Should I water my lawn?

If there is not adequate rain fall you may need to water your lawn to keep it in good condition.  The Midwest's climate, along with the natural ability of many turf grass plants to survive dry periods, often makes lawn watering optional. Low maintenance lawns typically are not watered. During spring and fall, natural precipitation is usually adequate to cause excellent growth and color. During summer when rainfall is often insufficient for plant growth, the lawn may turn brown and go dormant. Most grass plants, however, do not die and new growth begins with adequate rainfall. To promote vigorous growth and green color during dry periods watering is required.  The average lawn with use about one inch of water per week depending on the time of the year and temperature.

How much should I water the Lawn?

Lawn Watering Guidelines

Water the lawn deeply and infrequently. Apply one inch of water at each watering. Water once a week or so during the summer. Any rainfall during the week should be considered and watering should be reduced accordingly.

Water your lawn less during cloudy and cool weather and more often when the weather is hot and windy. A lawn will use more water in hotter areas, or where there are tree roots near the surface.

Light and frequent watering promotes diseases and encourages shallow roots. A lawn with shallow roots is more subject to drought damage than a lawn with deep roots.

The amount and distribution of water from a sprinkling system can be measured by placing straight-sided cans at various locations on the lawn during a normal watering, and then measuring the depth of water in the cans.

Watering for soil type

Proper watering methods will vary with soils. In heavy soils, slow heavy watering is essential (usually once a week). In sandy soils, frequent, lighter watering is the rule (maybe every day or two).

Am I not watering my lawn enough?

To check if you are applying enough water, dig a hole with a trowel a couple hours after watering, the water should penetrate at least 8 inches.

Apply the water slowly enough that it does not run off. If you cannot change sprinkler heads, turn off the sprinklers for 30 minutes whenever runoff occurs and continue the cycle until enough water is applied. Aerating will improve water penetration.

How frequently should I water a new lawn?

Where a lawn is newly established from seeding or sodding or is affected with patch disease symptoms, frequent watering is necessary to keep it alive.