When To Water Your Lawn

Watering During The Summer Months

Depending on where you live, you may not need to water your lawn during the spring. The soil beneath the grass is often saturated with water from snowmelt, and spring rain will provide even more water.

However, as temperatures rise in May and June, you should slowly start watering your lawn more thoroughly and more frequently.

Start with watering once a week for about twenty minutes at a time, applying roughly half an inch of water to the grass. As temperatures exceed 80 degrees, you may need to start watering every three days for thirty to forty minutes at a time, or one to two inches of water each time.

The most common turf species in Utah and the broader Intermountain West is Kentucky Bluegrass, which needs about two inches of water per week in the summer.

How Much Water Is Required For Your Lawn

Providing the correct amount of water is essential for a healthy and green lawn. To get the best results, you should water your yard at the top 6-8 inches of soil. To drench the soil 6-8 inches deep, most lawns require 1 inch of water per week. This can be taken care of with a single watering or by watering a half an inch twice a week.

For stronger growth, raise your lawn mower blade as longer , thicker patches of grass promote deeper root growth, possibly resulting in a more drought-resistant lawn, reduced evaporation, and fewer potential for weeds.

Theres also the option of a professional. A trained and certified contractor can audit, install, or maintain home irrigation systems to ensure water isnt wasted. Make sure you ask for credentials.

Consider Using A Rain Barrel

Hydrating the lawn, especially during summer when the portion doubles can take a considerable amount of water and at times the money. You might also want to maximize rainfall that comes every once in a while.

Rain barrels are designed to catch water from your roof and store them until you need them. Youll be surprised at the quantity of water you could have at your disposal if you can do this.

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How Much To Water Your Lawn

Watering the proper amount is criticaloverdo it, and your grass, your water bill, and the environment will suffer. The amount of water you need is generally 1 to 1.5 inches per week, but it can vary depending on your grass type, the climate you live in, your soil type, and the age of your lawn.

Established Lawns

In general, you want the top 6-8 inches of soil to be moist, but not soggywhich translates to 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Watering deeply, but infrequently, leads to stronger root development and drought-resistance than watering briefly every day. You can break up these waterings into twice a week during most of the year, or three times a week during the hot summer months.

Newly Seeded or Sodded Lawns

To encourage proper growth, newly seeded or sodded lawns need moisture in the top inch of their soil, but not so much that they turn soggy. Instead of watering a few times a week, you will need to take a mister and gently spray the newly seeded areas once to two times a day, depending on the weather.

As the seeds germinate, keep the top 2 inches of soil moist. Once the grass grows to a 3-inch mowing height, you can reduce watering to twice a week. Then, you should soak the soil down 6-8 inches, like you would an established lawn.

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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Find An Ifa Country Store Near You

Information for this article was provided by Aaron Jaussi, Branch Manager, Provo IFA Country Store Tina Potter, Utah Certified Nurseryman, Washington State Certified Nursery Professional , & Lawn & Garden Dept., Ogden IFA Country Store and Ken Holt, Lawn & Garden Category Manager, IFA Country Store

The Simplest Way To Regulate Lawn Watering

The chart below is a starting point for the number of minutes to water each sprinkler zone on the days you determine watering is needed. These times are averages. Adjust your watering minutes based on rainfall, type of grass or plants, sunny or shady locations and other characteristics.

Watering two days a week should be sufficient during most of the summer. If needed, water a third day during extreme heat or dry periods. Water trees and shrubs as needed, but not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Shrubs and perennials need half as much water as lawns.

There are no assigned watering days, but never water a zone more than three days a week.

*These times are based on a sprinkler system running at an efficient level. Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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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 6-8 inches, to encourage the grass roots to grow down deep into the soil.

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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Water Early In The Morning

The best time to water is between the hours of 4 6 am. At this time, the summer sun wouldnt be out, offering ample time for the water to go deep into the soil. The water evaporates faster during the heat of the day.

Watering in the evening might seem like a good alternative as well, but doing so could give rise to the presence of fungus and molds.

This is because moisture doesnt easily dry out in the evenings, and when left overnight, such wet areas eventually become breeding sites for diseases.

How Should I Avoid Using Too Much Water

If youre in a drought, try to keep traffic from kids, pets, and vehicles off the lawn to minimize damage. Turfgrass may turn brown and look like its dead, but the crown and roots still are alive. Many times, it goes semi-dormant but usually recovers, says Landschoot. In fact, grass can survive for weeks without thinning if its watered or starts raining again. If you have other questions about your lawn or the type of grass in your region, your local university coop extension is a good place to start.

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Environmentally Friendly Tips For Greener Lawn Watering

• Mow to a height of 2-3 inches, leaving taller grass blades to shade the soil and limit evaporation.
• Set an alarm to avoid forgetting that sprinklers are running.
• Use a sprinkler head that sprays larger droplets to avoid losing water through evaporation or wind.
• Consider seeding with a drought-tolerant lawn type.

Achieving Optimal Lawn Care Results

The decisions you make for your lawn are important and can make a huge difference in the success of its growth and performance. Watering is one of those factors that really can play a huge role in the overall success of your lawn. Even though its a simple task, it is a vital one.

When youre investing in professional lawn care, you expect professional results. If your lawn is struggling due to not receiving enough water , then you should feel comfortable working with your lawn care company for advice and guidance on how to make improvements. You might even consider the installation of a professional irrigation system if youre struggling to provide your lawn with all of the water it needs.

At Master Lawn, we believe that a healthy lawn is a team effort. If you ever have questions about the best time to water your lawn in Tennessee or Mississippi, how often to water it, or anything else of that naturewe are here for you.

If youre ready to work with a lawn care company that will be there to provide you with guidance on any lawn care issues that arise, talk to a lawn care expert, choose from 3 program options, and become the master of your lawn.

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Effects Of Over Watering

If you overuse your hose or sprinkler system, your grass root system can drown because it no longer receives the air it needs to survive. Porous soil has pockets of air that aid in the circulation of the oxygen and nutrients vital for the growth and strength of the roots.

Newly established lawns need a chance to dry, otherwise grass roots stay shallow because they do not have to grow deep into the ground to find a water source. Shallow roots make for grass that is not as viable and more prone to disease and fungus growth.

Furthermore, constantly damp lawns will result in an excessive amount of weed, like crabgrass or nutsedge. Patches of thick thatch will appear in different areas of your property. There will also be more insect activity on wet grass, because bugs use it as a water source.

Over-watering will increase your grass need of fertilizer. The excess moisture will push the fertilizer quickly through the grass root zone. Once it has gone beyond the root system, ground pollution occurs in the form of nitrogen run-off.

Last, but not least, you will see an unnecessary increase in your energy bill. Running your sprinkler system for long periods of time delivers more moisture than your grass needs and uses up unnecessary electricity, with no positive result.

So, make sure you know how often and for how long you need to water your grass. With these tips, you will have luscious and healthy grass in no time.

How Long Watering Your Lawn Should Take

When it comes to deep watering once per week, it is recommended that you water over the course of 2-3 hours. This way you can be sure that the water will slowly soak down deep into the soil and hydrate the grass roots. How long you should water the lawn depends on the kind of sprinkler and what your water pressure is like. Also, you need to keep in mind that your lawn will require more water in the extreme summer heat.

Your lawn requires a lot of specific care, and getting a beautiful lawn can be tricky if youre inexperienced. So, if you have any questions and concerns about your lawn watering, talk to landscaping experts like CLC Landscaping!

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Considering The Role Of Salt In Soil And Water

In areas of the state where water is high in salts, plant a salt-tolerant grass species, such as Seashore Paspalum, bermudagrass, or Zoysia. Water deeply but only occasionally so salt does not accumulate in the soil. High levels of sodium damage soil quality and affect the ability of water to filter through the soil. Also, salt can exacerbate the effect of drought on turfgrass. Contact your county Extension agent for more information.

What Happens If My Lawn Gets Too Much Water

Too much water can damage your lawn, or even your homes foundation. Grass cannot grow properly in areas with standing water or spongy soil, which allows moss to develop. You may choose to re-grade your yard, amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage, or install a rain garden or mulch bed in low spots that frequently fill with standing water.

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Ensure Your Lawn Is Getting Enough Water

Watering on a regular basis is essential to achieving a thick, healthy lawn. By working together with your lawn care company, youll have the knowledge and tools to properly water your lawn and give it the care it needs.

Our custom blended fertilizers can actually help your lawns root system to retain moisture better over time, by adding bionutritional materials that can help you get the most out of your watering efforts.

If you ever have any questions about the best time to water grass in Ohio or Northern Kentucky, the lawn technicians at Oasis Turf & Tree are always available to help. When we come to your home, were not just there to perform treatments. A healthy lawn is a team effort, and its our goal to continuously educate you on what you can do to achieve success.

Understanding Water Needs For Established Grass

Lawn care is a year-round process, and its important not to underestimate the importance of water for established lawns.

Lawns need one to two inches of consistent water per week. During certain times of the year, Mother Nature may provide enough rainfall to keep your grass growing. However, its common to have dry spells for several weeks or more.

When lawns arent getting enough water, youll often notice the following symptoms:

• The color changes from a vibrant green to a much duller blue-green .
• After walking across your lawn, you can clearly see footprints in the grass that wont stand back up.

Established lawns can withstand a couple weeks without rain or watering, and its normal for grass to enter dormancy as a response. Once the grass starts getting water again, the grass will start growing again and color should return. However, dont be completely surprised if your lawn doesnt bounce back to normal. As you begin to water your lawn, you may notice thin areas or dead spots when moisture has been absent for longer periods of time.

Even though grass can rebound from brief periods of drought, there are long term consequences of insufficient water to a lawn. As grass areas weaken and thin, weeds will quickly fill the gaps. Weeds will grow and proliferate, and take over large areas, simply because grass didnt get water regularly.

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How Much To Water

The amount of water applied each time you irrigate your lawn should not vary seasonally, though the frequency with which you water will change by season. An efficient watering wets only the turfgrass root zone, does not saturate the soil, and does not allow water to run off.

Florida soils are typically sandy and hold 1 inch of water in the top 12 inches of soil. If the roots are in the top 12 inches of soil and the soil is dry, then & half to ¾ inch of water is required to wet the area thoroughly. Light, frequent watering is inefficient and encourages shallow root systems. Excessive irrigation, which keeps the root system saturated with water, is also harmful to the lawn.

A simple watering schedule would apply & half to ¾ inch of water when the turfgrass begins to show the drought stress symptoms discussed in the previous section. Once this amount of water is applied, do not apply again until drought is noticeable. If it rains, suspend irrigation until visible drought stress symptoms appear.