Think about watering your lawn. Is it a chore? Does it dry out too quickly? Do you have to water it a couple of times a week? Does it look bad anyway?
You're probably watering wrong.
-Don't worry, you're not alone-
The number one mistake that people make when watering their lawn, is that they water too little, too often.
Light, frequent waterings encourage shallow, weak roots. Plant roots are lazy. If there's always water at the surface why should they grow deep roots when shallow roots get the job done? What happens the day you forget to water? What if the temperature spikes and all the surface water dries up long before you turn on the sprinkler? What happens is, you can go from green to burnt in just a day or two.
Deep, infrequent waterings are much better for the grass. Deep watering makes the grass search deeper for every last drop at the tips of their deepest roots. They also grow more roots in response and become more efficient at using and finding water. Not only does this help to grow a stronger, thicker lawn, but it helps them survive drought much better.
Watering your lawn properly is important to keep it healthy and green. Here are some tips for watering your lawn effectively, especially during hot weather:
Water deeply and infrequently: Instead of frequent shallow watering, give your lawn a deep watering. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the grass more resilient to heat and drought. During relatively mild temperatures (up to 85 degrees), aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. As the temperatures rise up into the upper 80's or 90's, aim for 2 inches of water per week. This is best done with 2 waterings of 1 inch each.
Water in the early morning: Watering your lawn in the early morning allows the grass to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day. This reduces water loss due to evaporation and gives the grass time to dry before evening, which helps prevent disease.
Water at the right time: Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as the water can evaporate quickly. Also, avoid watering in the evening, as the grass may stay wet overnight, increasing the risk of fungal diseases. Early morning is the best time to water.
Adjust sprinkler settings: Make sure your sprinklers are set to deliver water evenly across the lawn. Adjust the sprinkler heads to avoid watering sidewalks, driveways, or other non-landscaped areas.
Monitor soil moisture: Check the moisture level of the soil regularly. Insert a screwdriver or a soil moisture meter into the ground. If it goes in easily and the soil feels moist, you can delay watering. If it's dry, it's time to water.
Remember to follow any local watering restrictions or guidelines in your area. Each region may have specific recommendations for watering lawns during hot weather.
During relatively mild temperatures (up to 85 degrees), aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. As the temperatures rise up into the upper 80's or 90's, aim for 2 inches of water per week. This is best done with 2 waterings of 1 inch each.
How long is that?
It varies for everyone. It depends on what kind of sprinkler you use and the size of area you use it on. So, to figure out how long it takes for your lawn:
We're going to measure it!
Place a tuna can, cat food can, or any small dish in the area you are watering. I put mine half-way between the sprinkler head and the outside edge of the area being watered. Then turn on the sprinkler and set a timer on your phone.
Every half hour, turn off the sprinkler and measure the depth of the water in the can. When you've collected an inch of water in the can, make note of how long it took and you're done! That's how long you need to run your sprinkler system to properly water the area!
