The Best Time to Water Your Lawn
Lawns require year-round care and attention, and during the warmer summer months, they can be a little high-maintenance. It might seem obvious, but simply watering your lawn is one of the easiest ways to keep it lush and healthy all year long.
Knowing the best time to water the grass during the day can help you get better results from your lawn, and save on water too! This can be particularly important during times of drought and water restriction. Here, we’ll share a few lawn tips for watering your grass, including when to water your lawn, how often you should do it, plus some helpful water-saving measures!
When and How to Water Your Lawn
When it comes to working out how often to water your lawn, the answer will depend on a few factors. This includes the type of lawn and variety of grass that you have, the time of year, your soil type, and whether your lawn is new or established. For example, a drought-resistant turf variety like couch grass or zoysia grass can go longer periods without watering. Similarly, a newly established grass will require more water than turf that’s been in place for years
Another factor to bear in mind is the season: your lawn will need to be watered more often in summer than in winter. Not only is this because the outside temperature will be hotter, but also because many grasses grow quicker in summer than in winter, meaning they need more water to fuel them.
What time of day should you water your lawn?
Ideally, you’ll want to water your lawn early in the morning as this allows the water to penetrate the soil before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate. This is particularly important in the summer months, when the best time to water a lawn in Australia is ideally before 10am. You may be tempted to water your lawn at night, as this would also leave plenty of time before it gets too hot out. The downside of watering your lawn at night is that it can leave your turf wet for longer, making it more susceptible to issues like fungal growth.
Should I water my lawn every day?
There’s no need to overcomplicate your garden maintenance or your schedule by spending time tending to your lawn every day. Watering for longer periods of time every few days can be just as beneficial for grass. Two to three times a week should be enough to ensure your lawn stays hydrated. While this is a good guideline, how often you water your lawn will ultimately depend on the season and grass type, so be sure to find out the best practice for your lawn variety!
How long should you water your lawn for?
A good rule of thumb to keep a fresh, green lawn is to make sure it gets a thorough soaking, but not so much of a deep watering that it becomes waterlogged. Excessive watering can make a lawn swampy, leading to various other issues. Lawns need moisture at their roots – not on top – to encourage healthy growth.
To find the optimal length of time to water your lawn for, you should pay attention to the appearance of the lawn while watering. If you see any standing surface water after watering, take that as a sign to water if for less time in a few days.
How to Save on Water Bills when Watering Your Lawn
If you’re watering your lawn a few times each week, you might be worried about your water bill. There are a few different ways to minimise consumption and save water when looking after your yard.
Use a weather app and rain gauge
Using a weather app and rain gauge can help you determine when you should water your grass and when you can simply sit back and let the clouds do the work! By waiting for incoming rain, you’ll also help to avoid over-watering your lawn.
Mulching
Consider mulching to complement your lawn watering regime. Using a thick layer of mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and stop you from having to water it as often. There are several different types of mulch available, so have a look around for the right one for your lawn’s needs.
Set timers
If you have an automated watering system, consider installing timers to provide assistance with watering. As well as selecting the ideal time to water your lawn, using a timed automated watering system will regulate the amount of water you’re using. Automating the process can help your lawn stay healthy and happy even on days you’re unable to water it yourself
Aerating
Another way to save water while improving soil drainage is through aeration. Aerating involves using tools to poke holes in the lawn, increasing the amount of oxygen that’s able to get in. This improves water drainage by removing plugs of dirt from between your grass’s roots and allowing the water to flow into the soil more easily.
Contact the Lawn Care Experts
Taking care of your lawn can be a big task, particularly if you don’t know where to start! At Jim’s Mowing, our expert gardeners can help you out with a range of lawn care services, so get in touch today to speak with a member of our friendly team. Together, we’ll help your lawn look its best!
