 Most of us water their lawns too much without even realizing it. EnviroCitizen.org has found that many of us also water our lawns at the wrong time of day, causing up to 30% of the water to evaporate. We know you want a green lawn, which is why EnviroCitizen.org is going to tell you how to get one without overwater!
Most grasses need about one inch of water per week in temperate climates. In order to determine if you are giving your lawn one inch of water per week, you need to measure it. You can buy a rain gauge or you can make your own. Clean out a can (a tuna can, soup can, etc.) and mark an inch from the bottom of the can. Put it in your yard before you water and then water your lawn for twenty minutes to see how much water has accumulated in the can. This will give you a good idea of how much you're watering.
Let's say you water your lawn for twenty minutes and you find one inch of water in the can or rain gauge. That means that you're watering three inches per hour. Remember, most lawns need one inch of water per week. Therefore, if you water your lawn three times a week for twenty minutes each time, that's three inches per week! Perhaps the solution is to water twice a week for ten minutes each time. That way, your lawn is getting the right amount of water.
Properly watering your lawn does more than just save water. Overwatering a lawn leads to a shallow roots system, an increased vulnerability to weeds and other pests, a reduced tolerance for drought and a reduced tolerance for environmental stresses. However, the amount of water your lawn needs can vary based on your location, climate and season. In the heat of the summer, your lawn will likely need more water than on cooler days. Instead of consistently giving your lawn one inch of water per week, consider letting your lawn tell you when it needs water.
There are three indicators that will tell you when your lawn needs watering.
1. Look for folding leaf blades. When grass is in need of water, the blades will fold to minimize surface area.
2. Look for a blue-gray color in your grass, as opposed to green.
3. Look for visible footprints or other tracks. When a lawn is in need of water, the blades of grass won't perk up after being stepped on. If you see one or more of these signs, your lawn is telling you that it needs water.
Another way to see if your lawn has enough water is to check the soil. Grab a screwdriver and push it into the ground in a few places throughout your lawn. If you can penetrate relatively easily to a depth of about six or eight inches, the suggested root depth for a healthy lawn, then your soil is saturated well and doesn't need water.
Water is a finite resource that is currently in high demand and short supply. If you'd like to consider a lawn without grass at all, EnviroCitizen.org suggests you try a xeriscaped yard—a yard landscaped with native plants. Native plants are more drought-resistant and need far less water than imported grasses.
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