Watering your lawn isn’t a big deal when you live in a country with loads of rain. However, proper lawn watering is probably the most important thing you can do to keep it in good condition and shape. If you’re interested in different ways to water your lawn while saving energy and water, we’ve got you covered.
1 – Check soil moisture
Remember that there’s a huge difference in moisture absorption between heavier and lighter soil. Loose and sandy soil get all the water all the time, and it doesn’t require you to water it for too long. After you’ve had a long warm period without any rain, set up your sprinkler timer for 30 minutes. After that, turn them off and check for moisture depth. Unless the soil is wet 3-4 inches deep, keep watering.
2 – Use well water
Your good pump is a great solution, but if you’re constantly starting it only to stop after a couple of minutes, it will wear out prematurely. If the water for your lawn comes from a well, simply connect as many sprinklers as you can to maximize water flow. This way, the good pump will run for an extended period of time, and you will increase its life span.
3 – Retractable hose
A lot of people use a hose to water their lawn because it’s convenient and allows you to reach distant corners of your yard. On the other hand, it means that you’re dragging those massive lengths of hose all the time. Instead of getting back and shoulder pain from it, simply buy a retractable garden hose instead. You will save a lot of time and effort by not dragging a long hose around, and it won’t take up too much space in your shed either.
4 – Tripod impact sprinkler
If you’re looking for something versatile, impact sprinklers that can be attached to a tripod are just the thing. They are perfect for larger lawns as the tripod-added height significantly increases the distance the sprinkler will throw water. Also, if you want to adjust the spray pattern later, you won’t even have to stoop, so no more back pain either.
5 – Self-watering system
Underground irrigation systems are very convenient and have become much more affordable lately. If you get a multi-outlet programmable water timer, you’ll save a lot of money too. Pick the timer for one or more zones, and make sure you get a programmable one, as these let you choose not just the time of day, but also the duration that the sprinkler will run.
6 – Automatic-rain-shutoff
This is a handy and affordable device that tells your irrigation system controller to shut off when there’s been enough rain. Not only does it protect your lawn from accidental overwatering, but also helps you with your budget.
7 – Water in the morning
The best time to water the lawn is early morning. Ideally, before 8 a.m. but if you do it before 10 a.m., you’re good. Cooler temperatures in the morning together with calm breezes reduce the amount of evaporated water. Also, morning watering keeps the turf cooler.
8 – Water in the fall
Even during colder fall months your lawn still needs water. No matter that leaves are changing and the grass isn’t growing as well as it did in the spring. Watering your lawn in the fall will ensure that the grass recovers from the summer heat and gather strength for the upcoming cold months. If you also happen to fertilize in the fall, watering will help it dissolve and soak deeper into the ground.
9 – Rotary sprinkler
When it’s hot and dry, your first instinct might be to get a sprinkler that can spray water high into the air, or perhaps turn water into a mist. As cool as these are, they are also inefficient for your lawn because most of that water will just evaporate in the heat. This is where impact and rotary sprinklers step into the picture. These can be adjusted to keep the water close to the ground so it doesn’t evaporate.
10 – Get a rain barrel
Rainwater is perfect for plants because, unlike tap water and well water, it doesn’t have chemicals and salts. City-water and groundwater resources are full of them, so if possible, get a rain barrel and save some of that rainwater to use for later. In some parts of the country, there are even incentives for homeowners to install them.
If you’re hoping to keep your lawn in great shape all year long, you should really focus on watering it regularly. While it is pretty easy to grab a hose and water away, there is also some simpler and more effective way to ensure your beloved lawn stays hydrated.
