Lawn Watering Tips

When to Water the Lawn

If you find your lawn has taken on a grayish cast or appears to be dull green, it's telling you that it needs water. You can also check your lawn by walking on it: If your footprints don't disappear quickly, it's because the grass blades don't have the needed moisture to spring back.

While it may seem like you can head out to water your lawn anytime during the day, your lawn actually needs more specific care. Watering in the morning (before 10 a.m.) is the best time for your lawn; it's cooler and winds tend to be calmer so water can soak into the soil and be absorbed by the grass roots before it can evaporate. If you must water in the evening, try between 4 and 6 p.m. which should give the grass blades time to dry before nightfall. The later you water, the greater chance of disease becoming prevalent in your lawn.

It's worth noting that you don't necessarily have to water your lawn. Lawns are resilient. Established and properly cared-for lawns can survive weeks without water by going dormant (when the lawn turns brown), then recover once the rain returns. Of course, if you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you probably don't need to water at all.

How Much Water to Use

When watering an established lawn, it's typically recommended to water until the top 6 to 8 inches of soil (where most turfgrass roots grow) is wet. Most lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week—either from rain or watering—to soak the soil that deeply. That amount of water can either be applied during a single watering or divided into two waterings during the week. Just be sure not to overwater your lawn. You'll know you've overdone it if your lawn is soggy or you have puddles.

Do you need help with your lawncare? Contact Monnick Supply in Framingham or Marlborough.