As a homeowner in the Fargo-Moorhead area, you want a lawn that is both beautiful and healthy. Lawn irrigation is an important part of keeping your lawn looking great and ensuring that it remains in peak condition. Proper watering will strengthen the root system of your grass, making it more drought-resistant, and less susceptible to weeds and diseases. Unfortunately, improper watering can do a great deal of damage to your lawn. Your lawn’s specific water needs will depend on the weather conditions and the type of soil you have. However, there are some general lawn watering mistakes you should avoid.
Over-Watering Your Lawn
Watering your lawn more than necessary will not make it greener or stronger. In fact, lawns that receive too much water can develop shallow root systems. This can lead to your grass being more vulnerable to heat stress, making it more difficult for the lawn to recover from drought. Over-watering your lawn can also lead to waterlogged grass which can encourage the growth of fungus and other moisture-related diseases.
Under-Watering the Lawn
Under-watering your lawn can also cause problems, such as weakening your grass’s ability to handle dry spells. It is especially important to regularly water newly planted grass. Generally, it is best to water your lawn deeply, but less frequently. Water about three times a week, if necessary, and provide approximately 1/3 of an inch of water. For the best results, irrigate your lawn regularly during the growing season.
Watering The Shrubs Every Time You Water The Grass
Many homeowners in the Fargo-Moorhead area think that if they are watering their lawn, they should also water their plants and shrubs. Unfortunately, this can lead to overwatering and root rot. Shrubs have much larger root systems than grass plants and require only about half as much water.
Improper Use Of Irrigation Heads
It is important to keep an eye on your irrigation heads. Make sure they are not turned on when it’s raining, or too close to a previous rain shower. This can lead to overwatering issues. Also, make sure that you monitor sprinklers to ensure that the lawn is getting a fairly equal amount of coverage. Take into consideration differently shaded parts of the lawn and adjust the amount of sprinkler coverage as needed. Check that you are using the same types of spray heads to provide consistent watering coverage. Avoid using rotor heads and spray heads in the same irrigation zones.
Watering The Lawn At The Wrong Time Of Day
Watering your lawn in the afternoon, when it is the warmest, will result in most of the moisture evaporating before it makes it down to the root system. Watering your lawn late in the evening will create conditions that are favorable to lawn fungus. The best time of day to water your lawn is in the early morning, between 6 and 9 am. Watering during the early morning will limit the amount of evaporation and you are less likely to experience any wind.
If you have any additional questions about properly caring for your lawn, or would like a quote on any of our expert lawn care services contact us today. We work with homeowners and businesses throughout Fargo-Moorhead.