When to Water Your Lawn & How Long

Aug 12, 2014 | Sprinkler Systems

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Whether you live in the country or the city, the best time to water your lawn is in the early morning. This is the time of day when your lawn will absorb the most water and you will lose the least H2O to evaporation. However, one bonus to watering in the early morning for city dwellers is that the water pressure will be at it’s peak before the population of you city gets up and starts using up all that water pressure for showers and baths!

Avoid watering during the day time, especially when the sun is at it’s brightest. Only a small amount of that water will actually penetrate the grass.

How much should I water my lawn?

The amount you must water your lawn is influenced by the amount of rain you get where you live. This will be driven by the weather and evapotranspiration or  “ET”. ET is the combined effect of water used by the plant and that which is lost to evaporation. ET is expressed in inches of water per week. Usually a local university will have accurate ET rates for your area. You can also be able to find these rates published regularly in the newspaper or on a website.

How deep into the soil should water penetrate?

Water should be able to penetrate down 6-inches into the root of the lawn. It is time to water again when that water level is at about 3-inches. You can check this in several ways, by using different tools such as a shovel, a soil sample puller, or a digital sensor. It is important to check water level to make sure you are not under watering or over watering your lawn.

How much is too much (or too little?)

Most people are surprised to discover that there is more damage done, by overwatering a lawn than by under-watering it. This is due largely in part to the plant structures inability to extract the water left in the soil once so much water has washed through it. Without the water to provide it nourishment the grass becomes susceptible to insect problems, physical damage and disease.

Allen Outdoor Solutions Inc. can help you determine how often and how much you should water your lawn. If you have any questions call today to talk to an expert who can help you with all of your watering needs!

 

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