Water is a vital element for the health and happiness of your grass. Properly watering your lawn in Alton, IL is essential to maintain its well-being. Running lawn sprinklers at night, for example, can create conditions conducive to disease. Conversely, insufficient watering can result in shallow root development, leading to problems during hot weather.
Thankfully our lawn irrigation experts at Diversified Services have prepared a comprehensive guide on lawn watering, offering insights on the right amount and frequency of watering, among other essential tips. Continue reading to discover how to keep your grass resilient, healthy, and adequately hydrated.
How Long Should You Water Your Lawn?
Water your lawn once or twice a week, providing it with 1-1.5 inches of water each time. The exact duration of watering will vary depending on factors such as grass type, sprinkler type, and settings.
Before considering irrigation installation, here are some methods to determine the appropriate watering duration for your grass:
- Perform a Can Test: This method involves using 1-inch tall tuna cans. Fill one with water and place it in the area covered by your sprinkler. Turn on the sprinkler and periodically check the can to determine how long it takes to accumulate 1-1.5 inches of water. Use this information to establish your weekly watering schedule.
- Calculate Mathematically: Your sprinkler system’s flow rate, specified in gallons per minute by the manufacturer, can be used to calculate the required watering time. Multiply the square footage of your lawn by 0.62 gallons (equivalent to 1 inch of water per square foot), then divide by the sprinkler’s flow rate.
- Use a Flow Timer: Employ a timer capable of monitoring flow in hundreds of gallons. Multiply your lawn’s surface area by 0.62 gallons to determine the necessary water volume.
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
Before considering lawn sprinkler installation on your Alton, IL lawn, it’s crucial to understand that improper watering can result in high water bills and environmental issues. Typically, lawns require 1-1.5 inches of water per week, although this may vary depending on factors such as grass type, weather conditions, soil type, and lawn age.
For Newly Sodded or Seeded Lawns:
Newly sodded or seeded lawns need moisture in the upper inch of soil to support healthy growth without becoming excessively soggy. Instead of weekly watering, gently mist the newly planted areas once or twice a day, adjusting as needed based on weather conditions. Maintain the top two inches of soil consistently moist during germination. Once the grass reaches a mowing height of 3 inches, you can reduce watering to twice a week while ensuring the soil is soaked down to 6-8 inches, similar to established grass.
For Established Lawns:
Generally, the upper 6-8 inches of topsoil should remain adequately moist, equivalent to 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Deep and infrequent watering promotes deeper root growth and drought resistance, as opposed to daily brief watering. In most seasons, watering twice a week is sufficient, increasing to three times a week during the summer if necessary.
When Is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn?
For optimal results in Alton, IL, water your lawn with your sprinkler system installed by lawn sprinkler experts before 10 a.m., ideally between 4 and 6 a.m. At these cooler times, moisture is less likely to evaporate before the grass can absorb it from the soil.
If watering before 10 a.m. is not feasible, avoid late-night watering, as moisture lingering on your lawn overnight may increase susceptibility to disease. The second-best time to water is between 4 and 6 p.m.
How to Determine If Your Grass Needs More Water
There are several indicators to help you determine if your lawn in Alton, IL requires watering. If your once-lush green grass has turned gray or if the blades appear wilted and compressed, it’s time to water.
If you’re uncertain, you can perform simple tests, such as the step test: walk on the lawn, and if the grass springs back immediately where you stepped, it’s adequately hydrated. If it doesn’t bounce back, your lawn is thirsty.
Another test is the screwdriver test: attempt to insert a long-bladed screwdriver six inches into the soil. If it doesn’t reach that depth or encounters significant resistance, it’s a clear sign that your lawn needs more water.
If you want your lawn professionally set up and maintained, contact Diversified Services. Our experts will create a lawn your entire neighborhood will be envious of.