A lush, green lawn is the goal of just about every homeowner. After all, the landscape has a direct impact on the curb appeal of your home, and your lawn is a large part of the landscape. In order to achieve and maintain a thick, healthy, green lawn, regular watering is essential. But which is the best way to water your lawn?
What is the Best Way to Water the Lawn (By Hand or With a Sprinkler)?
When it comes to watering your lawn, there are two main options: with ground sprinklers or by hand. Both are efficient ways to water your grass, and both options have their pros and cons, so which option will yield the best results? Read on to find out.
Hand Watering
As the term suggests, hand watering refers to applying water to your lawn with a hand-held hose.
Pros of Hand Watering the Lawn
Prevents overwatering/underwatering
Watering your lawn by hand can prevent both overwatering and underwatering. You’ll be able to ensure that each part of your lawn is catered to and receives the proper amount of water that it requires.
Avoids wasted water
Another benefit of hand watering your lawn is that it can help you avoid wasting water. When you water your grass by hand, you’ll be able to control the amount of water that you’re applying. This helps avoid soaking the soil and wasting water.
Detection
Watering by hand allows you to keep a closer eye on the grass root system. You’ll be able to assess your grass blades/soil and detect any trouble spots and provide any treatment that may be necessary.
Cons of Hand Watering the Lawn
Not efficient
Watering a lawn by hand isn’t efficient. It can be time-consuming, tedious, and tiring.
Inconsistency
You could end up over-watering parts of your lawn and under-watering other sections.
Not ideal for large lawns
If you have a large lawn, hand watering is less-than-ideal.
Sprinkler Watering
Sprinkler watering refers to sprinklers attached to a hose or a sprinkler system that features a collection of strategically placed nozzles used to water a lawn.
Benefits of Sprinkler Watering the Lawn
Convenience
Watering by sprinkler is much more convenient, especially if your lawn needs watered multiple times per week. When it’s time to water, simply set up the sprinkler, turn it on, and it will water your lawn for you. Turn it off when your grass has had enough to drink.
For even more convenience, set up or install a sprinkler system and use a timer to automate watering.
Healthier landscape
The average lawn needs between 30 and 60 minutes of watering several times a week. The length of time and frequency in which you water per week varies and depends on the climate and soil. Both under-watering and over-watering can result in dead grass.
An irrigation system can be automated to run for a predetermined amount of time and number of days. With an automated system, your lawn will receive the water it needs, even when you aren’t home.
Increased property value
Installing a sprinkler system can increase the resale value of your property. This is certainly beneficial if you plan on selling your home in the future.
Cons of Sprinkler Watering the Lawn
Excess watering
Sprinkler watering can result in over-watering. This is particularly true if the watering is automated, as the sprinkler(s) can run even when your grass doesn’t need a drink.
Costly
Sprinkler watering can be more costly than hand watering, especially if you intend on installing a sprinkler system.
Which is Best?
The decision to water your grass by hand or with a sprinkler depends on your personal preferences. Consider your unique circumstances and your goals to determine which option will best suit your needs.
Understand that the best time to water your lawn is in the early morning hours. In this case, there’s a good chance you might prefer sleeping in a few extra minutes instead of working on the lawn. In this instance, it might be best to install a sprinkler system so you can automate watering your lawn.
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.
