Tips For Proper Watering of Your Lawn

To water or not to water, and how much to water, are all questions every lawn enthusiast asks themselves, almost daily, as they yearn for that much desired “golf course-type” lawn of lush green carpet! Watering is probably the most important factor in achieving that beautiful lawn.

Not all grass is the same. How much water your lawn needs is determined by the type of grass you have. Some grasses need consistent watering to stay healthy whereas others require less water, less attention and are more adaptable to drought conditions. Therefore, your first step should be to contact your local landscaping professional to determine exactly the type of grass in your lawn and what the water needs are for that type of grass.

General watering rules of thumb include using a rain gauge to determine how much water you are providing for a specific period of time (for instance, one-half hour of sprinkling). It is better to soak your lawn once or twice a week to help it grow a deep root system, rather than to water minimally on a daily basis. Also, allow the soil to dry for a few days between waterings as this also provides for a stronger root system as your grass searches deeper in the soil for water.

Stay aware of your region’s weather forecast and hold off from watering if rainfall is predicted. Watering before the sun comes up is best since afternoon watering evaporates and evening watering will not dry out before nightfall, which could promote lawn disease and fungus. For this reason, “overwatering” can be harmful to the health of your lawn. Most grasses, can stay relatively healthy, without water, for a substantial amount of time.