Lawn Watering

While many homeowners focus on the appearance of their lawns, it’s essential to recognize that the well-being of your turfgrass begins from the ground up, particularly when it comes to watering.

The Importance of Timely Watering

As the summer season approaches, the subsoil starts to dry out, which can spell trouble for your lawn. This is especially crucial for newer lawns, those less than 20 years established, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of dehydration.

Waiting for visible signs of stress in your turfgrass before watering is often too late. Once depressions are left in the grass as you walk across your lawn, and the blades don’t spring back, it’s a clear indication that your lawn is thirsty. If you wait until discoloration occurs, it’s a signal that your lawn is already in distress.

Preventative Measures for a Healthy Lawn

Preventing problems is always more effective and cost-efficient than reacting to them. Maintaining the health and vigor of your lawn throughout the season is paramount. When the subsoil dries out completely, it takes a significant amount of water to revive dormant turfgrass, resulting in overly saturated topsoil. This excess water displaces oxygen, causing the plants to suffocate. Moreover, these conditions often coincide with high summer temperatures, making your lawn more susceptible to fungal diseases. Treating these issues may require expensive fungicide applications and even re-seeding.

Timing and Best Practices

When it comes to watering, timing and methodology matter. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Morning Watering: Watering in the morning allows the turfgrass, leaves, and thatch to dry quickly near the surface. Conversely, irrigating in the evening can lead to prolonged surface wetness, providing the ideal conditions for the rapid spread of fungal diseases.
• Proactive Approach: Be proactive and begin watering before your lawn exhibits signs of stress. This approach is less costly and time-consuming than reacting to issues.
• Deep Watering: Water deeply to saturate the soil, approximately every three days, allowing the topsoil to dry between watering cycles. This promotes deeper root growth, making your grass more resilient to drought.
• Microclimate Consideration: Be mindful of microclimates on your property. South-facing areas may require more water than those on the north side. Radiant and reflective heat from structures can also affect watering needs.
• Hard Surfaces and Turfgrass Ratio: Areas with a higher ratio of hard surfaces (e.g., concrete patios, sidewalks) to lawn will dry out quickly and need extra attention.

Preventative Measures for a Beautiful Lawn

We firmly believe that most lawn problems are preventable without the need for extraordinary effort or chemical treatments. Prevention is the key. By understanding that a modern home lawn is a manipulated environment, and by following best watering practices, you can ensure a healthy and lush lawn that you can be proud of.

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we’re committed to providing you with the expertise and guidance you need to maintain a thriving lawn. Let us help you keep your lawn healthy and resilient through our comprehensive watering services.



Remember, success in lawn care requires a little planning and patience. And, unlike Amazon Prime, Mother Nature operates on her own schedule, rewarding us with the beauty of a well-nurtured lawn.