This summer, we have seen many days above 90 degrees, and summer is only halfway through. Here in Michigan, we are familiar with how hot and dry our summers can get. Our lawns require at least one inch to one and a half inches of water per week from rain or irrigation. That amount of water can be applied during a single watering or divided into two waterings during the week. Just be sure not to overwater your lawn. Here are some tips to help you better irrigate your yard.
When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn?
Your grass needs to be watered two to three days a week to keep it green and healthy. The best time to water is in the morning before the hottest part of the day to prevent most water from evaporating before it can soak into the soil. If you water in the evening, the water doesn’t have enough time to evaporate before the night’s cooler temperatures arrive.
How To Water Shady Lawns?
As you might expect, grass in the shade doesn’t need as much water as the rest of the lawn. In fact, during dry spells, you can see what parts of the grass are protected by shade because it is still green. Grass directly under the tree, however, may require more watering because it faces competition from the tree. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
What Type of Sprinklers Work Best?
Not all types of sprinklers are the same, and they are designed to achieve certain results in different parts of your lawn.
- Rotary Sprinklers
These are the most commonly used sprinklers on golf courses and athletic fields. Rotary sprinklers spin and water in a circular pattern. Great for small yards, slopes, or hills. - Oscillating Sprinkler
Choose an oscillating sprinkler for a small-to-medium size lawn area. This traditional sprinkler waters in a rectangular pattern and can cover large swathes of the lawn. - In-Ground Sprinkler
An in-ground irrigation system is an expensive option but gives you peace of mind of never having to worry about when and how often to water your lawn. - Drip Emitters
Ideal for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and container plants. Tiny holes slowly drip water directly into the soil, so plant roots get the water that they need and are never overwatered.
Watering Hills and Slopes
Watering hills and slopes can be tricky. For hilly landscapes where water risks running downhill before being absorbed into the soil, try wetting the area for shorter periods of time. Come back to apply another round of water to the slope after it has dried.
Soak Your Soil
When you water your lawn, you need to make sure that your grass is getting enough water. Properly irrigated soil needs to be soaked down at least six inches. This is deep enough for the roots to soak up the water and encourage root growth to help your grass out during dry spells. As an added precaution, try raising your lawnmower blades an inch or two. Taller grass will prevent evaporation, keep the soil moist longer, and prevent weeds from taking over.
Call The Lawn Care Pos at Custom Personalized
At Custom Lawn Care , we have been providing our community with exceptional lawn care services since 1988. Our lawn care program is designed to meet your lawn’s needs and is guaranteed to keep your grass green and healthy year-round.
Give us a call at (800) 570-3313 or request a free estimate . Be sure to check out our monthly blog for more interesting lawn care tips and tricks.
