WRITTEN BY admin
During the summer months comes the blazing sun that can be harsh on your lawn. It’s crucial to water your yard at the right time. When and how frequent you water can make a big difference in the health of your lawn and sometimes save you water. Here’s a guide on the best times to water your lawn when it’s hot outside:
Does Timing Make A Big Difference?
Watering at the right time of the day is essential during hot weather for several reasons:
- Evaporation: Watering when it’s cooler reduces water lost to evaporation.
- Deep-Soil Absorption: Proper timing allows water to penetrate deeper into the soil, reaching the roots where it’s needed. Grass doesn’t absorb enough water through it’s leaves, so even if it looks wet, it may not be reaching deep enough.
- Lawn Disease: Watering at the correct time can help prevent lawn diseases that are fostered by prolonged moisture on grass blades.
Best Time to Water
Early Morning (4 AM – 10 AM)
Early morning is the best time to water the lawn when it’s hot outside. The air is typically cooler and calmer, allowing water to soak deeper into the soil and reach the roots before the temperatures start to rise midday. This also helps the grass blades dry off as the sun rises, which helps prevent the growth of fungal diseases.
Late Afternoon (4 PM – 6 PM)
The next best time to water your grass is later in the afternoon, just not too late. The temperature starts to drop by 4pm, reducing the amount of water lost to evaporation. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the grass has time to dry before nightfall to mitigate the risk of any fungal diseases taking hold.
Tips for Efficient Watering
- Avoid Nighttime Watering: Watering at night can seem like a good idea because of low evaporation. However, it often results in water sitting on the grass blades all night long, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Use the Right Amount: Generally, lawns need about 1 – 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or watering. Be sure to water deeply and not too frequently, to encourage deep root growth. Once a week, without enough rain, is optimal.
- Consider the Weather: Adjust your watering schedule based on the current weather. Skip watering if it rains more than an inch or two, and consider watering more if it’s been unusually hot and dry.
- Invest in a Smart Irrigation System: Some smart irrigation systems can adjust the watering schedule based on local weather conditions and/or soil moisture levels.
Watering your lawn effectively during hotter months is more than just keeping the grass alive—it’s about nurturing a healthy landscape that can withstand the heat and continue to thrive. By choosing the right time to water, you can ensure that your lawn stays lush and green all summer long, while also conserving water.
