Summer season can be a challenging time for homeowners and landscapers alike when it comes to maintaining lush, green lawns. Providing the right amount of water remains an ongoing quest for most. But in the heat of the summer, exactly how much should you water your lawn? This post will guide you through ideal watering practices for different types of sod during the summer season.
Understanding the Basics of Lawn Watering
While watering may seem like a straightforward task, several variables come into play. Things such as the type of grass, weather conditions, soil composition, and even the time of day can impact how much water your sod needs. Learning to recognize the signs that your sod is getting either too much or too little water is crucial.
Before diving deeper into the specifics, remember that new sod requirements vary from established turf. Newly-sodded lawns need particular attention, as they have shallower roots and therefore need more frequent watering until established.
Now let’s get into how much you should water specific types of grass.
Bermuda Tifway 419
Renowned for its ability to withstand high foot traffic and intense heat, Bermuda Tifway 419 proves a popular choice for many homeowners and sports centers. It thrives when it receives between 1 to 1.25 inches of water every week. In the summer months, you can divide this watering routine into two or three sessions a week.
Empire Zoysia
Empire Zoysia is a durable turfgrass, offering a brilliant dark green shade. It requires around 1 inch a week ideally split into two sessions. Be careful to beware of overwatering – doing so may lead to a shallow root system, making your grass susceptible to drought and diseases.
Geo Zoysia
The Geo Zoysia is known for its resistance to shadows, and it maintains its color remarkably well during autumn. Similar to Empire Zoysia, Geo Zoysia also benefits from watering two times per week, providing about 1 inch of water in total.
Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass
This type of grass was engineered specifically for superior heat and drought tolerance. Even during the height of summer, Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass only requires around 1 inch of water divided into two applications throughout the week. It’s essential to watch out for signs of heat stress in warm season lawns – once you see the blades rolling or folding, it’s time to water your turf.
Additional Tips for Summer Watering
Regardless of the grass type, following the ‘Deep and Infrequent’ watering principle encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Also, watering in the early morning hours allows the water to seep into the ground before the heat of the day causes evaporation. Lastly, consider investing in a smart irrigation system. This will ensure your lawn receives the right amount of water at the right time, saving you effort and potentially leading to lower water bills.
Remember, watering is a critical element of lawn care, but the intricacies of watering can sometimes be complex. If you need help evaluating the correct grass type for your needs or to guide you on how to care for your sod properly, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
