Watering your lawn efficiently is a smart way to keep it green and healthy while saving water and money. It’s all about giving your grass just the right amount of water at the right time, so the roots grow deep and strong. Here’s a friendly guide on how to do just that, with simple tips you can start using today.
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
Generally, lawns need about 1 inch of water per week. This includes rainfall and watering combined. To put it simply, think of this as filling a small container with water to a one-inch mark, spread evenly across your lawn’s surface. Getting this right helps your grass stay healthy without wasting water.
Water Deep and Infrequently
Instead of watering a little bit every day, aim to water deeply but less often. This encourages the roots to grow down into the soil, making your grass tougher and better able to survive dry spells. If you water only the surface, roots will stay shallow, and your lawn will struggle in dry weather.
Depending on your soil type:
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For clay soils, watering once or twice a week works well because clay holds water longer.
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For sandy soils, split your watering into two or three times a week since sandy soil drains quickly.
Pick the Right Time to Water
The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, between 4 AM and 10 AM. The weather is cooler, and the wind tends to be calm, so less water evaporates. Watering during the hottest part of the day wastes a lot of water to evaporation, while watering in the evening can leave your lawn wet overnight, which can lead to disease.
Check Your Watering Depth and Duration
To water efficiently, you want the water to soak about 6 inches deep into the soil—the depth where grass roots grow. If you’re unsure how long to water, try this simple test: Water for 30 minutes, then use a shovel or a screwdriver to check how far the water has soaked into the soil. Adjust your watering time based on this until it reaches about 6 inches.
Use the Right Sprinklers
Where possible, use pulsating sprinklers or an in-ground sprinkler system. These water more evenly and efficiently. Avoid sprinklers that spray water high up in the air because a lot of water gets lost to wind and evaporation.
Make sure your sprinklers are positioned so they water the grass, not the driveway, sidewalks, or street gutters. Also, avoid watering on windy days, since much of the water can blow away before it hits the ground.
Avoid Runoff and Puddling
If you notice water running off your lawn or forming puddles, try watering in cycles. For example, set your sprinklers for 10 minutes, then turn them off for 10 minutes to let the water soak in before watering again. This helps get more water into the soil and less wasted as runoff.
Keep Your Lawn Healthy to Save Water
How you care for your lawn helps it hold moisture better.
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Mow high: Taller grass shades the soil and reduces evaporation. It also encourages deeper roots.
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Leave grass clippings: They act as natural mulch, keeping moisture in.
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Improve your soil: Adding organic matter like compost helps soil hold water better.
Use Smart Tools
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, consider adding rain sensors to stop watering when it’s raining and soil moisture sensors to water only when the soil is dry. These tools prevent overwatering and save water and money.
Need Help Keeping Your Lawn in Top Shape?
Watering is just one part of lawn care. For the best results, it helps to have a team of experts who know exactly what your lawn needs and when. Premier Lawn offers professional lawn care services that keep your yard looking its best all year long.
Contact Premier Lawn
If you want to give your lawn the best care possible, Premier Lawn is ready to help. Reach out to them for expert advice or to schedule a service:
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Facebook: Premier Lawn Services Facebook Page
With Premier Lawn, your lawn will get the water and care it needs to thrive without wasting resources. Save water, save money, and enjoy a beautiful yard all year round!
Sources: Premier Lawn Services Facebook Page, familyhandyman.com
Header Image Source: Nora Jane Long on Unsplash
