One of the questions that comes up often is: “How should I water my lawn?” It may seem simple, but there is actually a good way to water your lawn to get better results.
How much water does my lawn need?
Your lawn needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Lawns that are not sufficiently hydrated suffer the harmful effects of hot and cold temperatures. The best way to know if nature has been generous enough (e.g., rain) is to buy a rain gauge. If nature provides you with 1 to 1.5 inches of water, all the better. Otherwise, it is time to bring out the sprinklers.
How long should I water my lawn?
Here is another excellent question! Once again, a rain gauge is the best tool to know if your lawn has received enough water. If you do not have a rain gauge, place an empty tuna can on the ground, and when it is full, you will know that your lawn has received one inch of water.
How often should I water my lawn?
Longer, deeper watering is preferable to short, daily watering. By watering for a long time and allowing the water to penetrate deeply into the soil, you promote a deeper root system that is more resistant to summer heat. Two to three waterings per week lasting 20 to 30 minutes should provide your lawn with the necessary amount of water.
When should I water my lawn?
The best time is early in the morning so that as much water as possible penetrates the soil instead of evaporating. In addition, the grass has time to dry before the cooler nighttime temperatures set in, which minimizes the risk of mold growth.
A few more tips:
- Do not water until water runs into the street. This is a sign that the soil is saturated.
- If a patch of brown grass does not turn green with repeated watering, consider another problem such as mold, insects, or chemical burn (e.g., gasoline).
- If you have an automatic sprinkler system, inspect it regularly to make sure it properly covers the entire lawn.
- If you do not have a sprinkler system, buy a portable one. You will never be able to water sufficiently by staying in one place with a garden hose.
- Fescue requires more water during periods of heat and drought.
By following these few tips, you will find that watering your lawn properly is not rocket science. And if you do it, you will see that the neighbor’s lawn is not always greener!