In hot summers without much rain, your lawn needs extra attention. If natural watering is absent for several days or even weeks at a time, the grass can be literally burned by the sun – leaving behind large areas of light brown. Too much water can also be harmful. Since watering large lawns consumes a lot of water, we would like to give you a few helpful tips for optimal lawn watering.
When is the best time to water lawns?
If it’s particularly hot, some of the water from the sprinkler will evaporate before it even reaches the grass roots. Therefore, it’s best to water your lawns between 4 and 9 a.m., before the big heat sets in. During this time window, water evaporation is reduced because the air is coolest and the wind is mostly still.
Water only when the lawn requires it
If it does rain in the meantime, it is best to suspend watering. Aside from wasting water unnecessarily, overwatering can also damage the lawn. Constantly wet lawns are breeding grounds for fungus and other lawn diseases.
However, many yard owners don’t realize they are overwatering. How much water your lawn needs depends on the type of grass, the current temperature and, last but not least, the climate, among other factors.
Here’s how to determine if your grass needs watering
There is an easy way to find out if you need to water your lawn. To do this, take a good look at it: Grass that needs watering has a blue-gray hue and has curled-up leaf tips.
Adjust the position and direction of the sprinkler system
A lot of water is usually lost when the sprinkler is not aligned correctly and waters unnecessary areas such as walkways or driveways. Align the sprinkler system correctly and while you’re at it, check to make sure the sprinkler heads aren’t clogged.
Pay attention to the weather forecast
Often the lawn is sprinkled even though rain has already been forecast for the evening hours or night. So always keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust watering times accordingly. Let the rain do the work and check the precipitation regularly, e.g. by using a rain gauge. Optimally, control your irrigation system with a timer that you can adjust flexibly.
Watering computer – watering the lawn automatically
Especially the technology fans among garden owners like to reach for so-called irrigation computers, such as those offered by GARDENA with the “smart system”. They are connected directly to the water pipe and have one or more hose connections. Using external rain sensors, which independently detect precipitation, and soil moisture sensors, which measure the moisture in the soil, the computer automatically determines the required amount of water and controls the irrigation system fully automatically.
Lawn sprinklers and special irrigation hoses optimally supply your lawn and other plants with water – even during your vacation time. The GARDENA robotic mowers of the smart series are also compatible with the “smart system”, which also optimizes mowing times. A control via smartphone app round off the complete system.
