How you water your grass affects the vitality and appearance of your lawn. To make the most efficient use of your water and make your lawn shine, explore the essentials for properly watering your lawn.
1. Water the Right Amount
Most established lawns need about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water a week. Figure out how much rainwater your lawn receives, then supplement that amount with your own watering system. You can measure how much water your sprinkler system provides by using water gauges.
If you don’t have a water gauge, you can measure your sprinkler’s water output with six small empty cans, such as tuna cans, spaced evenly throughout your yard. Let your sprinkler system run for 15 minutes. Then, measure the water in each can with a ruler. Average the depth of water in the cans to estimate how much water your system puts out in 15 minutes.
2. Meet Your Lawn’s Specific Needs
While watering 1 to 1/12 inches is a good rule of thumb, your lawn’s needs might vary. Consider whether you have cool-season grass or warm-season grass. In general, cool-season grass needs more water than warm-season grass.
Grass typically needs more water during its active season than during its dormant season. This means that cool-season grass usually needs more water in spring and fall, whereas warm-season grass needs more water in mid-to-late spring and early fall.
3. Water Once or Twice a Week
It’s better to water your lawn once or twice a week rather than every day. Watering less frequently encourages the grass to develop a strong root system. In contrast, watering every day can cause your grass to develop a shallow root system that’s more susceptible to drought.
However, if your lawn has sandy, coarse soil, it will absorb water more quickly. As such, your lawn might benefit from more frequent, lighter watering. In this case, consider watering three times a week.
4. Water in the Morning
Another essential tip for properly watering your lawn is to water your grass in the morning. If you water in the morning, especially around sunrise, the lower temperatures won’t cause the water to evaporate quickly. With more time to soak, more water will move into the soil, making this the most efficient use of water.
You now know the best practices for watering your lawn, but you may still want professional lawn care. Contact Agnello Landscaping for weekly lawn care services in Bridgewater, New Jersey. We’ll give your lawn the care and maintenance it needs to thrive. Contact us today for a customized plan for your lawn.