Many homeowners dream of having a lush, verdant lawn. Naturally, some think the best way to achieve that goal is to water their grass often. However, overwatering can be just as detrimental, potentially leading to yellowing grass, compacted soil, or weeds. The following irrigation guide offers advice for avoiding overfeeding your plants.

3 Steps for Proper Lawn Irrigation

1. Determining Water Needs

How much water your lawn needs primarily depends on the grass species. For example, many homeowners have Kentucky bluegrass because it is hardy, resistant to seasonal temperature swings, and grows quickly. This kind typically requires an inch of water every week during the spring and fall, with more needed during the summer.

If you have grass that’s native to your region, you’ll generally need less water than for a non-native strain. If you’re unsure what your yard is made of, consult a lawn care company. Additionally, if the lawn starts to develop puddles, scale your watering back.

2. Sprinkler System

Like any technology, configuring your sprinkler settings involves a learning curve. Read through the manual before attempting to program it.

Generally, you should set sprinklers to go off in the early morning. Watering it during the day causes the moisture to evaporate before it has time to feed your grass’s roots. Alternatively, watering your lawn at night means that the moisture will linger without the heat from the sun, potentially leading to bacterial growth. 

You should also check to see if your system has a rain sensor. If not, you'll need to learn how to pause the irrigation schedule when there is heavy precipitation.

3. Underwatering

While overwatering can cause problems for your yard, some people try to avoid this and end up underwatering their lawns. When there isn’t adequate irrigation, the lack of water will force the grass to go dormant. Although it will look dry and brown, it isn’t dead; it’s merely trying to protect itself from heat or drought. To bring it back, commit to strategic fertilization, deep watering, and careful mowing. You should also minimize foot traffic.

For help setting up an irrigation system for your property, turn to Steve Hinesley and Co. Inc. Known for their reliability and customer service, this Asheboro, NC, landscaping company has served residents and businesses in central North Carolina for 25 years. View some of their previous projects online. If you have questions, call them at (336) 629-3779 or (336) 886-9542.