You water your lawn regularly but still see wilting leaves and brown spots—what gives? When it comes to maintaining a lush garden, the how, when, and where all make the difference. Here, the lawn care professionals of Nature Plus Lawn & Irrigation of Cincinnati, OH, bust some common falsehoods about watering. Don’t buy into these myths if you want a great-looking lawn.

3 Common Myths About Watering Your Lawn

1. One Inch of Water Per Week

Different plants and grasses have different requirements depending on their type and age. Other factors to consider include the quality of the soil, atmospheric humidity and time of year. 

While young seedlings may need daily watering in hot, sunny weather, for instance, older plants with more extensive root systems might be able to survive with watering once per week. Apply water only until it is slowly absorbed by the soil—not to the extent that it’s running off.

2. Overhead Watering Is Harmful

Another old wives’ tale when it comes to watering your garden is the belief that water droplets sitting on leaves when it’s sunny out causes them to scorch. While it is best to water in the evenings when the sun is lower, this is because less moisture is lost to evaporation this way.

It’s better to apply water directly to the soil around plants than to use a sprinkler system, as this prevents water loss due to evaporation. That said, occasional overhead watering is useful. It washes away dirt that coats leaves and impedes photosynthesis.

3. Wilting Means Plants Are Thirsty

While shriveled leaves can mean plants aren’t getting enough moisture, this red flag highlights a problem with a plant’s roots. This could be disease, physical damage, or a lack of oxygen. 

Don’t assume your greenery is looking down because of insufficient watering. Check the soil moisture manually and water as needed. If the plant’s health doesn’t improve, call a lawn care professional. They can test your soil and provide aeration or fertilization services to ensure roots get the necessary nutrients.

Still confused as to how much water your lawn needs? Nature Plus Lawn & Irrigation can help. This locally owned company has more than 25 years of experience in lawn care and irrigation. Every garden is different, and their team will make a personalized assessment of your lawn to see what it needs. To discuss your needs, contact them online or call (513) 755-9434.