When it comes to watering the lawn, many people are unsure of how long they should water for, or when the appropriate time to water is. However, these things make a huge difference in your lawn’s health and growth, so it’s important to pay attention to your watering schedule and stick to one that helps your grass flourish.
The season, weather, type of soil and type of sprinkler system you have might alter how long you need to water your lawn. If you have questions or want more information about using your sprinkler system to grow a beautiful lawn, contact sprinkler contractors in Burlington County, NJ.
How long to water your lawn
Don’t let your sprinklers run for hours on end in the same spot. You’ll drown your grass, and also waste water and money. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, set the timer to turn on and off after the desired length of time. Irrigation timers can also help control watering time.
In general, you should water your lawn for about 30 to 35 minutes, two to three times per week in the summer. Watering for 30 minutes should completely soak your entire lawn, giving it about 1 inch of water. If it’s really hot outside, water a little longer and aim for 2 inches of water. During rainier seasons, you won’t need to water for as long or as often.
The main goal of watering your lawn is to let water seep about 6 inches into the soil, where the roots are. You may have to take a shovel and lift up the sod after about 15 minutes during the first watering to see how far the water goes down. Each lawn is different, so you should get to know how fast water seeps into the ground and use that time as a benchmark for how long you’ll need to water for.
For example, clay soil needs shorter but more repeated watering because it doesn’t absorb as easily, while sandy soil requires more frequent, longer watering. Ask your sprinkler contractors in Burlington County, NJ about your soil type and the best watering procedures for it.
When to water your lawn
The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, between 2 and 6 a.m. During this time, the lawn can fully absorb water to the roots and be dry by sunset. Watering at night puts wet grass at risk for fungus growth, so avoid watering after 4 p.m.
You should also avoid watering when the sun is out and bright, because water will evaporate, making your watering less effective and leaving your lawn with less water. Diseases are most prominent when the weather is hot and humid, so avoid watering on extremely hot days.
Contact the sprinkler system experts
For more information about your sprinkler system in Burlington County, NJ, call Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. Our expert sprinkler contractors have over 35 years of experience providing sprinkler system installation, repair and maintenance. Call us today for a free estimate!