Lawn care can be time-consuming and is often frustrating. Yet everyone covets a green, golf course–like lawn. Turning on the sprinkler from ttme to time isn't going to get you the lawn of your dreams. Let's take a look at some of the biggest lawn watering mistakes homeowners make and what you can do to avoid them.

A Guide to Lawn Watering Mistakes 

1. Watering at the Wrong Time

Don't water your lawn in the middle of the day. When the sun is at its hottest, water will evaporate before it soaks into the soil. Don't water in the middle of the night either. Watering after dark encourages fungal growth. Instead, set your sprinklers to water your lawn between 4:00 and 8:00 a.m.

2. Watering Too Much

Don't drench your lawn every single day. Overwatering can make grass susceptible to disease and insect infestation. It also washes away soil and fertilizers and wastes water. Most lawns need 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water each week, but check with a local lawn care expert about how much water your grass needs to ensure that your watering regime suits your particular climate, grass type, and the season. Because water needs to penetrate down to the roots—about 6 inches—a couple of long watering sessions per week are better for lawn health than two or more short waterings each day.

3. Watering on Autopilot

An irrigation timer is a lawn care boon, just don’t  set it and forget it. After a rainstorm, sprinklers should be shut off until the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Use a soil moisture meter, which you can pick up at any gardening store, to gauge the moisture level of your lawn.

4. Watering the Blades, Not the Roots

Blades of grass can absorb only a small amount of water. It's the roots that do most of the water absorption. Therefore, you should direct the water toward the roots rather than just sprinkling it on top.

5. Watering Brown Grass

Just because grass is brown, it doesn't mean it's dead. Certain types of grass go dormant during hot, dry conditions. Drenching brown grass won't bring it back to life. Just wait for the next rain, and it’ll turn green again.

Are you looking to put in a new sprinkler system? Since 1996, Design Rite Sprinkler Company has been serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area. This locally owned and operated full-service irrigation company offers sprinkler design, installation, and maintenance, as well as backflow prevention testing and repair. Call (513) 248-8999 to schedule a free estimate, or visit their website to learn more about their products and services.