They say April Showers bring May flowers, so you are probably looking forward to those April showers bringing much-needed water to your lawn and garden. The Houston area gets almost 50 inches of rain each year, with our wettest month being June. Yet, even amid the rainfall, you will need to plan on watering your yard. In our climate, relying on rainfall alone for a healthy lawn is simply not an option. Wondering when and how to water for a healthy lawn?
When You Should Water
You may have heard a lot of different things about when to water. Some say in the morning, others say late at night, but not too late. So, what’s the real deal? You should aim to water early in the morning, preferably before 10 am. This time of day is generally cooler and will allow any water to soak into the roots before it evaporates from the heat of the day.
If you are not able to work morning watering into your schedule, no need to worry. Try to water between 4-6 pm. This will allow the water to soak into the roots of the grass and allow the blades of grass to dry before dark. If you water much later, you may find that you struggle with lawn disease as the blades don’t have time to dry and excess moisture can lead to mold and fungus related issues.
How Much to Water
This is another confusing topic for many who are trying to support or develop a healthy lawn. How much should you be watering? Generally speaking, lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during the growing season. But remember, this doesn’t need to come from just one watering. You can split it up between a couple of days and you also need to consider any rainfall you have had. While it can be easy to fall into the thinking that a little more water won’t hurt, overwatering can be just as detrimental to your lawn as underwatering.
How to Know You’re Watering Enough
A great way to tell if you are watering enough is to take a screwdriver and see if you can easily stick it in the soil. If you can’t stick it in easily, it’s time to water! A simple strategy is to set up your sprinkler and check the soil every 15 minutes while it is on. See how long it takes the soil to be moist 6 inches from the top, as that is where your root system is. When you have established how long it takes the water to move this deep, you know how long you have to water your lawn every time. This strategy is simple, doesn’t involve math and will guide you to a lush and healthy lawn.
Archer Services Can Help
Need some reassurance that you’re handling your lawn care watering properly? Do you want to add some other landscaping elements to your lawn to make it even more beautiful? If so, contact us today! We would love to create an amazing outdoor space for you!
