Water is essential for the survival of all living things. Grass is no exception.
However, just watering your lawn is not enough. There is a right way to do it and an improper way to do it. When you talk to landscaping professionals, one of the biggest gripes you hear is about homeowners who do not water their grass properly.
You can think of watering your grass in the same way you think about consuming water yourself. If you just drink half a cup of water a day, you may survive for a while, but your health will deteriorate. The same thing is true for grass. If you are not generous enough with your watering, the roots of the grass will not grow. Your grass will wither under the scorching summer heat.
If you drink too much water, you can damage your health. If you drink water at the wrong time, for example, right before going to bed, you could create inconveniences in your life. Similarly, if you overwater your grass or if you run the sprinklers during the wrong time, your lawn may become overwatered. This leaves it open to mold and disease.
When Is the Best Time to Water Your Grass?
The best time to water your grass is after the sun is up but before 10 a.m. During this time of the day, it is cooler outside, there is typically not a lot of wind, and your grass has enough time to absorb water before the midday sun.
You can tell if you are not watering your grass enough just by looking at it. Dehydrated grass looks gray and faded. If you walk through dehydrated grass, you will leave permanent footprints. This is because your grass lacks the moisture needed to bounce back.
If you cannot water your grass in the morning, then try to water it between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. This will give your grass sufficient time to dry before it gets dark. If you water your grass at night, there is an increased chance of mold growth and disease.
How Much Water Should I Use?
It is unnecessary to water your grass every day. Grass requires approximately 1.5 inches of water each week. This water can come from rainfall and irrigation.
If you want to know if your grass is getting enough water, look at the soil every 15 minutes while watering it. How long does it take for the soil to get soaked?
You can use a screwdriver or a shovel and stick it in the ground every 15 minutes. If what you see there indicates 1.5 inches of saturation, you will know how long it will take you to water your grass the next time.
Conversely, you could place clean cans or buckets around your yard. Monitor how long it takes for the sprinkler to fill the cans to 1.5 inches. This will let you know how long you will need to water your lawn in the future.
Having a nice lawn increases the value of your property. It says something nice about you as a homeowner and can make you the envy of your neighbors.