If you’ve recently moved into a home and have to perform lawn maintenance for the first time, you may wonder how to keep your outdoor areas healthy and beautiful. In addition to lawn mowing and edging, watering the right amount at the appropriate intervals is among the most important tasks. Here, you’ll find a guide to help you water your yard and landscaping correctly. 

How Much Water Should I Use?

Use enough water to reach the grass root systems, which may extend about 6 to 8 inches beneath the soil. This typically amounts to about 1 to 2 inches of moisture per week. If it rains, you might not need to add any extra water. During dry periods, lawn maintenance professionals recommend setting out sprinklers a couple of times per week. 

Test how long you should let sprinklers run by inserting a screwdriver into the earth every fifteen minutes of watering. You’ll know your grass has received enough water when the soil is moist enough for the screwdriver to enter without resistance. Calculate the amount of time that elapses up until this point to determine how long to water. 

What Time of the Day Should I Water?

The early morning is often the best time of day to water your grass because conditions are cooler. Watering before sunlight becomes direct will prevent solar heat from evaporating moisture before it reaches grass roots. Late evening is another good time to water because the sun’s heat is less intense and dehydrating. 

Do Different Types of Grass Need More Moisture?

Fescue grass is one of the most drought-tolerant varieties since its roots extend deeper into the earth. Grass with shorter root systems, such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, dry up more quickly, so water them two to three times per week, especially during droughts. If grass blades appear dull or grayish, they are drying out and need moisture immediately.

Simplify lawn maintenance and promote healthy outdoor areas with help from the team at DCM Landscaping LLC & Total Lawn Care. They provide everything from lawn mowing and edging to landscape and hardscape designs to clients throughout Nekoosa, WI. Call (715) 325-5548 to set up a regular lawn maintenance schedule, and visit the website to learn more about how this landscaping company can beautify your yard and garden.