Lawn Issue of the Month- Proper Watering (again)
Seeing a lot of brown patches, strange diseases, or a full-on crabgrass invasion this year? While the weather plays a part, the real culprit might be your watering schedule. We see it all the time!
An incorrect watering routine can cost you money and, even worse, your beautiful lawn.
But don't worry, we've got the simple fix!
🎬 Click here to watch our 1.5-minute video that will save you money and your lawn!
Not a video person? Here are the key takeaways to get your lawn back on track:
Watering your lawn every day is doing more harm than good. Here's why:
❌ It's an open invitation for disease. Constantly damp grass blades create the perfect breeding ground for fungus and other lawn diseases. ❌ It creates lazy, shallow roots. Why would roots dig deep for water when it's always available at the surface? Shallow roots lead to a weak lawn that can't handle the heat. ❌ Crabgrass ADORES it. You're essentially rolling out the welcome mat for this aggressive weed, which thrives in frequently watered, shallow-rooted turf.
Your lawn will thank you for being a little less attentive. Here’s the right way to water:
✅ Prevent Disease: Watering less often allows your lawn to completely dry out, stopping fungal growth in its tracks. ✅ Build Strong, Deep Roots: Watering for a longer duration forces the roots to follow the water deeper into the soil. This creates a stronger, more resilient lawn that can withstand drought and heat stress.
When you water is just as important as how you water.
🌅 THE BEST TIME: Early Morning (4 AM - 9 AM) This is the sweet spot! Watering early allows the roots to absorb plenty of water before the sun gets hot, minimizing evaporation. The rising sun then helps to dry the grass blades, preventing disease.
☀️ AVOID: Mid-Day Watering under the hot sun is a waste. Most of the water will evaporate before it ever reaches the roots, and water droplets on the grass can even magnify the sun's rays, scorching the blades.
🌙 AVOID: At Night Watering in the evening might seem convenient, but it allows the lawn to stay wet overnight. This creates a dark, damp environment that is a paradise for fungal diseases.
💧 Spring & Fall: Aim for 1 inch of water per week, delivered in a single, deep watering session.
💧 Mid-Summer: Bump it up to 1.5 inches per week. It's best to split this into two or three sessions, with a day or two in between for the lawn to dry out.
Stop guessing how long to run your sprinklers! Every system is different. Here’s a foolproof way to measure:
- Place an empty tuna can (or any small, straight-sided container) in the middle of your sprinkler zone.
- Turn on your sprinklers and time how long it takes to fill the can.
- That's it! Now you know exactly how long to run that zone to apply one inch of water.
Have more watering questions or need a hand with your lawn? Let us know! We're here to help.
📞 Call Us: 978-358-8029
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