How to Water Your Lawn For Optimal Growth
We can all agree that watering your lawn is an essential part of maintaining your lawn’s health and keeping it looking its best. But not everyone knows the best way to water. Have you been trying different watering methods to get your yard to peak growth, but nothing seems to be working? We know how frustrating that can be. Which is why we want to share some pro-tips for watering for optimal lawn growth.
Let’s look at a few practices that are crucial to watering your lawn properly, and by the end of this post, you’ll be watering like a pro.
But before we dive into the details, it’s important to consider two factors. First, your species of grass, and second, your weather. How and when you water depends on the type of grass and the weather.
Let’s assume you’re located in Ohio. More than likely, your lawn is Kentucky Bluegrass. It has a wonderful color and texture, and it’s dense enough to give you a nice lush lawn. It’s a perennial grass, so it can withstand the cold Ohio winters. Kentucky Bluegrass is also known for being an extremely thirsty grass.
So let’s go over a few of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to watering your Kentucky Bluegrass lawn for optimal growth.
How often should I water my lawn?
The answer to this question will change from season to season. Between March and May, your lawn will need 1 inch of water every week. When you get into the warmer months, June through September, you’ll want to give your lawn 2 inches of water per week.
If you have a particularly hot dry-spell, you may want to consider giving your lawn a little more water; however, you also want to be careful not to overwater. Overwatering can weaken the root system of your lawn and leave it susceptible to disease and pests.
How long should I water my lawn?
Most sprinklers disperse approximately ½ inch of water every 15 minutes. So if you’re watering the summer or fall months, it will typically take an hour to get 2 inches of water. What’s most important is that the water reaches the root system. To check this, take a small garden shovel and dig down 6 to inches to see if the water made it to the root system. If it hasn’t, then add more time to your watering regimen.
Another trick you can try is setting empty tuna cans around your yard. After you water, check the cans to see how much water you’ve accumulated in the different spots. The goal is to make sure each can has approximately 2 inches of water.
When is the best time to water my lawn?
It’s best to water your lawn in the evening or morning between the hours of 10pm and 10am. Watering during these hours makes your yard less susceptible to disease and pests, and it also avoids stressing your grass with heat of the sun. It’s also better to water once a week instead of multiple times per week.
If you are interested in learning more about the perfect watering regimen for your lawn give us a call today! We would love to help optimize your watering technique and grow your dream lawn!
