How much should you water your lawn to keep it green
Summer is here and our once green lawns are starting to look parched. And while you can beat the heat with these lawn watering tipsyou also need to know how much to water your lawn to keep it green.
A common assumption is that lawns need constant soaking revive dead grass, and keep it green. However, overwatering can do more harm than good, causing fungal diseases in the soil and encouraging an abundance of weeds dandelion. Also, too much water will suffocate your lawn and stunt root growth. That’s why it’s so important to know how much water you need for your lawn your grass greener and in top condition. So before you turn on the sprinklers, follow these top tips for a healthy lawn.
When you’re done hydrating your lawn, make sure not to make any of these seven common lawn care mistakes. And here are 5 reasons to buy an electric lawn mower if you’re thinking of upgrading.
How much water does a lawn need?
According to experts, a lawn needs about an inch of water once a week to thrive and keep it green. So how do you know if you’re watering your lawn the right amount? A common method is to place an empty can or straight-sided container under the sprinkler. Once this is filled to a depth of one inch, turn off the sprinkler. “Make sure you’re getting between 1 and 1.5 inches of water on your lawn every week,” advises Craig Elworthy, founder of lawn light “A simple rain gauge is all you need. Some even use a coffee cup and a ruler. It doesn’t have to be overly accurate.”
Another way to check this is through probing the ground with a stiff metal rod, stick or screwdriver. The rod should move easily through the wet soil and then stop once it reaches the dry soil. But if the soil is difficult to penetrate, then the lawn is parched and needs good watering.
Check your grass type and soil
It’s also important to consider the type of weed you have and its age. The two main types of weed are warm-season and cool-season. Typically, warm season grass is found in the southern states and is more drought tolerant. Cool season weed is typically grown in more northerly areas and would require more water. With this type of grass, it is advisable to split the watering routine into 2-3 sessions. If you’re not sure what type of grass you have, you can always ask at your local department store.
There are also two types of soil. Clay soil usually absorbs more water than sandy soil, which drains faster. So adapt your watering routine to your soil conditions.
How do I know if I’ve overwatered my lawn?
A telltale sign that you’ve overwatered your lawn is when you see streams of water running across the lawn or paving and down the drain. This means the weed stops absorbing excess water, essentially flushing away all the nutrients it needs. Other signs of overwatering include a muddy lawn, thatch, mushrooms, or a sudden growth of weeds that thrive on lots of water.
When is the best time to water my lawn?
know when the best time to water your lawn is just as important. It is recommended to water early in the morning – ideally before 10am – or late at night when temperatures are cool. If you water at hot times of the day or when the sun is intense, most of the water will evaporate. This keeps the turf from being absorbed and keeps it in a healthy condition.
In any case, always check the moisture level before you start watering, and be aware that sudden heat waves will dry out your lawn faster.
If you want the best yard in the neighborhood, learn how to trim your lawn to make it look bigger. Or if you need to maintain your lush lawn, learn more about it how to plant grass seed how to make your lawn greener and how to lay turf to enhance your lawn.