Mastering the art of watering your lawn is key to maintaining a healthy lawn. Not only does the correct watering technique help ensure lush, green grass and healthy, deep roots, but it can also help avoid disease, minimise water wastage and lower maintenance costs.
While it can be easy to make the mistake of overwatering, shallow watering or watering your lawn at the wrong time, Australia’s varied climate zones and water restrictions mean localised lawn watering tips are essential. So, if you’re wondering “How long should I water my lawn?”, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about keeping your lawn hydrated and healthy.
How often should you water your lawn?
As a general rule, you should water established lawns deeply and less frequently. For example, 1-3 times a week during hot weather and less often during cooler or rainy periods. New or freshly sown turf should be watered more frequently until the root system takes hold.
That said, the frequency with which you water your lawn depends on several factors, including soil type, seasonal changes, local climate considerations and any water restrictions currently in place. For example, your lawn might need more frequent watering during the warmer months.
The type of soil also plays a key role in determining your watering routine. While clay soil holds water for longer, meaning less frequent watering, sandy soils drain quickly and call for more regular watering.
How long should each watering session be?
An ideal watering session should be long enough to wet the soil through to root depth. This can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on soil profile, grass type and watering method. You’ll want to avoid shallow, quick watering, which can lead to weak, shallow root systems.
From hand watering and in-ground sprinklers to drip hoses, the type of watering method you use plays a key role in determining the ideal length of each watering session. Hand watering is typically considered the least efficient method for watering lawns, meaning you’ll need to water your lawn more frequently and for a longer period. Alternatively, you can set a sprinkler flow rate that’s specifically programmed based on your lawn’s square footage.
Best time of day to water grass
The best time of day to water your lawn is in the early morning, either before sunrise or in the early hours before daytime temperatures start to rise. This helps to reduce evaporation and the risk of disease. While it can be tempting to water your lawn in the evening, the cooling conditions mean that excess moisture lingers, increasing the risk of fungal diseases.
Don’t forget to consider local weather conditions, like wind and humidity levels, which can impact the best time of day to water. You can install your very own weather station in your garden that provides real-time data to help you optimise the health of your lawn.
Adjusting watering based on grass type and soil
Each lawn variety has its own unique water needs. Similarly, the soil profile determines how often and how much you water your lawn. Based on these factors, you’ll want to tailor your schedule accordingly.
Warm-season lawns and drought-tolerant grasses, like kikuyu, couch and buffalo, develop deep root systems, meaning they require deeper, less frequent watering compared to cool-season grasses. In some cases, these grass species will go dormant during hot conditions, but will quickly revive with a good soak.
Similarly, watering requirements vary across different soil types. While clay and loamy soil tend to retain moisture for longer, sandy soil types are incredibly porous and often require more frequent watering.
Managing watering through the seasons
It should come as no surprise that watering needs change with the seasons throughout the year. While your lawn will likely require more water during the summer months, watering needs tend to taper off in autumn, with minimal water required over winter. As the weather starts to warm again over spring, you’ll need to pick up your watering as you head into the warmer months. Understanding these seasonal shifts helps avoid waste and ensure root health.
You might need to adjust your watering schedule to accommodate changes in the weather conditions. For example, during periods of higher natural rainfall, you might not need to water your lawn as frequently. Alternatively, mass heatwaves and drought conditions often increase watering requirements.
Signs your lawn is overwatered or underwatered
Your lawn will tell you when your watering schedule isn’t working. Underwatered lawns appear dull and wilted. You’ll also notice that your footprints won’t bounce back like those of a healthy lawn. On the other hand, overwatered lawns will often suffer from soggy soil, fungal diseases, yellowing and shallow rooting.
There are a few different ways to test the soil moisture. Firstly, you can use the finger test by inserting your finger into the soil roughly 5cm. If your finger comes out clean, the soil is dry. If the soil sticks to your finger, it’s too wet. Ideally, your lawn should feel slightly damp, but not too wet. Alternatively, you can use a moisture meter to take a reading of your lawn’s moisture levels. From here, you can adjust your watering schedule to suit the condition of your lawn.
FAQs
Can I water daily if it’s very hot?
Even during summer, you’re better off watering your lawn deeply 1-2 times a week to help establish a deep root system and enhance drought tolerance. Watering your lawn for a short time each day can actually cause more harm than good, training it to expect more water.
What if there are water restrictions in my area?
If you’re region is under water restrictions, it’s important to follow your local watering rules. Most drought-resistant lawn types will naturally go dormant under drought conditions. That said, using wetting agents and keeping your mowing height higher can help your lawn better absorb and retain moisture.
How do I know when my new lawn/turf has become established so I can reduce watering?
The easiest way to tell if your lawn has become established is by lifting a corner of your lawn. If it feels anchored to the ground, it’s a good sign the roots have grown deep into the soil. Once your lawn has started establishing itself, you can start to reduce the frequency of your watering efforts and instead give it a good soak 1-2 times a week to encourage the roots to grow down and enhance drought tolerance.
Is an overhead sprinkler or drip irrigation better for lawns?
While overhead sprinklers can deliver water over large areas of turf, they’re often not as practical as drip irrigation systems for your home lawn. Better yet, lawn sprinklers are specifically designed to deliver even watering coverage across your lawn.
Does rain count — how to factor rainfall into watering schedule?
Absolutely! It’s essential to adjust your watering schedule to accommodate recent rainfall. You can use a rain gauge to measure rainfall, helping you avoid overwatering and water wastage.
Establishing an effective watering schedule is key to keeping your lawn healthy. Remember, deep, infrequent watering in the early morning is best, but be sure to modify your schedule according to the season, as well as your grass and soil type.
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