AJ Southwest - Jay’s Blog

Watering Your Landscape

As the weather warms up, we’ll have to get into our watering routine.   So, how much is right?  Of course, every yard is different.   Variables include:  soil type, drainage, grass type, rainfall, plant types, and amount of shade.   Most agree that less frequent deep watering is best but keeping a consistent soil moisture level is important.  This time of year, 2 times per week at most, for about 20 minutes per station is a good place to start.  If you see that the water is running off before the 20 minute time, try doing two cycles 10 minutes each to give the water a chance to soak in.  Begin to experiment to see if you can back off this schedule some.  Try changing the schedule to 3 times in two weeks and see how your grass reacts.  If you go out in the late morning after the dew is dry and step on the lawn, does your footprint remain?   This means your grass needs water.   (don’t try this in the heat of the afternoon – then the foot print is there just because it’s hot!).  There is no one way to water.  Water as infrequently and deeply as possible, but use your landscape as your guide.