To get your lawn looking its best, the first step is choosing the right type of grass based on your climate. Grasses like St. Augustine thrive in dry areas, while Kentucky bluegrass needs more moisture and cooler temperatures. Proper care—like aerating, mowing at the right height, and using the best soil—also plays a big role in how healthy your lawn will be.
Aeration is essential to improve soil health. It creates small holes in the ground to help oxygen, water, and nutrients reach the roots.
How to Tell When Your Lawn Needs Watering
Wondering when to water your grass? Here are the signs:
- Curled leaves in the evening (not in midday heat).
- Grass turns blue-gray instead of green.
- Footprints or mower tracks stay visible long after walking or mowing.
Dormant Grass
Don’t panic if your grass turns brown—it might just be going dormant. Grass can stay alive in this state for 3-4 weeks. If you’re dealing with water restrictions, let your grass rest, but water it for about 5 inches deep after a few weeks without rain.
Avoid Overwatering
Watering every day is not ideal. It fills up air pockets in the soil, which can harm the roots and make the lawn more susceptible to diseases. Grass needs time to dry out before watering again.
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
It’s best to water deeply but less often, aiming for about 1 inch of water. To find out how long to run your sprinkler, place shallow containers on the lawn and run the sprinkler for 30 minutes. Measure the water depth and multiply by two to know how many inches your sprinkler puts down in an hour.
Other Key Factors to Keep in Mind
- Soil Quality: Healthy soil is crucial for a healthy lawn. Aerated soil with 4-5% organic matter is ideal. If your lawn struggles, get a soil test.
- Weather: During cool, rainy weather, you can cut back on watering. Make sure your automatic sprinkler system adjusts accordingly.
- Best Time to Water: The early morning, between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., is the best time to water to minimize evaporation.
- Grass Height: Grass kept at 3 inches holds more moisture. During dry spells, mow higher to help the grass retain water and build stronger roots.
With these tips, you’ll have a lawn that thrives with the right balance of water and care!
