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Got a hose or sprinkler system? Add water and a bit of time, and you’re done, right? Not quite. At least, not if you’re after a healthy, resilient yard that looks great.
How you water should depend on your grass variety, soil composition, location, current season, and other factors. The experts at GroGreen are here to share some top watering tips, including the best time to water grass in Dallas, TX.
Time matters. Certain hours deliver far superior results than others.
Optimal time to water? During and shortly after dawn, between approximately 5 to 10 a.m. Why? When daylight strikes, plants start drawing out moisture from soil. You want moisture ready and prepared for when your grass needs it most.
Other advantages to dawn watering? Wind tends to be calm. Evaporation loss is reduced. Water pressure is higher, so your sprinklers can cover more area.
Late afternoon (about 4 to 6 p.m.) can work, too. It’s your second-best option. There’s a bit of a fungal risk when it comes to watering later in the day.
The problem: As the temperature falls overnight, moisture condenses on all surfaces. Excessive moisture that the plant is unable to absorb leaves your grass vulnerable to pathogens, fungi, and insects.
Worst time to water? Midafternoon, about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s basically like throwing money away. High temperatures increase evaporation, which means less water is available for your grass to take up.
The answer varies, but here’s the kicker: thorough, less-frequent watering delivers the best results. Ditch the daily light watering routine and go for deep watering 2 to 3 times a week instead. This encourages deeper root development and creates a healthier lawn.
Flexibility counts. Rainfall, drought, and municipal water restrictions can force sudden changes in your schedule. Monitor weather patterns. Monitor your lawn’s condition.
Too Much Water
More water does not mean a better lawn. In fact, it does not help at all. Overwatering causes standing water, fungus, yellow grass, mushy lawns, and wasteful runoff.
Not Enough Water
Well-watered grass is perky. Underwatered grass is sparse. It turns from bright green to dull green or bluish. Leaves begin curling. It doesn’t spring up after you’ve walked over it. Footprints don’t disappear from the lawn. Inadequate watering makes your lawn appear tired and worn.
Spring
Rainfall typically arrives with spring. Irrigation may only be necessary after 5+ rainless days. Monitor for fresh growth. That signals it’s returning to its active phase.
Rising temperatures shift your lawn from dormancy toward active growth. Adjust your irrigation schedule to regional weather patterns and the needs of your lawn.
Summer
Look out for heat-related stress. Long periods of unbroken hot weather can seal or crust the surface, preventing water entry. Parts become waterlogged, while others remain dry because of runoff of water
Notice any sogginess or runoff? It may be time for aeration, or professional assistance to eliminate any compaction issues. Longer days, higher temperatures, and lower rainfall all equate to your lawn needing the most water during this time. Heat plus increased evaporation call for early, thorough watering.
Fall
Loss of moisture through evaporation reduces with the decrease in temperature. Your lawn requires less frequency of irrigation. Milder weather, reduced daylight, and increased rainfall allow you to reduce sprinkler frequencies.
Monitor weather predictions. But also monitor your lawn’s appearance. During fall, that’s your most reliable guide.
Winter
Winterize your irrigation system in areas with freezing temperatures. Drain off as much moisture as possible. Wrap exposed pipes to prevent freeze damage.
Continue winter watering, but only if temperatures remain above 40°F. In most southern zones, occasional irrigation during mild, dry spells remains essential.
Southern lawns typically thrive with 1 to 2 inches of moisture weekly-precipitation and irrigation together. But surface wetting isn’t enough. Moisture must penetrate 6-8 inches down where root systems exist.
Surface watering creates surface roots. These cannot reach water during dry spells. Deep watering produces deep roots. The result? A hardier lawn.
Achieving the right amount? Use cycle and soak methodology. Instead of single long sprinkler runs, run each zone for 15-20 minutes. Run the system immediately after that first cycle. This creates the “soak” benefit.
Success comes because the soil absorbs that opening round of moisture, receives a short interval, then accommodates additional moisture in the following cycle. This cultivates deeper root growth and preserves moisture that would otherwise escape.
Clay-based soil holds moisture longer; thus, less frequency in watering is necessary. However, the application needs to be slower in order to prevent runoff. Clay does absorb slowly and requires patience.
Sandy soils behave in the opposite way. Drainage takes place rapidly. More frequent watering with reduced quantities becomes necessary.
Loamy soil is ideal, so if you have this, then you are lucky. It balances drainage and retention well. It mostly works with basic watering guidelines without needing continuous adjustments.
Can I skip watering if it rains?
Absolutely. Verify your rain gauge for precipitation amounts, then make adjustments. Following substantial rainfall, allow your sprinklers to rest.
What is the best sprinkler system for my lawn size?
The optimal system matches your property’s specific characteristics. It delivers superior coverage, functions more efficiently, accommodates your landscape’s distinct features, and enhances overall turf health. Universal systems rarely suit irrigation needs.
How do I know if I am overwatering or underwatering my plants?
Excessive moisture produces yellow or brown areas, bare sections, and mushroom growth. Insufficient moisture creates grayish grass that stays flat after foot traffic.
What are the signs of drought stress?
Persistent footprints, wilted blades that bend or curl, and a blue-gray appearance all signal stressed grass needing moisture shortly.
How do I water during restrictions?
Prioritize thorough, infrequent irrigation on permitted days. Maximize each watering session by ensuring moisture penetrates deeply into the soil.
This approach is easier. Maintain that 1 to 2 inches weekly cycle and soak method. The objective is achieving deep roots, accomplished through reduced watering frequency. Your mature lawn actually benefits from a hands-off strategy.
Fresh grass demands additional attention. Provide a solid foundation by misting 1 or 2 times daily until germination starts. Timing depends on grass variety, typically around 10 days.
Once fresh grass grows to approximately 3 inches height, decrease to twice weekly. You’re slowly transitioning it toward a regular watering routine.
Warm-season grasses have their merits, but require specialized attention. Bermuda, St. Augustine, zoysia, and other southern varieties can tolerate extreme heat and dryness. That’s why they are watered less frequently than northern types of grass.
The cool-climate grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are quite different. They require a bit more moisture because they are not designed to handle extreme summer temperatures.
Set out empty tuna cans, or similar containers, around your yard. Turn on the sprinklers. When you collect about 1 inch of water in the cans, you have watered enough. This method also shows you if you have even coverage.
After watering, insert a screwdriver into the soil. It should go in easily to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Resistance means the water hasn’t penetrated deeply enough.
Prefer doing the math yourself? Calculate your sprinkler’s GPM and match it up to your lawn’s square footage. If you want to be exact, time how many seconds it takes for your sprinkler, under full pressure, to fill a container of known volume, and use the following equation: (Number of Gallons / Seconds) x 60 = GPM
Now you know when to water grass and a lot more. You should also know that the best time to call us for lawn care, pest control, and more is as soon as possible. Contact GroGreen, and allow us to handle the winter lawn care so that you don’t have to. We proudly serve the greater DFW area, ensuring high-quality lawn care and pest control services for these communities:
