Proper lawn watering is often a nuanced subject for many homeowners, and doubly so when the area you live in is in a period of drought. And because most of the state of Utah has sadly been in this situation for much of the last several years, it’s a constant consideration for many: How do you water properly and responsibly without risking the health of your grass and plants?
At Logan Extermination, we’re happy to help with a wide range of lawn and yard maintenance services, including assistance with watering and related themes. What are some of the basic tips we regularly offer to our clients when it comes to watering during a drought? Here are a few.
Timing of Watering
When in periods of drought, a key goal for watering your lawn will be to minimize the overall quantity of water used to keep the grass healthy — and one great way to do that is to focus on the timing of when you water. The early morning hours are ideal, as the cooler temperatures and lack of wind will help reduce evaporation. If possible, avoid watering in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest.
Some also may choose to water in the later evening period, after a full day of sun has passed. If you’re unsure which of these periods to choose, our team will be happy to offer recommendations.
How Much Water?
The goal of watering during non-peak sun hours is to maximize the benefit to your lawn and plants while limiting your overall consumption during a drought. For this reason, it’s important to focus on deep watering rather than simply spraying the surface. This means that you’ll want to let your hose or sprinkler run for a few minutes to ensure that the roots of your grass are getting properly hydrated.
In terms of how often you should water, this will depend on a variety of factors such as the types of grass and plants you have, the amount of shade in your yard, and of course the level of drought. Our team can offer specific recommendations based on an evaluation of your lawn.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the above tips, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when watering during a drought:
- Sharp mower blades: Be sure to keep your lawn mower blades sharpened during a drought. Dull blades will result in jagged, brown patches on your grass that are difficult to repair.
- Fertilizer: It’s important to fertilize regularly during a drought, as this will help your grass better withstand periods of heat and dryness.
- Mulch: Use mulch around your plants and trees to help protect the roots and conserve moisture.
- Weeds: Keep an eye out for weeds, which can quickly take over a lawn that’s already struggling due to drought conditions.
For more information on proper lawn watering during a drought, or to schedule lawn care services, be sure to contact Logan Extermination at your nearest convenience.
