Water, water, and more water! Grass is a living organism so of course it needs water. However, it is possible to overwater your lawn. If irrigation systems are overused, the excess water may not be absorbed into the soil and can linger on the grass blades and plant leaves. This in return promotes the growth of different types of fungi including mushrooms and rust fungus.
The common signs of overwatering include:
The soil is always wet to the touch
The leaves are yellowing
Soft, squishy stems
The leaves have brown edges or spots
The soil is attracting pests
A healthy lawn should be a little on the thirsty side, always sending roots deeper into the soil. A deep root system results in a healthier and more resilient turf. When watering, we want to try and mimic natural rainfall. We do this by watering deep and infrequent.
On the flip side, under watering can also be an issue especially in the south. A lawn without supplemental water on a hot, dry day can turn brown over time. When grass gets stressed (from lack of water), it will go dormant. Once the cool temperatures return with more frequent rain, a lawn that has been well managed will make a complete recovery. During periods of drought, it is beneficial to limit the amount of stress on the lawn. This can be done by mowing less frequently, mowing at a higher height of cut, and staying off the lawn.
Water Saving Irrigation Tips:
Mulch Trees and Garden Beds
Water Deeply, Not Frequently
Reduce Run-Off
Maintain Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems
Get Smart Technology
Making sure to water deeply, not frequently is one of the most important things to remember when using irrigation. When water is applied too quickly, most is lost to runoff. Making sure to irrigate slowly will allow the water time to soak into the ground. Deep irrigation encourages healthier root systems, while watering too frequently and too shallow encourages shallow root systems that can be more susceptible to drought.
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