Georgia summers can bring some crazy weather. Whether it is a severe thunderstorm or a drought period, usually one thing will always be certain – it gets hot. With all of these different factors coming into play, watering your lawn properly can get tricky. If you don’t water it enough, your lawn can get dry, yellow, and patchy. On the other hand, if you water it too often, then it can become saturated and encourage fungal growth. Improper care for your lawn can lead to pesky weed growth and pest infestations. By watering too often, not only are you wasting money and resources, you can be doing more harm than good. Here are some simple tips to help ensure your lawn is healthy and hydrated this summer:
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Really Need?
Ideally, you want about one inch of water across your lawn every week. Depending on the kind of grass you have, this number might change ever so slightly. This number includes the water you put on your lawn and the water that occurs naturally, such as rainfall. Speak to an expert about installing a sensor so you can ensure that your lawn is getting the proper hydration. If your soil is moist, then it is likely that you do not need to water it at that moment.
How Often Should You Water Your Lawn?
Once a week is what you are aiming for. By watering your lawn deeply and less often, it promotes healthy root growth. This is important for preventing disease and weeds. The Georgia clay absorbs water slowly, so divide your watering time in half with an hour of space each time to ensure it is absorbed. You can speak to a professional at Houseman Service about what the best course of action is for your lawn composition. Only water your lawn to the point of visible runoff.
When Should I Water My Lawn?
In the morning! Ideally after the sunrises and definitely before noon. This allows the grass time to dry before nightfall. By doing this, it reduces the risks of fungal growth and diseases that might inflict your lawn. Setting an irrigation system on a timer can help with this, but be sure to adjust accordingly if there has been rainfall.
What Do I Do During a Drought?
During a drought, watering your lawn can be very expensive. In some areas, it can even be illegal due to water restrictions. Check with your local restrictions to see what your allowances are for water consumption. Some grass types can go dormant during a drought and then return to normal when they receive the water they need. This is especially true if the grass was healthy prior to a drought – so proper maintenance now is important.
Call in the Experts
At Houseman Services we work to ensure your lawn is properly maintained. We can discuss irrigation and monitoring options so you always have a healthy, beautiful lawn. If you have questions about soil composition and best practices for your lawn, we can help. Proper and preventative maintenance can keep your lawn lush and pest-free. Give us a call or contact us today!