When it comes to turf care in Ontario, at the mere surface level, it may seem like an effortless task. Keep it free of weeds, mow it regularly, and maybe add some fertilizer if you want an extra nutrient boost. It seems simple, right? However, what about when it comes to watering your lawn?
There’s timing to consider, types of water methods, and many mistakes you may not even realize you’re making. With that being said, let’s go over and answer some of the most common questions and mistakes that arise when it comes to lawn watering.
Does it matter what time of day I water my lawn?
The short answer to this question is yes, but don’t worry, we’ll expand. Essentially, the best time of day to water your lawn is in the early morning. Ideally, it would be anywhere from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Just after sundown also works depending on conditions and your preferred watering schedule. This is because during these times, there is much less wind to contend with and water won’t be blown into areas it isn’t needed.
The temperature is also much cooler than it would be in the middle of the day and the water won’t evaporate into thin air. If you decide to water in the evening, make sure there’s no wind and the temperature is nice and cool; otherwise, you run the risk of promoting various lawn diseases.
Should I water my lawn if it just rained?
Although this question may seem rhetorical, you would be surprised how many new Ontario homeowners ponder over it. However, this is actually an extremely practical question!
The rule of thumb is that if the rain provides your lawn with an inch of water or more, then you can skip the hosedown. The way to measure this can be done in several ways: you can either use a rain sensor, check local weather information, or even use an old can to collect water and measure it afterwards.
How much water should I use each time?
As mentioned in the previous point about lawn watering post-rain, an inch should do just fine in that case. When it comes to manually doing it, though, the majority of properties require anywhere from 1.5 to 2 inches of water per week. This means that every time you water your lawn, aim for 3 to 4 inches of depth to ensure the soil retains moisture properly, promoting a healthy appearance.
What’s the best method to water my lawn?
Overall, the best method depends on the type of lawn you currently have. Its size and any plants or vegetation will help determine which system is best for you. If you have a small property that is mainly made up of grass, a hose will do just fine.
However, for those who have a much larger lawn and/or have any plants, then an irrigation or sprinkler system is recommended to keep it looking healthy and save water at the same time.
Should I have a lawn watering schedule in place?
Whether you have an irrigation system in place or use a hose, the answer to this is yes. With an irrigation system, you can have it automatically set up to go off at specific times, as will be recommended by the professional who installs it. If you are just using your hose, aim to water once a week for at least one hour in the areas where you want to promote growth.
Common Mistakes When It Comes to Turf Care
Not Using Enough Fertilizer
If you want that classic look of a lawn that is perfectly manicured, like the ones in the movies, then you need fertilizer, and more than you probably realize. The rule of thumb is to fertilize your lawn four times a year: early spring, late spring, summer, and fall. The reason it’s twice in the spring is that it’s the season when the most growth occurs, essentially giving you a head start on growth.
Giving Your Lawn a Buzzcut
Although it may seem that keeping your lawn cut nice and short will give it a healthier appearance, in the long run it will do the exact opposite. Grass needs to be a certain length above the root in order to grow properly. If it’s cut too short, it will put all of its energy into its root system rather than providing proper nutrients to look lush above ground.
Aim to keep your grass at a height between 2 and 4 inches. If you want to be extra sure, research the type of grass you have to give it the best treatment.
Leaving Weeds to the Wind
While you may think that having one or two dandelions on your lawn isn’t a big deal, and you might personally enjoy that pop of bright yellow, even just letting a few live can be very detrimental to the health of your lawn. First, seeds from weeds spread rapidly, with the wind carrying them all over and turning your property into the perfect breeding ground for them.
Additionally, even if you leave a few alive, these troublesome plants drain the nutrients from the soil, forcing your other plants to compete just for survival. Overall, if you want a beautiful lawn, it’s important to stay on top of weeds and take measures to prevent and remove them.
A Healthy Lawn Is Just a Step Away
In conclusion, when it comes to lawn watering, there are really only a few things to keep in mind. Water early in the day, have a watering schedule in place, select the system that works best for you, be mindful of rainfall, and use enough water.
Remember to mow your lawn at the right height, keep weeds under control, and fertilize it regularly to promote healthy growth. With all these in place, you’ll be well on your way to having the lushest lawn on the block.
For more information about the best time to water your lawn in Ontario, call HydroGreen Irrigation at 249-449-4299 or contact us online.
