As a homeowner, watering the grass is a crucial component of an effective lawn maintenance routine. Water, paired with sunlight and fertilizer, supplies roots with nutrients to keep the turf healthy and lush. Following the below irrigation practices will prevent water loss caused by evaporation and run off that leads to lawn damage and high water bills. 

Tips for Irrigating Your Grass

1. Water in the Morning

Rapid evaporation can be the biggest obstacle to your watering efforts. If the moisture dries too soon, it won’t seep into the soil for absorption by the root system. As heat causes evaporation, you should water grass in the early morning before the sun reaches its peak. As part of your lawn maintenance to-do list, set the sprinkler system to turn on at dawn when the air is cooler. There might also be less wind in the morning to prevent droplets from veering off course. 

2. Watch Water Pressure

Using high water pressure can account for slow growth in the lawn. When the pressure is too high, the powerful stream will wash away the top layer of dirt, and the newly planted seeds with it. To bypass this problem, use the lowest setting stream on the sprinkler or dribble water from a garden hose on the grass until the top few inches are moist. This will prevent the seeds from drying out and dying. A rectangular sprinkler is best for covering large areas, while a spot sprinkler is designed to irrigate confined sections with new seeds.

3. Stick to a Schedule

Watering daily could cause shallow roots, compromising the health and appearance of the grass. To protect the root system, water the grass twice a week as part of your lawn maintenance routine. Irrigating the turf once during the weekend and again during the week will help roots retain water and make the system more drought-resistant.  

For help determining the best watering schedule for your species of grass, contact the staff at DRS Lawn & Landscape. Serving homeowners in Morris County, NJ, for over 25 years, their Long Valley-based team members provide mulching and watering to keep the turf healthy. For lawn maintenance and landscape construction services, call (908) 879-0600. Visit the landscapers online to see their work.