Lawn Watering Tips

Lawn Watering Tips

1. Increase turfgrass mowing height to increase drought tolerance of lawns.
2. Slow the flow when applying water, do not apply water faster than the soil can absorb it in order to reduce runoff. Heavy clay soils can usually absorb only up to ¼” of water per soil per hour, so cycle irrigation run times through an area (instead of running one 20 minute cycle, run two 10 minute cycles, with time in-between for water to be absorbed).
3. Reduce fertilizer use, as the more fertilizer applied, the more water is required to sustain the excess growth caused by fertilization.
4. Allow lawns to enter dormancy during drought. This will help to conserve water, as only ¼ inch of water is required per week to keep dormant lawns alive.
5. Invest in irrigation technology, such as rain sensors, smart clocks, drip irrigation, pressure regulated irrigation parts, etc., to help apply irrigation water more effectively and conserve water. Check if local rebate programs are available for water conservation purchases.

 

Lawn Watering Resources

Here are a few of our best K-State publications to help with water conservation in the landscape:

• Maintaining Good Lawns with Less Water
• Watering Your Lawn
• Watering Established Lawns
• Watering New Lawns
• Turfgrass Selection
• Tall Fescue Lawns
• Bermudagrass Lawn
• Buffalograss Lawns
• Zoysia Lawns
• Benefits of Healthy Turfgrass