Irrigation

Most lawns require irrigation once every four to eight days to stay healthy, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In fact, the NRCS says irrigating less often and applying more water when you do irrigate results in deeper rooted plants and healthier turf. Keep an eye on the sky. When it rains for several days, water less. Successive hot, dry days mean water more. If you’re not sure if your lawn needs water, the NRCS recommends this test: If grass doesn’t spring back after being stepped on, it’s probably time to irrigate. Early morning watering is best. 

Early watering gives the grass time to absorb the water, sending it down into the roots and into the grass plants themselves. That plumps up the grass blades with water, allowing them to better endure the heat of the day. Avoid watering during the middle of the day when water evaporates quickly. Also avoid watering on a windy day, which will dry up the water before it can be absorbed by the grass. Although not as good as early morning, late afternoon also can be a good time for watering grass. You should not water in the evening, though, as lingering moisture can lead to fungal diseases in the grass. During fall, as part of your regular lawn care maintenance, you should prepare your lawn for the coming winter. Per the NRCS, water through mid-September and then again in mid-October to store moisture in the soil. Quantity is crucial, when watering grass, it’s important you don’t water too little or too much.  you want it to be “just right.” Your goal is to moisten the soil deeply. Four inches is good, 6 inches is better. To do so, you need to apply approximately 1 inch of water if you have clay-based soil. If your soil is sandy, reduce this amount to 1/2 inch of water.