If you live in an especially dry region of Texas, Bermuda grass is a solid choice. Less and sometimes no water during Winter, once and sometimes twice a week during Fall or Spring, and 2 to 3 times per week during Summer for most lawns in most yards, and on lawns which have not been trained to be naturally drought tolerant. What time should you water your lawn, if and when you do? Neither of these scenarios is ideal. Should we water our lawn in winter? How much sod do you need for your project, Sod Installation Tips and Information Soil  Know your foundation Understanding the acidity of your soil can help you to decide which type of sod you want to use and if you need to do any additional prep work before laying … Continued. When you set your sprinklers to run early in the day, you minimize evaporation, since the sun isn’t at full strength yet. There are a number of ways to do this, but Texas A&M will test your soil for no charge if you send in a sample. In this blog we are going to give you some tips so that you’ll know how often you should sprinkle your grass with some much needed H2O. it delivers … Fill out the “Home Owner Calculator” that pops up. Houston: 281-750-5499. It’s important not to miss those allowed watering days, which could result in the grass drying out. The sod installation process includes many stages that support healthy growth and and help avoid future issues. The grass is dormant, but the roots are growing slightly. Carefully time afternoon watering so grass blades don’t remain moist overnight, which minimizes the threat of fungal diseases. The water can soak down into the soil, and your plants can drink their fill. Bermudagrass should be between three-quarters of an inch and one and a half inches. As we said, if you are anxious about watering your lawn in North Texas, you can calm your fears. Order in advance, and have your grass available for pick up at our partner location with The Grass Outlet at 10624 Fm 620, Austin TX 78726. In hot, dry weather, water shrubs and flowers daily. Watering infrequently and deeply is the key to a healthy Texas lawn. Your yard’s grass type can also affect how much water is necessary for your lawn. Heavy clay soil holds water much longer than sandy soil. In other words, it’s a waste of water and money, and your lawn and plants aren’t benefiting as much as they should. Before determining how often to water a lawn, it is important to learn how long it takes for the water to soak the soil in the root zone of your grass. As we all know, the official start to summer is in late June. Luckily, this is about how often grass needs water. That means your plants will get wet and stay wet. If you want the most accurate answer for how long you should be setting your sprinklers to run, you can follow these steps: Let’s say you have a lawn that receives full sun, has St. Augustine grass and got very little rainfall in the last week. The local lawn companies I have spoke with around my area (North Central Texas) recommend about 20-30 minutes per watering cycle twice a week. When you do water, remember that it is pointless to water the leaves of a plant. No waste! If you’re unsure how long it takes to reach an inch of water, you can put a cup or can in your yard with an inch high marker and then time how long it takes to fill. -Water once a week in fall. Ideally, you want the soil to be moist at least six inches down, and up to 12. This isn’t the best thing for your yard if you want to keep it healthy. But you should be able to stick to weekly, Insect and bug pests can absolutely destroy your lawn and plants if you’re not careful. Each grass variety has different tolerances for heat and water, so these guidelines are good to keep in mind. However, if your soil is porous and sandy, your lawn will probably need more water. Zoysia: Another drought-resistant grass, Zoysia can also survive without excessive watering. The main overall rule is to never clip off more than a third of the length of your grass. Our experts can help with mowing, landscaping and tree care so that you can spend more time enjoying your beautiful landscape. Your city or neighborhood may have predetermined watering schedules in place for summer, so be mindful of those as well as you take care of your lawn. Instead, focus on the root zone and only the root zone. We know we need to water grass during those blazing summer months. Save these watering guidelines as a handy reference during the hot, dry days of summer: For best results, water your lawn thoroughly three times a week if you do not get significant rainfall. If you want to keep your grass and plants green and lush, watch closely for signs of various lawn bugs and take the appropriate measures to control them before they take over. The more frequently you cut your grass, the more stress you put on it. That doesn’t seem like a great tradeoff, does it? Try to stay diligent to the one inch per week of water guideline. Fescue lawns require more summer irrigation than warm-season turfgrass and should only be planted in areas averaging more than 35 inches of rainfall per year. Different types of grasses and soils will do better with different types of fertilizer mixes. After watering for about 30 minutes, compare the level of water in each of the cups. Here’s the short, frustrating answer: You can determine what kind of soil you have in your lawn by doing a test. So, if you water twice a week, that would be 21.5 minutes each time (the tool rounds up). You water it EARLY in the morning. Want a ballpark figure, just to get an idea? Our pros know all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your lawn and plants stay green and lush all year long—even through our hot, humid summers. Morning, around 6 to 8 a.m., is the best time to water. If irrigation water is running off site, stop … Select the station that’s closest to you on. The root zone for bluegrass is 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm) underneath the top soil. So, is that all you need to do to ensure your grass stays green all summer long? Austin: Buffalo: This type of grass is very tolerant of droughts, but it will start to brown later in the summer if it isn’t adequately watered. So, if you water twice a week, that would be 21.5 minutes each time (the tool rounds up). Just make sure you’re not removing and tossing clippings and leaves. You water your lawn when … This should be enough so that your lawn gets a solid six inches of watering per cycle. Soil Type Factor. 512-467-8902 That’s less time spent out in the hot sun, so that’s a win-win! Put some small cans out on your lawn in each watering zone. Even during the hottest part of the year, most lawns do not need to be watered every day. Then my plants get all the water. In general, automatic irrigation systems disperse water at a much quicker rate than hose-end sprinklers. You can test how far down the moisture extends with a spade or a soil moisture sensor. If you’re unsure how long it takes to reach an inch of water, you can put a cup or can in your yard with an inch high marker and then time how long it takes to fill. It requires a lot of water to stay healthy, which can present a problem if you are in an area with restricted water access. There are a few common mistakes homeowners unknowingly make that hurt rather than help their landscape. Some water is a good thing to do to ensure a healthy return in spring. -Water every 3-4 days in summer. Instead, Homeowners in Texas have been trusting the, at ABC Home & Commercial for generations. One thing to keep in mind is that depending on the type of soil you have, it can take a fairly long time for the water to penetrate as deeply as it needs to—hours, in some cases. If your grass is long and lush, you can try deep soaking. Zoysiagrass is best between three-quarters of an inch and two inches. Maybe you have been inconsistent in your watering from year to year, and it’s just not working. ralph says: September 18, 2009 at 3:49 am. Multiply that number by four to determine the hourly precipitation rate. Cooler regions with higher rainfall will obviously not need as much lawn … If you start watering your lawn at night, there’s absolutely no evaporation. Soil depth and type plays a roll in water percolation rate. The general goal should be to soak the soil in your lawn somewhere between four and six inches deep each time. In fact, many residents even plan their landscape around using the best grass for Texas heat, so they can maintain a beautiful lawn. i have an automatic underground sprinkler system that comes on twice a day for 3 minutes each time. Please contact our office to check availability of delivering to this location or try again to be sure you entered the zip code correctly. Applying water too rapidly causes runoff, as grass can … In hot, dry weather, water shrubs and flowers daily. Insect and bug pests can absolutely destroy your lawn and plants if you’re not careful. Instead water about two times per week for longer periods of time. Now that you know how long you should water your lawn and plants, it’s time for a question that is almost as important: what time of the day should you start watering? Realistically, you only need to water your lawn once or twice a week, or even less. The truth is, homeowners in Texas and other southern states know that temperatures can start inching up in April or May, depending on the year. This allows the water to penetrate deep into the sub-soil and root zone of the grass, six inches deep. Design & Marketing by Fahrenheit Marketing. The more shallow your grass roots are, the less hearty it will be in hot weather. So, we spent a lot of time talking about how and when to water your lawn, but what about your plants? San Antonio: 210-331-6560 Because of this, many people wonder when and how to adjust their lawn watering schedule to ensure that grass and plants survive our dry and hot summer months. You have selected a Blackout Date. Obviously, you need to mow if the lawn is growing quickly. Water only once a week, but leave the sprinklers on for a long time to let the water really soak down? Bermuda grass requires approximately 1 – 1.25 inches of water per week to stay healthy during the summertime months. Some people remove their grass clippings because it makes the lawn look “cleaner”. When you do water, remember that it is pointless to water the leaves of a plant. Texas. Your goal when watering, either manually or with an irrigation system, is to maintain a beautiful lawn while conserving water. Home » Grass Tips » Blog » Summer Watering Guidelines for Texas Lawns. This technique helps plants grow longer, tougher roots that will allow them to access water throughout the summer even as temperatures rise. Watering Bermuda Grass in Texas. Now, an even more important question: what does that mean in terms of how long and how often you should water? Once the sun really starts blazing by mid-morning, it will dry up any water left on your lawn. It’s a “given” for most of us. Watering deeply and establishing a healthy root system will make your lawn and plants stronger and more resilient. What should you do? Proper watering is absolutely needed to have a green, healthy lawn, but it’s just part of the equation. Usually rainfall is enough to see us through. Typically, the average Texas lawn only needs about an inch of water per week, even in the hottest summers. It’s best to water less often with more water to encourage a deep root system. How much water is necessary with an sprinkler system to keep a nice lawn during summer heat? Loam soil has character-istics in between those of clay and sand. Obviously, you need to mow if the lawn is growing quickly. Call us at 281-431-7441 for the best quality St. Augustine grass sod available in the Houston area. If you have a summer thunderstorm or an extended period with no rain, you may need to adjust your watering time. Frequently, areas within close proximity to the sprinkler receive less water than areas several yards away. Perhaps you have a water-logged yard or find yourself dealing with yellowish-brown patches. Our pros know all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your lawn and plants stay green and lush all year long, Our experts can help with mowing, landscaping and tree care. In the winter, Bermuda-grass lawns … Proudly serving Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston. Why is taller grass better? Then after the tuna can is full to an inch, move it to another zone and water that the same way. Lawns in new housing developments where the topsoil was removed often have soil so hard water can't sink in. Austin, TX city restrictions on water usage often limit watering use to about two days a week. You may be tempted to stop watering the lawn in fall, but don’t get stingy with the water … Summer Watering Guidelines for Texas Lawns, The Grass Outlet at 10624 Fm 620, Austin TX 78726. Specific types of grass do better at different heights. During the heat of the Summer, it can be tempting to water your grass everyday. However, since Buffalo grass is native to Texas, it is rather resilient and can survive through the dry summers. Watering the grass every single day for 15 minutes. It will often stay lush even in the shade, staying true to its soft and luxurious texture. Caring for your Texas lawn in the summer can be tricky, but it need not feel impossible. Watering first thing also ensures that your plants won’t just be sitting there wet for hours at a time. Unfortunately, there is a problem with that strategy. The morning and late afternoon are the best times to water your lawn but remember to adjust your watering schedule to … Or maybe your grass looks fine, but you want to know how long to water grass or the best time of day to water grass to help save water. This turns the lawn into a shallow-rooted water junkie that demands a water fix every day just to soldier on. Start with shorter times and add additional time if large areas of damaged or dried-out grass appear. Do you water a little bit every day? Most lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week—either from rain or watering—to soak the soil that deeply. Experts recommend 1 inch of water a week for peak growth periods. St. Augustine, when to water grass, St augustine, zoysa, Bermuda, Fertilization, Lawn Care Spring Tips, professionals in Austin, Texas, Fertilizer for Austin Grass, Grass Fungal Problems, Austin weed control, Austins finest locally owned Lawn Care company. Typically, the average Texas lawn only needs about an inch of water per week, even in the hottest summers. Thus, St. Augustine lawns in East Texas may require 4 to 5 pounds of nitrogen compared to 2 to 3 pounds in Southwest Texas. Again, this watering time will differ based on your area, grass type, soil and so on. What factors dictate your summer water requirements? The following Texas lawn care tips can help you keep your grass in good shape all summer long. Your lawn and plants need them, and your city would prefer to keep these items out of a landfill! When watering an established lawn, it’s typically recommended to water until the top 6 to 8 inches of soil (where most turfgrass roots grow) is wet. Buy a regular oscilating sprinkler. The following are extremely general guidelines for watering your lawn through the different seasons: -Water once a week in spring. Many homeowners aren’t exactly sure how much water is necessary to keep plants thriving during the summer. In fact, if the water doesn’t evaporate quickly, you put your plant at risk for disease. Maybe you think, I’ll beat the sun by watering at night. Summer - 1.0 inch water every 4-7 days 120 80 60 50 40 30 25 20 15 Fall - 0.75 inch water every 5-8 days 90 60 45 38 30 23 18 15 12 Note: Adjustments to the chart above for local conditions and soils may be necessary to meet your specific lawn and landscaping water needs. Landscapes Austin, Although St. Augustine grass requires approximately 1 inch of water each week during the growing season, the watering frequency also depends on the type of soil in your yard. If you feel this is a mistake, please select a new date. You want to do water in the early morning for all of the reasons we discussed above. If you want to keep your grass and plants green and lush, watch closely for signs of various, One thing to keep in mind is that depending on the type of soil you have, it can take a fairly long time for the water to penetrate as deeply as it needs to. Many homeowners aren’t exactly sure how much water is necessary to keep plants thriving during the summer. Hit “Calculate” and you will be given the total run time and the run time per irrigation station, depending on how many times per week you plan to run your sprinklers. Then, you may wonder when exactly to set your sprinklers. You may discover that there is more water in some of the cups than in others. It can grow and thrive even with very little watering. By sticking to a regular watering schedule that fits your lawn’s needs, you can keep your grass healthy, lush, and green all through the hot season. Learn about the steps needed to take your lawn to the next level. © Copyright 2020 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587. Remember, these are guidelines. Another tip: water your lawn earlier in the morning or later in the evening, when the sun is weakest. Most lawns need somewhere between three-quarters to one and a half inches each week to stay green and healthy. ), watering depends on many factors. Keeping your grass properly nourished and watered is essential to helping it stay green well into autumn. St. Augustine prefers to be somewhere between two and four inches high. You can now calculate that it would take approximately 30 minutes, or 1 inch of water to penetrate to a depth of 6 inches. 10624 RR 620, Bermuda: Bermuda grass is great in the sun and is very resistant to drought. For Step 3, use the hourly precipitation rate you measured using your cans. If it isn't, water your lawn with a regular rotating lawn sprinkler til the tuna can is full to an inch. There are differences, and they largely depend upon the type of plant you’re growing. If this is the case, there’s no need to water right then. Of course, if there has been significant rainfall recently, you do not need to re-water. How Much Water to Use. Morning, around 2 to 8 a.m., is the best time to water. By watering only once every three days, you promote deeper root growth and that makes your lawn more water efficient. The best way to gauge if a plant is thirsty is to check the soil near the plant in question. Homeowners in Texas have been trusting the lawn care experts at ABC Home & Commercial for generations. Many homeowners get nervous when summer rolls around in central Texas because they know the extreme humidity and dry heat can be fatal to their lawns. © 2020 The Grass Outlet. This will prevent the water from instantly evaporating and going to waste. Run your sprinklers in each zone for 15 minutes. The zip code you entered did not match any of our delivery areas. Let ABC take care of your yard, so you and the butterflies can simply relax and enjoy the view! This allows moisture to penetrate all the way down to the end of the roots and encourages the roots to dig down deep in their search for water. Luckily, there is a “best of both worlds” solution: water in the early morning. Why? Don’t Drown Your Lawn. St. Augustine: This is a common choice for yards, but is rather vulnerable to lawn diseases and pests that Texas summers can bring. Sloped yards may need this amount applied in two time periods, an hour or so apart, in order to slow down run-off on the slope. It takes only an inch of water to make your grass happy, and watering seldom but deeply. Using the weather evapotranspiration data in the online tool, you would need to run your sprinklers for a total of 41 minutes each week. Measure the water depth for each zone by checking the amount of water in the cans. If the ground is sandy, a half inch of water needs to be applied once every third day to keep grass growing as it should. Hi, im in dubai and have 10,000 sqft of Bermuda grass in my to water. Watering Zoysia Grass in … Lawns in areas subject to high rainfall require more total pounds of nitrogen per year (the higher numbers in the above table) than lawns grown under dry conditions (the lower numbers in the table). This is not only impractical, but it is also inefficient. Here’s the short, frustrating answer: it depends. -Water only as needed in winter. If it doesn’t rain (or snow! Dallas/FW: 214-796-4045 A few variables are your soil type, grass type and how much shade your lawn gets. In fact, if the water doesn’t evaporate quickly, you put your plant at risk for disease. Our grass comes direct from our family farm in Bay City. When you water matters because heat will cause moisture to evaporate. You are really better off not watering daily. About 15.00 for a good one. If you water during the day, when the Texas sun is beating down like a giant oven in the sky, a decent portion of that water isn’t going to get to the plants. Instead of watering shallowly every day for 15 minutes, water deeply once a week for an hour or so (or how ever long it takes to apply an inch of water). Please enter the zip code where your grass will be delivered. Your clippings will break down and provide nutrients for the soil and plants. The Grass Outlet delivers to Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston and San Antonio metro areas. You can determine what kind of soil you have in your lawn by doing a test. If this happens, your plants are more susceptible to all kinds of diseases. There are a number of ways to do this, but Texas A&M will. 78726 In this video, Houston Grass Owner Michael Romine talks about how much water St. Augustine grass needs — both newly laid sod and established grass. , the more shallow your grass stays green all summer long keeping your grass is native to Texas Bermuda... It doesn ’ t evaporate quickly, you need to water in each watering zone off site stop. Should be to soak the soil in your watering time will differ based on a system tested the., at ABC Home & Commercial Services all how often to water grass in texas summer Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | |... Realistically, you may need to do to ensure a healthy Texas lawn only needs about an.! Spent out in the hot sun, so these guidelines are good to keep items. 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Our office to check the soil near the plant in question and and help avoid future issues well into.. Make your lawn gets a solid six inches deep each time depend upon the type of plant you re! Shade or clay soil don ’ t exactly sure how much water is to... Put some small cans out on your lawn in each watering zone grass roots are, the more frequently cut... Just not working make sure you entered the zip code you entered zip!, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587 and inches. For both plants and lawns: the time of day to water your location lawns, the grass Outlet to. Of a plant watering altogether because you had a rainy spring and your plants will get wet stay.