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Date: August 16 , 2024
Having Water Woes?
Our Advice for Efficiently Watering Your Lawn
You know the saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." That's true in many ways. But if you're dealing with a thirsty lawn, or your lawn is struggling and you think the issue may be water, there are some things you can do to improve the outlook on your side of the fence as well.
Along with the normal hot, dry summers of western Idaho, we've been experiencing heat waves and it's just going to keep getting hotter. With heat and other factors of development, climate change, and shifts in policy and culture, we're going to be seeing a need for water to be used more efficiently.
Last month, A Superior Cut covered different reasons your grass may be yellowing, with basic tips for diagnosing and combating common problems. In this post, we'll go deeper into watering by addressing the tips we shared in our last post and exploring some more information.
Along with the normal hot, dry summers of western Idaho, we've been experiencing heat waves and it's just going to keep getting hotter. With heat and other factors of development, climate change, and shifts in policy and culture, we're going to be seeing a need for water to be used more efficiently.
Last month, A Superior Cut covered different reasons your grass may be yellowing, with basic tips for diagnosing and combating common problems. In this post, we'll go deeper into watering by addressing the tips we shared in our last post and exploring some more information.
Tip Number One: Water Deeply and Less Often.
- Deep watering makes grass utilize groundwater. When you water deeply and infrequently, water will seep down and be stored underground. Your grass will then grow down and tap into that water storage and ultimately use less water than it would otherwise.
- Deep roots create stable plants. Stable plants are less likely to be affected by temporary fluctuations like short, extreme temperatures.
- It's cooler underground. Grass with deep roots is going to be more resistant to heat and need less water. Also, going back to reason one, water that's underground doesn't evaporate away, so there's going to be more water down there for grass to use.
- Root systems will hold the ground in place, preventing erosion. This is especially relevant if your home is on a slope.
Tip Number Two: Water Early to Minimize Evaporation
This is a pretty simple one. If you have a system you can schedule, schedule the sprinklers to go off at night. The best times are between 11 PM and 5 AM. This way the water has a chance to seep down before the heat of the day.
If you have an old-fashioned hose system, watering in that zone becomes more of a pain. In which case, either turn the sprinklers on first thing in the morning, or around or just after sunset, so you can still benefit from the cooler temperatures.
Tip Number Three: Adjust Your Watering Schedule Based on Precipitation and Temperature
One of the most effective ways to conserve water while maintaining a lush landscape is to adapt your watering schedule to current weather conditions. Many homeowners fall into the trap of setting up their irrigation system once and forgetting about it, leading to unnecessary water waste.
Instead, pay close attention to recent rainfall and temperature patterns. After a good rain shower, you can often skip your next scheduled watering entirely. Your soil will retain moisture for several days, especially if you've invested in proper mulching. On the flip side, during heat waves or dry spells, you may need to increase watering frequency to prevent plant stress.
Consider investing in a smart irrigation controller that automatically adjusts based on local weather data. These systems can significantly reduce your water usage by making real-time decisions about when and how much to water.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, regularly check your soil moisture levels using a simple moisture meter (see below) or by feeling the soil with your hand. Remember that the goal is to water deeply but less frequently, encouraging plants to develop robust root systems that can better withstand drought conditions.
Tip Number Four: Use a Rain Gauge or Moisture Meter to Assess Your Lawn's Water Intake and Needs.
Taking the guesswork out of watering your lawn is crucial for efficient water use. Two simple tools can make a big difference: a rain gauge and a moisture meter.
A rain gauge helps you accurately measure natural precipitation. Place it in an open area of your lawn, away from trees or structures. After rainfall, check the gauge to determine how much water your lawn receives naturally. This information allows you to adjust your irrigation accordingly, preventing overwatering and promoting deeper root growth.
A soil moisture meter is another valuable tool for precise lawn care. This device measures the moisture content in your soil at various depths. Simply insert the probe into the ground and read the results. Most lawns thrive when the soil moisture is between 40% and 60%. By regularly checking moisture levels, you can water only when necessary, avoiding both under and overwatering.
Using these tools in tandem provides a comprehensive understanding of your lawn's water needs. For instance, if your rain gauge shows you've received an inch of rain in the past week, and your moisture meter indicates adequate soil moisture, you can confidently skip your next scheduled watering. This data-driven approach not only conserves water but also promotes healthier, more resilient turf.
What is Your Grass Type?
Here in the high desert, the most common types of lawn grass are:
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Tall Fescue
If your lawn has been grown by a seed mix, or you've had a landscaper (like us!) reseed your lawn, you likely have multiple grass species growing out there.
Once you've identified your grass type, you can find the grass's requirements. Kentucky Bluegrass, for example, has a moderate to high water need and may require more frequent watering. Tall Fescue, on the other hand, is more drought-tolerant and can thrive with less frequent, deeper watering. Perennial Ryegrass falls somewhere in between.
Understanding your grass type allows you to tailor your watering schedule for optimal growth and water efficiency. For mixed lawns, aim to meet the needs of the most water-demanding species while being mindful not to overwater the more drought-tolerant varieties.
What's Your Soil Like?
We could predict soil type based on area. Idaho has fertile, volcanic soils but it's dry and, in the southern part of this state (so, most of the state), there could be solid rock not far beneath you.You can make a guess at your soil type and needs from a look or by digging a little. Sandy soils drain quickly and may require more frequent watering, while clay soils retain water longer but may need slower, less frequent watering to avoid runoff. Loamy soils, a mix of sand, silt, and clay, offer ideal water retention and drainage.
To test your soil, dig a small hole about 6 inches deep. Observe how the soil feels when you rub it between your fingers. Sandy soil feels gritty, clay soil feels sticky when wet and forms a ribbon when pinched, and loamy soil feels crumbly. You can also perform a simple drainage test by filling the hole with water and observing how quickly it drains.
Understanding your soil type helps you adjust your watering practices. For sandy soils, water more frequently but for shorter durations. For clay soils, water less frequently but for longer periods to allow for deep penetration.
More Answers about Watering Grass Lawns
Is It Worse to Over- or Under-water? Both over- and under-watering can harm your lawn, but generally, over-watering is a bigger issue. Over-watering can lead to shallow root systems, increased susceptibility to disease and pests, and wasted resources. It can also lead to runoff, which carries fertilizers and pesticides into water systems. Underwatering, while stressful for the grass, often encourages deeper root growth as the grass searches for water. If you must err, it's usually better to under-water slightly, encouraging drought resistance.
If My Grass Dries Up, Will It Come Back With Enough Watering? Many grass types, especially those common in Idaho, have some level of drought tolerance. If your lawn turns brown during dry spells, it's often not dead but dormant. When water becomes available again, either through rain or irrigation, most grasses will recover. However, prolonged drought or extreme heat can eventually kill the grass. To protect your lawn, it's best to maintain a consistent watering schedule, adjusting for weather conditions, rather than allowing it to repeatedly dry out completely.
We hope you find this information helpful. When you need top-quality lawn services in Fruitland, ID call A Superior Cut today at (385) 227-4452.