount of watering until the mushrooms are gone.
When Watering A Warm
- Zoysia, St. Augustine, bermuda and centipede grasses develop deep root systems, making them better able to withstand drought.
- In general, warm-season grass types require less water than cool-season grasses. Where you live determines how frequently you need to water because of differences in rainfall and summer weather conditions. Grass requires the most water in conditions of heat, drought, low humidity, and high winds.The type of soil you have also plays a part: Clay soil holds water longer and can be watered less frequently than sandy soil, which drains very quickly .
There are tons of ways to water your lawn, from sprinklers to smart watering solutions. Each has their own sets of benefits, so choose the solution that works best for you and your lawn. Below are a few methods to consider.
Pulsating sprinklers : These shoot water horizontally at a high velocity so the water isnt affected by wind.
Hose-end sprinklers: Great for small- to medium-size lawns. There are many different types, so you can choose the one that fits your lawn best.
In-ground sprinklers: These can deliver water in the most efficient pattern. Choose sprinklers that are low to the ground and use a horizontal spray pattern for best results.
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What Is Watering Deeply
Deep watering is when the soil and roots beneath your turf, tree, and shrubs are saturated at least several inches below the surface. Lawns require more water than other types of turf due to a larger coverage of area and more susceptible to stresses like heat or foot traffic.
A common misconception of deeply watering is the method of leaving your sprinkler on in your yard.
Leaving a sprinkler on is asking for trouble. They cannot accurately measure the amount of water given to plants or may not disperse properly. There are types of foliage in your turf that may possibly become over watered or not given enough water due to the foliage proximity to the sprinkler.
Sprinklers are meant to saturate your lawns whereas deeply watering is the direct application to the turf roots until the soil is completely moist under the surface. This is why deeply watering your lawns and plants roots are recommended.
For best results, do not exceed more than 1 1/2 inches of water per week and apply once to twice a week.
Long And Deep Waterings
Encourage long and deep waterings by only performing this task several times a week. Depending on your region, you might spend 20 minutes watering the lawn every two or three days.
Watering every day will only create shallow grass that doesnt hold the soil very well. Deep watering encourages the roots to search out for moisture as they grow deeper toward the damp soil.
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When Is The Best Time To Water
Lawn damping is best done in the morning as early as possible. 4 am to 9 am is the proper period to water your yard because, at this time of day, your garden would still be absorbed from morning dew, and this will allow water to reach the deeper part of the plants.
You are better off not damping your garden in the afternoon or night, especially when the temperature is at its highest. Unless the temperature is above 68° and the weather is insanely hot, sprinkling your garden at night is a wrong move. If it calls for it, you can do it in the evening or when the sun goes down late in the afternoon. Damping at night could leave your garden vulnerable to diseases.
However, you are allowed to spray your plants after trimming your garden should you feel the relevant need to do so, just that you cant do it instantly after trimming. Damping and trimming your lawn is an activity that should only take place when it calls for it.
The same goes for fertilization. It would be best not to water your yard after fertilizing to prevent fertilization wash from entering your water system.
Watering Different Types Of Lawns
During the first year of your lawns growth, whether it’s a newly seeded, sodded, sprigged, or plugged lawn, don’t rely solely on Mother Nature to do the watering. Additional irrigation should always be provided.
When watering a newly seeded lawn, the key is to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy. You will likely need to mist the seeded area once or twice a day . Once the seeds start to germinate, continue to keep the top 2 inches of soil moist until the new grass reaches a mowing height of around 3 inches. After that, begin to cut back watering to twice per week and soak the soil deeper, about 6 to 8 inches, to encourage the grass roots to grow down deep into the soil.
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Using The Pennington Seed Water Calculator
Pennington Seed water calculatorTurfgrass Water Conservation Alliance is a registered trademark of Nexgen Turf Research, LLC. Pennington and Smart Seed are registered trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc.
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Outdoor Water Use in the United States”2. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Managing Turfgrasses During Drought,” August 2009.3. Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance, Protocols”4. The Lawn Institute Watering Basics for Established Lawns”5. The National Drought Mitigation Center, Drought Condition : United States,” September 2015
How To Water Your Lawn
- To water your turf you will use a type of hose, or sprinkler to disperse water on your property. For every day application, it best to use a type of sprinkler system that will release an inch of water per week. It is recommended to have an adjustable sprinkler system depending on the type of turf you have and if you live in a area with consistent drought.
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Water All Around The Trees
You should know that trees absorb a large amount of water therefore, they push moisture away from the soil through their roots. In other words, what happens is that the grass that is around the tree is the first to dry as it gets less water. Be careful when watering your trees.
Apply one inch of water per week. You can apply one inch of water in single irrigation or you can divide it between the days of the week. You just have to make sure to water very well around your largest trees.
The amount of water your tree needs depends on the age, the species of the tree, the climate and the type of soil. Newly planted trees need a good amount of water to grow healthy. The roots of your trees are well established therefore, you should water deeply under the tree canopy.
Measure The Amount Of Water With A Cup
There are many things to consider before watering your lawn, one of which is the amount of water. In other words, you must be careful. Our first advice is to measure the amount of water in a glass in other words, you will have control of how much water you are applying.
It is very important to regulate the amount of water you apply to your garden. Follow our tips to become a lawn master. Alex Landscaping and Excavating is here to guide you.
If you water too little the roots of your lawn will not absorb water and will not grow properly or will dry out.
You must identify when it is time to stop watering, we advise you to check the depth of the water with a screwdriver every 15 minutes. If you cant easily nail a 6-inch screwdriver then your floor needs more water.
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Common Myths About Lawn Watering & How To Do It Right
When it comes to watering lawns in Pennsylvania, we get a lot of questions about whats needed. From whether you should be watering your lawn in the evening to whether you should be watering your lawn in the winter, we know that there are some uncertainties about the best practices. We also recognize there is a lot of misunderstanding.
In order to clear things up, well take a look at 5 common myths about lawn watering to give you some helpful tips on whats best. These are important as proper watering is the one lawn care task that will impact your lawn more than any other.
What Type Of Sprinklers Should I Use
You want to use the best delivery method for your lawn. A well placed built in irrigation system is a big initial investment but provides optimal coverage and may pay for itself over time. If you do not have an irrigation system, you can use hose attached sprinklers. A pulsating sprinkler is best for an established lawn. An oscillating sprinkler is best for newly seeded lawns as it will not wash the seed away. No matter what type of sprinkler system you have, make sure they are in good working order and provide adequate coverage. In addition to the sprinkler, you can use a smart device to help you. You can find simple timers at most home and garden centers. You can buy Internet-Connected smart irrigation system controllers that takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process. No matter the budget, technology can make the process more efficient.
If you have further questions, contact us and let us help you determine the best approach for your lawn. You can also ask about our many other lawn care services.
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Responding To Drought And Water Restrictions
- Reduce irrigation gradually over several weeks, instead of all at once. This allows grasses and other landscape plants to acclimate to water shortages.
- Adjust watering or irrigation schedules every week to compensate for current weather conditions and changing regulations.
- Adjust irrigation systems to reduce or avoid watering areas that receive shade, and keep available water focused on exposed lawn.
- Consider smart controllers, which sense soil moisture and automatically adjust irrigation based on current soil and weather conditions, to minimize water use.
- Shut down automated irrigation systems during severe shortages, and water critical areas by hand only.
- Avoid fertilizing. Fertilizer promotes new growth that requires more water, and stressed lawns are also more prone to fertilizer burn.
Watering Your Lawn Automatically
There are many different ways to efficiently and automatically water your lawn. There are a few factors you should take into account. Ask yourself the following questions: How much water will I need? How large an area do I need to cover? What shape is my lawn? Is there anything nearby that cant get wet?
Here are a few popular types of sprinklers to consider:
- In-ground sprinklers These systems can be expensive, but are highly efficient. The sprinkler heads pop up automatically to water, and pop right back down when the watering is done, delivering a precise amount of water.
- Pulsating sprinklers This type shoots out water horizontally in a powerful stream, covering a large area easily. Grassroots get the level of moisture they need quickly. However, the pulsing might be too intense for newly seeded or sodded lawns.
- Oscillating sprinklers These are a good alternative for newly seeded lawns, since the force of the water is weaker, and you still get good coverage.
- Hose-end sprinklers These traditional sprinklers are the most common and come in many different types.
Make sure your automatic sprinkler is doing its job, when it needs to do its job. If the forecast calls for a lot of rain, adjust the settings accordingly. Also, make sure it isnt pointed at the streetyou dont want to soak any passersby.
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Are You Watering Your Lawn Too Much Or Not Enough
We all want the best for our yards. Its often the first thing we see as we walk up or out of our homes, and where our families play all summer. So naturally, we want to keep your grass looking lush, green, happy and healthy. That begins with keeping a proper watering schedule all season long.
With improper watering, you could do more harm than good. Water at night, and you could give your grass a prime environment for harmful disease. Dont water enough, and youll create a shallow root system.
Determine how long to water your yard and when, and youll be ready to enjoy great green grass all season.
Lets learn the rules for proper watering.
Misconception #: The Worst Thing I Can Do Is Under
We hear a lot of concerns about under-watering, but the truth is that overwatering can be just as badmaybe even worse. When soil becomes oversaturated, it can become waterlogged and you can actually drown your grass roots. An overwatered lawn is also more prone to lawn diseases.
Lawns need approximately 1 to 2 inches of water each week in order to stay healthy and green. The best way for lawns to receive that water is through a slow and soaking rain . Just be careful not to assume a downpour has given you ample water. Stick a finger down into the first few inches of soil and get a sense of how moist it is.
We also recommend putting a rain gauge outdoors to measure rainfall. When you do need to water, place a shallow can halfway between your sprinkler head and its furthest point of spray. This will help you tell how much water your lawn is receiving during your supplemental watering sessions. You dont need to be watering your lawn every day, but instead just need to ensure that its getting its weekly 1 to 2 inches of water with about 2-3 waterings per week.
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