Your choice of lawn, where you live and your desired look will pretty much decide you long term watering schedule.
How often you need to water your lawn will depend on a few issues such as:
- The climate in your area and the season;
- Water restrictions;
- Access to and cost of water;
- Your soil type and its ability to absorb and hold water;
- Lawn variety and its drought tolerance;
- Environmental factors such as how much sun, shade, wind or heat there is in your garden and your area;
- The health of your lawn.
LESS FREQUENT DEEPER SOAKINGS
One thing all the experts agree on it that less frequent, deeper watering is the way to go, rather than regular shallow watering. The same theory applies to the plants in your garden. By watering less frequently, for longer you get the water deep down into the soil, which encourages a stronger and deep root system that is better equipped to deal with dry periods. This takes a little bit of lawn training and for newly established lawns should be done gradually.
As the water drains through the soil profile the roots seek it out, and over a relatively short period during the growing season you develop a good and proper root system regardless of your lawn variety.
WHEN TO WATER
Early in the morning is the best time to water to avoid water loss through evaporation. Early morning rather than early evening watering helps prevent the chance of fungal diseases, however, these are more prevalent in cool season grasses and not such as issue with warm season varieties. Once established your lawn should only be watered on an as needed basis, more often on very sandy soils, such as Perth. On the other hand, on the eastern seaboard of Australia where there is usually plenty of summer rainfall – extra watering is often unnecessary.
OVER WATERING
Over watering is a mistake that is unfortunately made far too often. There is no need to water your lawn for the sake of watering. Your lawn will usually tell you if it needs watering, just look for the tell-tale signs:
- If it’s wilting or losing colour,
- If the grass stays flat rather than spring back when you walk on it, then you need to water it.
- During hot weather, if it goes all dry and crusty, and takes on a light brown colour, there’s a good chance it needs a drink.