The key to watering lawns is to apply water infrequently, but thoroughly. A lawn should be watered when the soil begins
to dry out, but before the grass actually wilts. At the wilting stage, areas of the lawn begin
to change color, displaying a blue-green or a smoky tinge. Loss of resilience can be observed when
footprints on the lawn remain visible rather than bouncing right back. The lawn should be watered before these signs
of wilting are obvious.
Lawns can use one and a half inches of water per week in the summer. A light sprinkling of the turf surface is
actually more harmful than not watering at all, because it encourages root
development near the soil surface.
Shallow root systems require frequent watering to keep the surface wet,
which creates an ideal environment for weeds and diseases. Encourage deep root growth by infrequent
heavy irrigation.
Much of the water applied to lawns is lost to run-off and evaporation. Monitor soil moisture and adjust irrigation
schedule according to seasonal need.
Avoid runoff and puddling as much as possible by cycling irrigations.
Other steps you can take to keep your lawn looking its best and save water,
whether in a drought or not, are:
·
Water
early in the day -
·
Water
your lawn separately from trees, shrubs, and ground covers, if possible.
·
Make
the necessary repairs to your sprinkler system.
·
Fertilize
moderately, applying the low-end amount of recommended rates.
·
Control
weeds. They compete for water, light,
and nutrients.
·
Keep
your lawn at the correct mowing height.
(Tall fescue 1.5 to 3", Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass
1.5 to 2.5", Bermuda grass 0.5 to 1.0" )