Kristie Keys, Agronomy Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
As summer temperatures climb, many homeowners assume their lawns need more water to stay green and healthy However, watering more often is not always the answer. In fact, using water wisely can improve lawn health while reducing waste and lowering utility bills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American uses roughly 320 gallons of water per day, and as much as 50% of outdoor water use may be wasted because of overwatering and inefficient irrigation practices.
When temperatures rise, it may seem practical to water daily, but that approach can actually create problems for warm season turfgrasses. Frequent, shallow watering encourages shallow root growth, making lawns more dependent on frequent irrigation.
Overwatering can also contribute to fungal diseases, nutrient leaching, and water runoff. Instead, lawns benefit most from deep, infrequent watering that encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil.
The timing of irrigation is just as important as the amount applied. Watering during the heat of the day increases evaporation, meaning less water reaches the root zone where it is needed most. Early morning is the best time to irrigate because temperatures are cooler, evaporation is reduced, and plants have time to absorb moisture before the day’s heat arrives.
Morning watering also allows turf foliage to dry throughout the day, reducing the risk of disease. In contrast, evening irrigation can leave grass blades wet overnight, creating favorable conditions for fungal problems.
Homeowners who use sprinkler systems should also evaluate how efficiently their systems are operating. Many assume that if the sprinkler turns on, it must be working properly.
However, irrigation systems should be checked regularly to ensure sprinkler heads provide uniform coverage.
A simple rule is that one sprinkler head should reach the next. Areas of dry or stressed grass may be the result of poor water distribution rather than a lack of watering time.
Finally, avoid watering based solely on a calendar schedule. Your irrigation system doesn’t know whether temperatures reached 105 degrees the previous day, whether rain is in the forecast, or whether drought conditions and high winds have increased moisture loss. Instead, water according to soil moisture and current weather conditions. Check soil moisture by digging several inches into the root zone and feeling the soil. If it is still moist, consider delaying the next irrigation cycle.
A healthy lawn is not created by watering more; it is created by watering smarter. By paying attention to soil moisture, sprinkler performance, and proper irrigation timing, home-owners can conserve water, save money, and maintain a healthier landscape. Let your sprinkler system respond to your lawn’s needs, not the other way around.