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An optimum watering schedule is key to a healthy lawn

T2 Design

Updated: Jul 25, 2024

When the heat of summer hits, it seems like your lawn can’t get enough water. By mid-July the lush green of spring has given way to dry brown blades that appear dead. You may be tempted to water often and at any time of day, but lawn experts know that a structured schedule and careful monitoring are the best way to get the results you want – a healthy lawn.

If you are like most homeowners, you are using a sprinkler to spread water as evenly as possible across your lawn. How long to run the sprinkler and at what time of day are the two critical factors in providing your lawn with the optimum amount of moisture.


Consider the following tips:

  • During typical weather conditions water your lawn just once or twice a week. This allows time for thorough drying, which helps reduce the risk of diseases.

  • During especially hot weather or drought conditions, grass should be watered no more than every two days. Even brown grass that looks dead will come back quickly once it is watered.

  • Run the sprinkler in each area to be watered for at least 20 minutes to get the right amount of water to the roots. Deep and less frequent watering encourages healthy roots that reach deep into the soil.

  • Water in the early morning or evening, when temperatures have cooled and breezes have picked up so that more water gets to the roots before evaporating. Watering during peak heat can result in more than 50% of the water evaporating before it gets into the soil.

  • Nighttime watering is discouraged, as the excess moisture can encourage mold and fungal growth.

Is my grass getting enough water?

To keep your lawn healthy, an inch to an inch and a half of water per week is optimum. But how to know? Generally, 20 minutes of watering every few days should be enough, but sprinklers vary, as does soil. You also must factor in whether it has rained.

If you are uncertain about how much water your lawn is getting, experts suggest a rain gauge to measure both rainwater and supplemental water. In lieu of a rain gauge, a container or can the diameter of a tuna can will provide a good idea of whether you have reached your 1-inch goal.

For a true test of your specific soil conditions, try digging down after watering to determine how far the water has penetrated. Optimum absorption is 6 to 8 inches of wet soil.

What about new grass seed?

For newly seeded areas, including overseeding, moisture is critical to germination so your watering schedule will be more frequent, even multiple times a day, to be sure the soil stays moist.


Experts recommend the following tips:

  • Water your new seed for 5 to 10 minutes immediately after planting.

  • Sprinkling should be gentle, frequent, and short. Anticipate 5- to 10-minute watering sessions two or three times a day.

  • Monitor seeded areas to be sure they are not soggy, especially shady areas that will not dry out as quickly as sunny areas.

  • Overseeded areas may need water only once day to retain the needed moisture in the soil.

  • Reduce watering frequency once seedlings are established.


As the weather heats up, resist the urge to increase your watering schedule. Overwatered grass will be susceptible to fungus, which can kill your grass. The excess moisture also encourages mosquitos and will allow grubs to thrive. Grubs can quickly kill an entire lawn.


If you aren’t sure certain parts of your lawn are getting enough water, take a walk. If your grass is healthy and hydrated, the blades will pop back up quickly after stepping on them.

For advice on how to have the best lawn in your neighborhood, call the experts at T2 Design Lawn and Landscape. We are your local lawn experts and can help with everything from mowing to aerating and overseeding to full lawn replacement. Call today!

 

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