How to water your lawn, EFFECTIVELY 


HERE'S THE QUICK VERSION:

Promote a healthier lawn, and deeper roots, by watering INFREQUENTLY and DEEP. 

Your lawn needs about 1" of water per week to thrive this summer, even in full-sun conditions. This should be done in 1-2 waterings, in the early mornings, if possible. If it rains (a minimum of 1"), congratulations, you can skip your watering and save your water bill!

NOW FOR THE DETAILED VERSION:

I see people all the time watering daily, and their yards just aren't thriving. They never consider what that water is actually doing, or not doing.  You see, 35%-50% of your water can be lost from:

  • Evaporation: water mist evaporates faster than droplets
  • Drift: mist will carry further in the wind away from your desired irrigated areas
  • Run-off: Hard compacted soil actually repels water, sending your water into storm drains or your neighbor's property
  • Poor sprinkler calibration: how much of your water ends up on the sidewalk, street, driveway, etc.?

And all this is assuming you have appropriate water pressure to begin with!

All the above affects what your water does before it even reaches the soil (roots) to be used, but the depth of the water in the soil matters, too! Surface soil is heated by the sun, but deeper down, the soil is better insulated and stays cooler longer.  Getting water deeper into this cooler region keeps it from evaporating as quickly! 

Lastly, and this is an important concept to remember: your grass will extend its roots deeper into the soil searching for ground water in dry conditions. In drought conditions, however, there is no water to be found and those roots will wither and die. If you're watering your lawn daily, you're discouraging deeper root growth by maintaining a shallow water level. Remember that sun burned top layer of soil we discussed? Having a shallow root zone allows these roots to dry out quickly, requiring MORE water, MORE often. Sure, you can keep it alive, but your water bill's going to suck. 

Feed your lawn, but allow it time to dry to encourage the roots to chase the water level down deep!

KEY TAKE-AWAYS

  • Water infrequently (If mother nature helps, then take the week off)
  • Water DEEPLY (minimum of 1" per week of total water, rainfall included)
  • CALIBRATE YOUR SPRINKLERS to make sure you're actually getting the appropriate amount of water on the ground!
  • To make better use of your watering bill, see our blog post about PLUG AERATION (fix your compacted, hydrophobic, lawn!)
  • Water early in the morning (10am at the latest) to take advantage of dew, cooler temperatures, and reduce evaporation.  It also will allow your lawn to dry during the day to avoid DISEASES and FUNGUS!




PLUG AERATION

The unsung hero of an amazing lawn

Maintaining a vibrant and healthy lawn requires more than just regular mowing and watering. Enter plug aeration – a simple yet highly effective lawn care practice that can make a world of difference in the health and appearance of your grass. If you've been wondering about the secret behind lush, green lawns, plug aeration might just be the key. Let's delve into the benefits that make this technique a game-changer for your outdoor oasis.

  1. Enhanced Soil Aeration:
    At the heart of plug aeration lies the principle of enhancing soil aeration. Over time, soil can become compacted due to foot traffic, heavy equipment, or natural settling. This compaction restricts the flow of air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots. By removing small plugs of soil from the lawn, plug aeration allows for better air circulation and nutrient absorption, creating an optimal environment for grass roots to thrive.
  2. Improved Water Absorption:
    Compacted soil hinders water penetration, leading to surface runoff and water wastage. Plug aeration promotes better water absorption by creating channels for moisture to reach the grassroots. This not only maximizes the effectiveness of your watering routine but also reduces the risk of water-related issues such as pooling and runoff.
  3. Stimulated Root Growth:
    Healthy roots are the foundation of a strong and resilient lawn. Plug aeration encourages the development of a robust root system by providing roots with the space they need to expand and grow deeper into the soil. This increased root growth enhances the overall stability and drought resistance of your lawn.
  4. Thatch Decomposition:
    Thatch, a layer of dead grass and organic matter, can accumulate on the soil surface and impede the absorption of water and nutrients. Plug aeration aids in thatch decomposition by exposing it to the elements, encouraging beneficial microorganisms to break it down naturally. This process contributes to a healthier soil structure and promotes nutrient cycling.
  5. Enhanced Fertilizer Efficiency:
    After plug aeration, any fertilizers applied to the lawn can penetrate the soil more effectively. The open channels created by the removed soil plugs allow nutrients to reach the root zone, ensuring that your grass receives the maximum benefit from fertilization efforts.

In conclusion, plug aeration is a simple yet powerful technique that can significantly improve the health and appearance of your lawn. By addressing common issues like soil compaction, water runoff, and thatch buildup, plug aeration sets the stage for a flourishing green space. Consider incorporating this practice into your lawn care routine to unlock the full potential of your outdoor oasis. Your lawn will thank you with a lush, vibrant carpet of grass that's sure to make your neighbors green with envy!