Grass gets thirsty. But how much water is enough, and when is the best time? Let’s break down some of the most commonly asked questions about watering the lawn.
Top Questions about Watering the Lawn
One of the most common questions about lawn maintenance is watering the lawn. So let’s break it down, shall we?
When is the best time to water my lawn?
The best time of the day to water your grass is in the early morning hours, between 4 am and 10 am. Watering the lawn early in the morning means less wind blowing away the water and less sunlight evaporating it. So the water can penetrate the soil where you want it.
How do I know when my grass needs water?
Your grass will show signs when it’s thirsty. Here are three ways to test if your grass has enough water.
Step Test. Step on the grass. If it springs back up right away, it has plenty of water, But if it doesn’t, it needs water.
Curled Blades. Inspect your grass blades. If you have curled blades, the grass is water-stressed. It’s time to water.
Color Change. It may seem simple, but if your grass color changes, losing its green color, water your grass.
How often should I water the lawn?
Watering the lawn is one of the most important tasks when caring for your lawn. But watering isn’t as simple as setting up a sprinkler or turning on the irrigation system. But water the grass too little, and it can become dry and patchy. Water the lawn too much, and it can fall victim to rot or disease.
Established Lawns
You will want the top 6-8 inches of soil moist but not soggy for established grass. We recommend watering the lawn 1-1.5 inches per week.
Either water the yard deeply once a week. Or you can break it up and water it twice a week for most of the year.
You might consider watering three times a week during the peak summer heat.
Seeded Grass
To encourage growth, seeded or newly sodded lawns need moisture on the top inch of the soil. So instead of water a few times a week, mist the grass 1-2 times a day, depending on the weather.
Keep the top two inches of the soil moist but not soggy as the seeds germinate. Once the grass reaches 3 inches of mowing height, you can reduce watering the grass to twice a week, depending on the weather.
Can I water my lawn too much?
Yes. You can water your grass too much. Overwatered grass doesn’t get oxygen, suffocating it. Too much water can also make your lawn susceptible to disease.
Sprinkler and Irrigation Tips
As your landscape grows, trees and bushes can become a problem. Sprinkler and irrigation systems are an excellent way to ensure your lawn is watered on schedule. However, get them inspected regularly.
Also, irrigation systems can apply water too fast. If you notice water running off into the street, turn the water off. Wait twenty minutes for the water to absorb. Then turn the sprinklers back on.
Drought Tips
Drought can also be detrimental to your lawn’s health. During droughts, cut the grass higher to help shade the roots. Taller grass has a deeper root system that draws moisture from a larger volume of soil that doesn’t require much watering.
If you live in an area where drought is a concern, you can plant drought-resistant grass.
Free Up Your Life with Lawn Services
Your investment in your lawn shouldn’t stop with watering your lawn properly. You’ll also want to ensure it’s fertilized, aerated, weeded, and mowed correctly. The easiest way to ensure you have a beautiful lawn year-round is to hire a professional lawn care company.
Caring for your lawn is our full-time job at Nichols Reliable Lawn Care & More. Why fill all your free days caring for your lawn when we can do it for you? Your grass will be beautiful and healthier, and you’ll be happier. Contact us for a FREE estimate today. 479.502.2192