A well -kept lawn is a showcase of any garden, but improper irrigation can do more damage than good. Excess water promotes the development of fungal diseases such as mold, and weakens the root system, which becomes less resistant to stress. Therefore Before you reach for the hose or turn on the sprinkles, check the soil moisture. Slide your finger to a depth of 5-10 cm – if the soil is moist, the watering is unnecessary. It is also worth investing in a simple humidity meter that will help assess the condition of the soil.
Automatic irrigation systems are a convenient solution, but without proper supervision they can do more harm than good. They often provide too little water in short cycles, and this unfortunately leads to shallow rooting of grass. Such turf is less resistant to drought and more susceptible to damage. Instead of relying on the “Turn and forget” mode, adjust the sprinkler schedule to current weather conditions. Water the lawn less often, but abundantly – preferably 2-3 cm of water once a week, depending on the type of soil. This encourages roots to deeper growth and increases the lawn resistance to drought and high temperatures.
High temperatures and long -lasting lack of rainfall can put the lawn into a state of dormitory, i.e. natural rest. At this time, the grass yellow and limits the growth to survive the difficult period. Sleeping lawns can survive up to 3-4 weeks without intensive watering. Too frequent hydration during this period can force the grass to grow unnecessary, weakening its regeneration ability. Instead of fighting nature, limit watering to a minimum-just deliver 1-2 cm of water every 3-4 weeks to keep the roots alive. When the weather conditions improve, the lawn naturally regains the green color and vitality.
When the thermometer indicates above 30 ° C, watering the lawn in the middle of the day can do more damage than benefits. The water splashed into the blades of grass in the scorching sun evaporates quickly, creating a “greenhouse” effect. Moisture imprisoned on the leaves promotes the development of fungal diseases such as mold or rust, which weaken the turf. In addition, fast evaporation means that the water does not reach the roots, which makes watering inefficient.
Experts from Lawn Doctor They recommend watering early in the morning, preferably between 5:00 and 09:00, when the temperatures are lower and minimal soil evaporation. Alternatively, you can water it in the evening, but make sure that the grass will dry before night to avoid moisture conducive to mushrooms. In this way, the water will deeply penetrate the soil, strengthening the root system.
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High temperatures, especially above 32 ° C, are also a bad time for mowing. Then we weaken the lawn, exposing it to thermal stress. Cutting in such conditions can lead to damage to the blades and drying of the lawn. In hot weather, increase the mowing height to 8-10 cm. Longer blades form a natural cover that protects the soil against excessive evaporation and provides roots with better protection against high temperatures. Plan mowing for cooler time of day – early morning or late evening – to minimize grass stress.
During prolonged heat, the lawn needs special care. Instead of frequent, shallow watering, put on rarer but abundant irrigation. It’s best to water the lawn the day before the expected heat wave, providing 2-3 cm of water. Then we will strengthen the grass resistance to high temperatures and prevent yellow spots. Deep irrigation supports the development of stronger roots that cope with drought better.
There is no universal recipe, but the adjustment of irrigation to weather conditions and grass type is the foundation of a healthy turf.
- Temperature below 16 ° C: Just water 1-2 times a week, providing about 2-3 cm of water for a session.
- 18-26°C: increase the frequency to 2-3 times a week, taking care of deep soil hydration.
- Above 30 ° C: On hot days, the lawn may require 3-4 watering sessions a week, but avoid watering daily. Deep irrigation (approx. 2.5 cm of water per session) promotes the development of strong roots that cope with drought better.
What about yellow plates on the grass in extreme heat? Enthusiasts from the R/Lawncare forum at Reddit suggest that at temperatures above 29 ° C short, 5-minute watering in the middle of the day can temporarily cool the lawn, preventing thermal stress. However, this is an ad hoc solution – regular irrigation should take place in the morning or evening.
