Lawn watering

Lawn watering basics

Lawn watering is vitally important to your landscape. Your lawn included.  In the Macon / Warner Robins area the summers can be extremely hot and drought conditions are often prevalent. The majority of landscaping problems stem from water-related issues. Over watering can have adverse effects just as under watering can. It’s important to find the proper balance for your lawn’s health. Most turfgrass grown in Georgia needs about an inch of water per week to grow, and springtime is a critical time of growth for your grass. One way that you can check to see if your turf is receiving enough water is to take a screwdriver and push it into the soil. If it sinks down 4-6″, your lawn has enough moisture. Just keep in mind that as the weather heats up and spring showers lessen, you will need to increase the watering for your lawn.

How Does Your Lawn Use Water?

 

Water in plants is like blood running through your veins. It has the crucial job of carrying nutrients throughout the plant’s system. When you water your grass, water is sucked up through the roots along with minerals and nutrients from the soil. All of these components are required for plants to make food through photosynthesis. The extra water and waste is discharged through the pores on each blade of grass, replacing oxygen and releasing water vapor. Without proper watering, this entire cycle can be brought to a halt, killing your grass.

How do I set my sprinkler system?

 

lawn watering

Rachio controller

There are several different types of sprinkler systems out there, but here is a link to how to control a Hunter controller or a Rain Bird ControllerRachio also a great smart controller that is really helpful when managing your watering.  Learn more about smart controllers.

How often do I water the lawn?

 

  • When rainfall is scarce, you’ll need to give your turfgrass at least one inch of water each week.
  • During hotter and drier weather, increase watering up to an additional half-inch to an inch.
  • Again, use the screwdriver technique to gauge your lawn’s water intake. If it sinks down 4-6″, your lawn has received enough water.

When do I water the lawn?

 

  • Timing is everything when it comes to watering. Aim to water your lawn in the early mornings to give it a chance to absorb into the soil throughout the day.

    lawn watering

    sprinkler head

  • Water when the wind is calm. Windy conditions can cause evaporation and water to drift in areas you don’t want it to go.

More lawn care tips

  • Be attentive to your lawn and only water when it needs it. Once you notice any of the following signs of stress, it is time to water your lawn: yellowing or a gray-green color, curling grass blades or even imprints remaining from foot traffic.
  • Practice proper mowing habits and raise your mower blades half an inch in the peak of summer. Only remove one third of the blade length at each cutting. Cutting your grass too short will cause you to scalp and damage your lawn.

Even with treatments and a variety of other services we offer to help you yard, without proper watering, your lawn will never reach its full potential. Put these watering strategies to work and get the most out of your lawn. If you are in need of a sprinkler system to help with consistency, or want advice on how to run the one you currently have, we are happy to help. Simply call 478-318-7644 or ask your Lawn Care Specialist to assist you.