Did you walk outside and stroll through your grass, only for it to feel like you were walking on straw or stepping on a sponge? Both are examples of what can happen when a lawn is not watered properly. To prevent severe damage to your grass, make sure you know what signs to look for and what to do to keep your lawn healthy.
The Best Time to Water Your Lawn
Because of how hot it gets in Jacksonville, picking the right time to water your lawn is crucial. We recommend that you water your lawn at early morning hours. During this window, the sun isn’t as harsh, giving the water time to soak deeply into the soil. When it gets closer to the afternoon, the sun will evaporate any residual moisture that’s left on the grass blades. This is important in preventing fungal infections.
If you wait until the afternoon or closer to the evening to water your lawn, the water might not get enough time to reach the roots. The water that doesn’t evaporate will sit there overnight and potentially develop into fungal diseases.
Signs of Underwatering or Overwatering
You can tell how grass is doing by looking at it and walking around on it. Signs that your lawn is getting too much water include:
- Spongy feeling as you walk on it
- Yellowing
- Mushrooms or other fungi growing
- Developing layer of thatch
If your lawn is not getting enough water, you might notice the following:
- Signs of wilting or browning
- Slow growth
- Appears dull or lifeless
- Doesn’t spring back after being walked upon
Be sure to check your lawn on a regular basis, especially during extreme weather conditions. You can avoid serious damage if you follow watering best practices and adjust to changes in season and weather.
Regular Lawn Maintenance
Outside of deciding when to water, there are other things to look out for to keep your lawn healthy.
Aeration & Proper Drainage
It’s not enough to water a lawn, you must make sure the water is properly draining. Pooling water can suffocate roots and create the ideal environment for pests and diseases. Aeration can help improve drainage by allowing water to penetrate deep into the soil. Core aeration removes small plugs of soil, relieving compaction and promoting healthier root growth. Performing aeration once or twice a year can significantly improve your lawn’s drainage and overall health.
Mulching
Mulching is an excellent practice that helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, decomposes over time, adding nutrients to the soil. Applying a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds can reduce the frequency of watering needed.
Mulch acts as a protective barrier against evaporation, keeping the soil moist for longer periods. This is especially beneficial during hot, dry spells. Additionally, mulch helps prevent soil erosion and compaction, further promoting a healthy lawn.
Apply mulch in a thick layer but avoid piling it up against the bases of plants and trees. A 2- to 4-inch layer is generally sufficient for most landscapes.
Seasonal Watering Adjustments
Depending on the weather in Jacksonville or what season we’re in, you’ll need to adjust your lawn-watering schedule.
- Spring: The temperatures start to warm up and rain is infrequent, so you’ll want to stay on top of your watering schedule.
- Summer: The hottest part of the year, but also when it feels like there’s a storm every single afternoon. With long stretches of no rain, be sure to check your lawn frequently. When the rain starts to show up, you can cut back on watering.
- Fall: The heat can carry well into October in Jacksonville, so watering requirements can remain high. However, we also can receive tropical weather around this time.
- Winter: For the few days we have of winter, grass will go dormant or slow its growth. You won’t need to water much.
When to Call a Professional
Learning the signs of under and overwatering, and what to do when a problem arises will help you keep your lawn healthy. However, other issues could be causing your grass to die off. If you suspect that your lawn is suffering from a problem outside of watering, contact Royal Pest Services today. We’ll start with a free lawn analysis and help you get your lawn back!
