Top Menu

Tips for Watering Your Lawn


In the heat of the summer, many areas of the United States experience long dry spells which are very stressful for your lawn.  Many types of grass will respond to the dry weather by going dormant during the summer months.  This helps them survive until the cooler fall weather. Unfortunately, your area will sometimes receive just enough rainfall to trigger the grass out of dormancy.  So, to keep your lawn healthy during the hottest part of the summer, here are some guidelines.

Buy a Raingauge

Lawns require about an inch of water every week to keep them green and healthy.  If you are not getting that from rainfall, then you should provide the extra water.  Buy an inexpensive rain gauge so you can know how much rain you are receiving and how much water you need to supply.  Don’t rely on the Internet or local newspaper for rainfall totals.  Summer rain storms are often very localized, so your totals may be very different than the official report.

Water the Lawn Early

Lawn SprinklerDuring the hot summer months, watering the lawn in the early morning is the best idea.  During the middle of the day, much of water used is lost to evaporation.  Plus, the sun beating on the wet grass can actually cause harm.  As you probably already know, the sun’s light can be magnified by water droplets.  This can cause the sun to actually burn the grass blades.  Watering in the morning gives the grass the opportunity to dry before the heat of the day.

Water for Longer Periods

Since a lawn needs about an inch of water per week, it is best to provide that water all at once if possible.  This allows the water to absorb more deeply into the soil.  The roots of the grass plants will naturally make their way to the deeper moisture source which provides a stronger grass plant that is less succeptable to disease and drought.  Short watering periods, even if you provide the same amount of water, don’t let the grass establish the strong root system it needs.

Consider an In-Ground Sprinkler System

It’s definately a hassle to lug hoses around the yard. An in-ground sprinkler system solves this problem.  Once installed and adjusted, it will automatically take care of the watering and provide the appropriat amount at the right time.  For more information, please see our article on in-ground sprinkler products.

Follow Local Water Usage Restrictions

If you live in an area where there is little extra water, follow the watering rules established by your city.  Unfortunately, you may not be able to water your lawn at all.  In this case, you have no options.  If you consistently have watering restrictions imposed, perhaps you should consider replacing your lawn with a rock-scape, similar to what homeowners in desert locations.


,

6 Responses to Tips for Watering Your Lawn

  1. Cheryl April 28, 2013 at 9:37 pm #

    Great information, some I knew, but a lot of it I didn’t. I have some new ideas on how to grow a healthier lawn. Thank you 🙂

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Landscape Planning - Watering a Hillside Landscape - August 24, 2011

    […] flat lawns, watering the lawn for long periods is one of the keys to a healthy lawn.  However, this tactic may not work as well […]

  2. Landscape Planning - Selecting In-Ground Watering System Sprinkler Heads - September 1, 2011

    […] the hottest parts of the summer and the plants and lawn suffer stress from lack of water. When watering your lawn, you can lug hoses and sprinklers around, but this can be very time intensive and many people just […]

  3. Landscape Planning - Introduction to Backyard Landscaping - September 17, 2011

    […] like the idea of working out in the yard.  Sure, some of the tasks are work; trimming the shrubs, watering the lawn, and so forth.  But, there is an upside to having a property of your own; it gives you the […]

  4. Landscape Planning - How to Keep Your Lawn Green and Healthy in the Summer - May 26, 2012

    […] want to make sure that when you do water, the water reaches the roots of your grass and nourishes them. Your grass is only as healthy as its roots. Watering for 20 […]

  5. Landscape Planning - Using Lawn Fertilizers - July 8, 2012

    […] the most prominent portion of the landscape.  So, it is important to keep it healthy.  Along with proper watering techniques and mowing, fertilization and weed control are essential. Many people use a lawn service […]

Leave a Reply


*

Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes

YouTube Videos in WordPress Plugin by SpotOn Search Engine Optimization