How Often Should I Water My Landscaping?

How often should I water my landscaping? While you instinctively might ask “how often,” there is a bit more to consider than just that. When taking care of our lawns or landscapes, we need to consider how much water they’re getting to properly determine how often. The answer could be left as simple as, “the rule of thumb is 2 to 3 times a week”. However, given that not all of us might be living in the same area under all the same conditions, we want to give you a few tips to remember how to better optimize that “2 to 3 times a week” rule.

How Often Should I Water My Landscaping?

How much water?

First, you have to consider how much water you get. In spite of the season, it is important for the landscape to get at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water. A rain gauge is a helpful tool to determine how much water your lawn is getting. Check it regularly and try to make sure you’re getting that 1-1.5 inches a week, regardless of the season. This also allows you to save water in places that actually have a high level of rain and precipitation.

How much water is too much water?

While you water your lawn, something else you might want to consider is the amount of runoff. If water starts leaking onto your street or curbside, there’s too much water for the ground to absorb. This is more than enough to tell you that you should stop.

It’s also important to consider what type of soil you have on your lawn. Some soils, such as a more loamy soil, absorb water a bit slower. Therefore, you may need to be a bit more patient with your watering. On the other hand, it also means that it holds water longer compared to soil that is sandier.

You will also have to consider the ambient temperature. This will help ensure you don’t water only to have most of that water evaporate into the air. A good way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to water your landscape early in the morning when the temperature is a bit cooler. When watering in the morning, the grass is more conducive to absorption rather than evaporation.

Knowing how often you should water your landscaping also requires you to know what type of plants you have. Certain plants might have different needs, so make sure you add that into your sprinkler settings or lawn routines.

Additional Source: Efficient Use of Water in the Garden and Landscape

So why not just every day?

The reason we don’t water every day is so that your plants are able to dig deep, strong roots. If they are able to dig deeper, they’re also able to last longer. This makes them more drought-resistant and ensures you have a nicer lawn for longer.

Finally, make sure that when you do water, you’re getting complete coverage. That way, should any brown spots actually show up, you can better determine if that’s the lack of water or some other cause (i.e., fungus, bugs, debris, etc.) that’s impeding its growth.

Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Omaha’s Best Commercial & Residential Sprinkler Systems

Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away! Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.

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