Watering a Lawn
Natural lawns need water to keep them healthy and strong, but not as much as you may think. Follow our simple tips to keep from overwatering, which can waste a precious resource and harm grass
When?
Stay Cool
To conserve water and avoid losing moisture to evaporation, turn on the sprinklers in the early morning or the evening.
Less is More
More thorough watering once or twice a week is preferable to lightly misting every day. When the soil dries between waterings, roots may grow deeper, and grass can become more drought tolerant.
Stick to a Schedule
Grass grows best with a consistent water schedule. A sporadic watering pattern can stunt growth, especially after fertilization.
Grab a screwdriver and stick it in the ground. Goes in easily? The lawn is hydrated! Need to apply some force? Give your grass a drink!
How much?
An Inch a Week
Most grasses can thrive on about 1 inch of water a week (including rainfall), and drought-tolerant grasses may need even less.
Larger Drops
Air currents can catch light spray and keep water from reaching the soil. Adjust sprinklers to water with larger drops and closer to the ground — you’ll achieve more thorough penetration while saving water and money.
Set a small, straight-sided can on your lawn (like a tuna can). Turn on the sprinklers for 15 minutes. Measure the depth of water collected and multiply by four to estimate amount per hour. Then, figure how many hours you’ll need to irrigate to reach 1 inch per week.