Lawn Irrigation - Tips for Watering Your Lawn

Without the proper amount of water, your grass will wilt and die. In some climates, grass gets enough rain to survive on its own, but in other climates manual lawn irrigation is a necessity.

What Amount of Water Does Grass Need?

The amount of water that your grass needs will depend not only on your climate, but also on the type of grass your lawn is made up of. Some grasses are more draught resistant, while others need a great deal of moisture to thrive. In general, grass needs one inch of water each week to maintain proper health. If that water does not come from rainfall, it should be applied with an irrigation system. It is very important, however, to not over-water your grass. When grass receives too much water, it becomes extremely susceptible to fungal diseases.

When Do You Need to Water Your Lawn?

If you notice that the grass has turned from green to a bluish-purple color, you will know that it needs to be mowed. Another indication is the lawn resiliency. If grass blades do not spring back after they have been walked on, it is typically a sign of wilting.

It is best to water grass in the morning (4:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.) when the evaporation loss potential is at its lowest. Irrigating in the mid-afternoon is not nearly as effective and can waste a great deal of water. You will also want to make sure that the wind is not blowing too much.

What's the Best Way to Water Your Lawn?

Water sprinklers that keep water close to the ground are the best types of sprinklers for watering lawns. These sprinklers reduce water evaporation potential and will work much better than sprinklers that shoot fine mists high into the air.

When setting your sprinkler or sprinklers up, make sure that your lawn is receiving full coverage. You will want to avoid irrigation overlaps and dry spots. You will also want to make sure that the water is not being wasted on driveways, sidewalks, roads, and the side of your house.

More Lawn Irrigation Tips

• If your lawn is newly planted, it may need more frequent watering.
• Deep, but infrequent watering is good for established grass and will allow it to maintain a healthy root system.
• To know how long you should run a sprinkler, use a rain gauge or can to catch water the first few times. This should tell you how long it will take your sprinkler to generate an inch (or any other measurement) of water on your lawn.
• If using an irrigation system without a timer, use an oven timer to let you know when to shut the water off.
• If water conservation is a concern, use a rain barrel to collect water for future lawn irrigation.
• Don't over-apply fertilizer, as it may dry out and burn up the grass.
• Do not allow too much thatching to build up on the lawn.
• Keep your grass mowed and keep your mower blades sharp.