“How much should I water?” “How often should I water?” “Does my type of grass need more water than my neighbor’s?” All of those are excellent lawn care questions. And it would be best if you had specific guidelines about watering in north Texas since our needs differ from other parts of the country due to types of grass, temperature, longer growing seasons, and many other factors.
Five Tips for Watering Your Lawn in North Texas
If you’re new to lawn care or need a refresher on watering best practices for north Texas, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll share five tips to help you keep your lawn healthy and green, even during the hot and dry summer months.
Frequency Of Watering
Most types of north Texas grasses only need watering about one inch a week, and it doesn’t matter much if you do it all at once or one-half inch twice a week. If it is above 95 degrees each day, like in August, that may need to go up to 2 inches per week. And you catch a break from watering if it rains that week. Note that not all grasses require the same amount of water to thrive. For example, Bermuda and Zoysia grasses only need about half that of St. Augustine. When it is mid-summer and over 95 each day, turn up the water regardless of the type of grass. Also, if you mow your lawn, raise the mower deck, so your grass helps by shading itself and its roots.
Watering Yardstick
Measuring how much water your lawn gets can be tricky, but using a watering yardstick can help ensure you apply the right amount. One easy option is to use a six-ounce tuna can as your yardstick. Place the can in your yard near your sprinkler and water as usual. Keep an eye on how long it takes to fill the can. When it is full, you have watered approximately one inch deep in that spot. By measuring how long it takes to fill the can, you can adjust your watering schedule to ensure your lawn gets the right water. And remember, proper watering techniques, combined with fertilization and weed control services from Green Top Lawn Care, can help your lawn stay healthy and green all year round.
Overwatering
While it may seem counterintuitive, overwatering your lawn can actually harm it. Watering too much too fast can lead to runoff, which wastes water and can wash away your lawn’s nutrients, fertilizer, and pesticides. This can cause various problems, making your lawn susceptible to pests and diseases. In addition, over-watering can cause the nutrients in your soil to become diluted, making it more difficult for your lawn to absorb them. To prevent overwatering, follow a consistent watering schedule and pay attention to the weather.
Timing of Watering
Watering your lawn at the right time is crucial to maintaining its health and beauty. In North Texas, the best time to water your lawn is in the morning, ideally before 10:00 am. This allows the grass to absorb the water it needs before the sun is high in the sky, which can cause water to evaporate quickly. Mid-afternoon watering, when the sun is at its strongest, can cause up to 30% of your water to evaporate before it reaches the roots of your grass. Late-night watering is also not recommended, as it can leave your lawn damp for extended periods, making it more susceptible to diseases like fungus. So, to keep your lawn looking its best, water it in the morning before the day’s heat sets in.
What to Look For
Periodically inspect your grass for wilting or discoloration. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), when you first spot these signs of stress, you have 24-48 hours to fix the problem before serious damage occurs.
The two most important keys to efficient water usage are consistency and thoroughness. Underwatering results in a brown, lifeless lawn; overwatering creates weak root systems that make for a weak lawn. Proper watering doesn’t require a lot of overthinking or overanalyzing; consistently following simple guidelines will give you a positive result.
These lawn watering tips should help you keep your yard with the optimum amount of water to keep it healthy and thriving.
Get More Lawn Watering Tips from Green Top Lawn Care
By following these tips, you can ensure your lawn stays healthy and green throughout the year. However, consider our professional fertilization and weed control services at Green Top Lawn Care if you want to take your lawn care to the next level. With our expertise and top-quality products, we can help your lawn reach its full potential. Contact us today at 817-684-4044 to learn more and get a free, no-obligation estimate.