One of the questions that often comes up is, "How should I water my lawn?" ". It may sound simple, but there is actually a right way to water the lawn to get the best 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 adverse effects of hot and cold temperatures. The best way to know if nature has been generous enough (eg rain) is to buy a rain gauge. If nature provides you with 1 to 1.5 inches of water, good for you. Otherwise, it's time to get the sprinklers out.
How long should I water my lawn?
Here's another great question! Once again, a rain gauge is the best instrument to know if your lawn has been watered enough. If you don't have a rain gauge, place an empty tuna can on the ground and when it's full, you'll know your lawn has received an inch of water.
How often should I water my lawn?
Prolonged, deep watering is better than daily, short watering. By watering for a long time and allowing time for 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 the amount of water your lawn needs.
When should I water my lawn?
The best time is early in the morning so that as much water as possible soaks into the soil instead of evaporating. Plus, the grass has time to dry out before the cooler nighttime temperatures set in, minimizing the chances of mold growth.
Some other tips:
- Do not water until the water runs down the street. This is a sign that the soil is saturated.
- If a patch of brown grass does not turn green with repeated waterings, lean towards another problem such as mold, insects or a chemical burn (eg gasoline).
- If you have an automatic sprinkler system, inspect it regularly to make sure it covers the entire grassy area.
- If you don't have a sprinkler system, buy a portable one. You'll never be able to water enough if you stay put 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 correctly is not rocket science. And if you do, you'll see that the lawn isn't always greener next door!