Water is essential for all living things, and that includes your lawn. Knowing when to water and how much to water are the key to a lush green, beautiful yard. To help your lawn thrive and minimize water waste, follow these helpful tips from the Virginia Beach lawn care experts at Sean’s Lawns.
How Much to Water
In our climate, established lawns need approximately 1-1.5 inches of water per week, depending on air temperature and humidity levels. If Mother Nature isn’t providing the necessary rainfall, we recommend watering your grass twice per week. You’ll want to penetrate the soil deeply to encourage strong root growth. So, similar to a soaking rain, aim for 45-60 minutes of watering per zone.
You’ll know you’ve watered enough when you press down firmly on a patch of grass and the blades spring back quickly. It’s also a good idea to check the depth of water saturation with a soil probe. Ideally, you want to water your lawn until the top 4-6 inches of soil are wet. If your lawn feels spongey or soggy when you walk on it, you’ve watered too much.
When to Water
If you notice your grass looks dull or has a grayish cast, it likely needs water. However, color changes can also result from overwatering. To be sure, check the soil moisture or use the footprint test – if the blades of grass don’t spring back, it’s time to water.
The best time to water is in the early morning, before 10 AM, so excess water has time to evaporate. Watering later in the day or evening can lead to excess moisture and the potential for fungus and other diseases. We also recommend watering the day before mowing to help reduce browning and aid in recovery.
Additional Watering Tips
Knowing your specific type of grass and soil is important for watering. For example, sandy soil drains much quicker than clay soil, and may need to be watered more frequently. In addition, a think thatch layer can trap moisture and promote disease. So, consider dethatching your lawn regularly.
Mowing height can also impact your lawn’s watering needs. The shorter you cut your grass, the more water it’s going to need to remain healthy. Ensuring the proper mowing height and using a lawn care professional, like Sean’s Lawns, will help protect your lawn from being cut too short and causing drought-stress.
Professional Lawn Care Help in Virginia Beach
Keeping your lawn looking its best can be tricky, but help is available. Sean’s Lawns is a local, family-owned lawn care business in Virginia Beach, offering dependable, affordable service and same-day appointments for lawn care and poop scooping services. To request a quote or make an appointment for lawn care service in Virginia Beach, call 757-650-1380 or contact us.