How to Properly Water a Lawn Using an Irrigation System

Too much water on your lawn is a recipe for disease, while light watering will eventually dry it up. Finding the perfect balance is therefore a critical step in nurturing a healthy lawn. Whether you’re using a sprinkler or a sophisticated underground irrigation system, the following pointers will guide you in watering your lawn properly and efficiently:

When to Water
You should water your lawn before 10am or after 6pm when temperatures are cooler and the air is calmer so that evaporation is kept to a minimum. Avoid watering between 11am -3pm, as this is the hottest part of the day and much of your water will be lost to wind and evaporation. However, if it’s not possible for you to do the watering in the morning, aim for around 4-7 PM. Watering at night is not recommended because it fosters mildew and fungus.

How often to water
Twice a week is ideal. Watering thoroughly, but infrequently, will help roots go deeper, resulting in more drought–tolerant grass.

How much to water
The amount of water you should expend on your lawn should be based on the condition of the soil. On average, you should water your lawn about an inch a week – a bit more during drier seasons. To find out the precise duration you should turn on your sprinkler, place empty tuna cans around the yard and turn on the sprinkler for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, measure the amount of water collected in each can. If the cans collected ¾ inch of water, then you know you need to water for 30 minutes. If more or less than ¾ inch of water, then calculate approximately how long you need to water your landscape so that it receives ¾ inch of water in each watering session.

Remember to adjust the amount you water throughout the summer
Adjusting your irrigation system frequently during the summer season is vital for the health of your lawn – water more when it is hot and dry, and less when it is cooler and wet.