Watering Your Lawn

During hot summer weather, lawns generally require 2.5 centimetres (1″) of water every seven to ten days. Without this amount of water from rainfall and/or irrigation during periods of high temperature and/or drought, Kentucky Bluegrass stops growing and turns brown.

Water only when the lawn needs it; just before it begins to wilt. When the colour becomes bluish-green and footprints remain for more than a few seconds after you walk across it, the lawn needs watering.

The optimal time to water is early in the morning when winds are calm and water loss caused by evaporation is minimal. Evening watering may encourage fungal diseases by leaving the lawn too wet for too long. Try to avoid midday watering which causes inefficient water use on hot, sunny days.

Infrequent, heavy watering encourages deep rooting, controls weeds, and creates a thick, lush lawn. Apply water evenly and slowly so it penetrates without runoff. Depending on soil type, 2.5 centimetres (1″) water will penetrate the soil to a depth of 10 to 15 centimetres (4-6″). Place shallow, straight-sided containers on the lawn under the sprinkler to measure the quantity of water applied.

Application of the correct amount of water is very important. Frequent light watering is harmful to overall lawn quality because it encourages shallow rooting. Too much water increases fertilizer requirements, encourages thatch accumulation, and creates an environment favourable to disease.