Water Measurement

Measure How Much Water is Applied

1. It is critical to measure how much water is applied each time you water. Without measuring water applications, your watering efforts are just a guess.
2. Measure overhead irrigation by placing containers with a flat bottom, and straight up and down sides around the watering area to measure how much water is applied. Tuna cans, frisbees, kitchen tupperware, or kitchen pots all work well for this purpose.
3. Measure soil moisture depth with a trowel, soil probe, screw driver, or rod. These items will easily press into the soil until they reach the dry zone – measure how deep you are able to easily insert your probe.
4. How much water do lawns require:
   1. Cool season turfgrasses, such as Tall Fescue, require between 1 inch to 1.5 inch of water per week in the summer to maintain growth, and less in the spring and fall.
   2. Warm season turfgrasses, such as Buffalograss, Bermuda, or Zoysia, require a 6-8 in deep soak once every 2 weeks.
   3. Once dormant, turfgrass only requires ¼ inch of water per week to remain alive.
5. How much water do trees & shrubs require:

• • • Established trees and shrubs require a 12” deep watering once every 3-4 weeks
    • Newly planted trees and shrubs (less than 5 year old and with a trunk diameter of less than 2 inches) require approximately 10 gallons of water per week

 

Measure How Much Water is Applied Resources

• Watering Established Trees and Shrubs
• Watering Newly Planted and Young Trees and Shrubs
• Watering Your Lawn