The temperatures are heating up. Here are some tips for watering your lawn:

No two lawns are exactly the same. Let grass species and health, soil conditions and weather dictate watering practices—not the duration of time between water applications. You may need to apply more water to a mature landscape because tree and shrub roots compete for the same water. Remember that turf in a shady part of the yard needs less water than the same turf in a sunny windy area.

When you irrigate, water early or late in the day. The concept is to get water to the root zone without wasting the resource. If the soil is mainly clay, apply 1-1 ½ inches of water to moisten the root zone to a six-inch depth. A sandy soil can be moistened to a depth of six inches by as little as ½ of water. It is important to know not only how deep turf roots grow, but also how deep your irrigation water penetrates.

With most soils, do not apply all the water in a short period of time. If applied too quickly, water often runs off thatchy turf, sloped areas or from turf growing on heavy clay or compacted soils. In these cases, it is more effective to apply only a portion of the water and move the sprinkler or switch to another zone to water a different section of the lawn. This allows water to soak into the soil rather than run off. An hour or so later, apply the rest of the water.

Proper watering can promote healthier lawns and deeper rooted turf. A healthier lawn means it will be less susceptible to disease, insects and drought.

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

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This page updated:  August 7, 2008