After Care

How Much Watering

As a general rule, keeping your lawn healthy requires 1 inch of water weekly, including rainfall. Water once every 2 to 3 days in dry weather (about 1/2 inch at each application). If one or more inches of rainfall occur in a week, additional irrigation is not necessary. (Example: if 1/2 inch of rain occurs within a growing week, apply 1/2 inch by irrigation.)

Heavy clay soils will require less water and less frequent applications than sandier soils.

Water as deeply as possible without causing run-off. Water to supplement rainfall shortages only. Avoid fixed timer irrigation settings. Do not waste water by over watering; avoid standing water for any period of time.

To determine how much water you are applying, place gauge midway between the sprinkler and the end of the coverage and check water depth in the gauge after a planned length of time (approximately 1/2 hour), then calculate the total time needed to apply 1/2 inch. 

Remember . .

When watering:

  • Water deeply and infrequently. Proper use of sprinkler water will result in a healthier and attractive lawn and lower water bills.
  • Consider spot watering localized dry spots instead of the entire lawn.
  • Water areas on mounds and berms and near buildings more often, where reflected heat dries the turf.
  • Avoid irrigating until water runs off the lawn surface and on to walks and roads.
  • Tree shaded areas may require more water to support both trees and turf grasses.
  • Avoid standing water for any period of time.

When maintaining:

  • Consider letting the lawn go dormant in drought conditions; zoysia, centipede and bermuda grass lawns will regenerate once water is more available.
  • Click here to read about Surviving Drought.
  • Remove thatch so that water easily reaches the soil around turf plants.
  • Avoid standing water for any period of time.

When landscaping:

  • Select drought tolerant varieties like zoysia, centipede, and bermuda grasses
  • Reduce steep slopes in lawns so that water does not run off rapidly.

When mowing:

  • Mow lawn only when needed and avoid scalping.
  • Always use a sharp blade.
  • Mow as infrequently as possible.
  •  In drought conditions, mow at a higher cutting height with a sharp blade.

When fertilizing:

  • Fertilize lawn at proper rate for your location and turf selection, to prevent run-off of excess fertilizer.
  • Aerate heavy soils to promote better fertilizer and water penetration to lawn roots.

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