Take Care of Your Lawn This Spring: Best Practices for Watering
As spring settles in and temperatures begin to rise, one of the most important aspects of lawn care is watering. In April, your lawn starts coming out of dormancy, and proper watering practices will help it bounce back stronger and healthier for the warmer months ahead. However, the key to healthy grass is not just watering more—it’s watering correctly. Here are some best practices for watering your lawn to ensure a lush, vibrant yard all season long.
1. Water Deeply, Not Frequently
The biggest lawn care mistake many homeowners make is watering their lawns too frequently with shallow watering sessions. Shallow watering leads to weak roots that can’t withstand the heat of summer. Instead, focus on watering deeply and less often to encourage deep root growth. Water your lawn for longer periods, but less frequently, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This will help the roots grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant as the weather warms up.
2. Water in the Early Morning
One of the best times to water your lawn is early in the morning, typically between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. During this time, temperatures are cooler, and the water has a chance to soak deep into the soil before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate. Set your sprinklers to run early in the morning, ensuring that the grass has time to dry out before evening. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases, which are more likely to thrive in damp, cool conditions overnight.
3. Adjust for Weather Changes
April can bring unpredictable weather with rain showers followed by warm, dry spells. Be sure to adjust your watering schedule based on how much rain your lawn is getting. Over-watering when there’s plenty of rain can lead to root rot, while under-watering during dry periods can cause drought stress.
4. Check for Watering Runoff
Water runoff occurs when the soil can’t absorb water quickly enough, which is common on compacted or clay-heavy soils. When this happens, the water runs off the surface and doesn’t reach the roots, wasting both water and your time. Water your lawn in intervals, allowing time for the soil to absorb the water. For example, water for 10-15 minutes, then wait 30 minutes before watering again. This gives the soil time to absorb the moisture before more water is applied. If runoff is a frequent issue, consider aerating your lawn in early spring to improve soil structure and increase its ability to absorb water.
Proper watering is crucial for setting the stage for a healthy and vibrant lawn throughout the rest of the year. With these watering practices, your lawn will thrive and be ready for the warm, sunny days of summer!
