It’s summer. Temps are rising and so are grass issues. Keep your Long Island lawn healthy and strong with these hot weather watering tips.
When to water
- Water in the early morning, before 10 a.m. If you water in the middle of the day, the temperatures are higher which will cause a lot of the water to evaporate before soaking deep into the soil.
- If you can’t water in the morning, water between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Avoid watering in the evening. The cooler temperatures may cause your grass to remain wet overnight, which can put your grass at risk for fungus and disease growth.
How much
- According to Green Turf Professional Lawn Care in Coram, your lawn may require “as much as 1 ½” water per week” during dry periods. They recommend watering until the first four to six inches of the soil is damp. To test your soil, many lawn care experts suggest using the “screwdriver” method. After watering, insert a screwdriver into the soil. If your grass is watered enough, the screwdriver will penetrate easily.
- Tuna cans can measure how much you've watered. Place empty tuna cans around your yard when watering. A full can of water means your lawn is thoroughly watered.
- Deep watering once or twice a week is better than shallow watering daily. Shallow watering can lead to a shallow root system which puts stress on the grass.
Also…
Don’t cut your grass too short. Grass that is too short (less than 2.5 inches) weakens the grass and makes it more susceptible to stress. Longer grass means that your grass has more substantial blades and stronger, deeper roots. These will help your grass better withstand heat and insects.
A healthy lawn is a beautiful complement to your home’s exterior. These tips can help keep your lawn looking lush and lovely all season long.