JB Instant Lawn Blog

Irrigation. A Healthy Lawn - Leg #3

Oct 7th, 2014

In this post we will be discussing Irrigation - the "third leg" of A Healthy Lawn.

First and foremost- having a modern, dedicated and automated irrigation system is essential in providing the best results when it comes to your lawn watering needs. Efficiency and timing are the keys to success and having this system in place can not be over-stated.

It is important to understand that there is no 'one approach fits all' to watering lawns- and that no two sites are the same. There are many variables to consider- soil profile, local weather, lawn/turf variety- to name a few- these help determine how often watering is needed.

*Apply only as much water as the lawn actually requires. Over-watering and under-watering lawn areas can lead to problems.

Some examples might include- excessive growth, nutrient leaching, shallow rooting, disease and pests, loss of color and density, reduced vigor, wear damage, etc.

'If your goal is to maintain a dense, green lawn, you will need to water regularly (during extended periods of warmer/drier weather), but certainly not every day.

Watch your turf for signs of drought stress and wilting. Use a screwdriver to poke in the soil in several places to get a feel for how dry the area is. Moist soil is easy to penetrate while dry soil is as hard as concrete. If the turf looks good and the soil is easily penetrated, you can wait a day and check it again before watering.

Lawns need less water to stay green once the days get significantly shorter, about mid-August - you can really reduce watering amount and frequency shortly after Labor Day." Tom Cook - Oregon State University (Turf Guru) - Seasonal adjustment to your irrigation system are essential.

Last but not least- be sure to consult or work with your local lawn or landscape professional- for more information on products and programs that best fit your lawn watering needs.

*For more information on using less water in maintaining your lawn areas- be sure to inquire about our Kevlar Turf Type Tall Fescue!

That concludes our 'Three Legged Stool' analogy for A Healthy Lawn. This information- along with starting out with a quality JB Instantlawn sod or seed products- should present you with a solid foundation and set you on the path to better understanding and enjoying your beautiful lawn!