Lawn Watering Guide for Colorado Homeowners
Taking care of your lawn in Colorado can be tricky, but with the right watering tips and schedule, you can have a healthy and green lawn. Colorado Springs homeowners often wonder about the best time to water grass, and how much to water while being mindful of water use. Integrated Lawn Care has some expert watering tips to help keep your lawn in great shape year-round.
The Best Time to Water Grass in Colorado
When you water your grass is just as important as how much you water the grass. The best time to water your grass is in the early morning, around 6 AM to 10 AM. Watering in the early morning reduces evaporation and allows the grass to absorb water before the heat of the day. Avoid watering in the evening because it can promote fungal diseases due to leaving moisture on the grass blades overnight. Morning watering is the most efficient way to ensure water can reach the root systems. That’s great for your lawn’s health and that’s the best news for your water bill, too!
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
Different types of grass need different amounts of water. For example, Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass are cool-season grasses that require more water, while Bermuda and tall fescue are more drought-tolerant and can get by with less water.
Most lawns need about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. Based on our seasonal lawn watering schedule, we recommend watering 1-2 times a week for a total of 1 inch of water during spring. When summer starts in Colorado, bump that up to 1.5 inches of water weekly, watering heavily in each section twice a week.
Signs Your Lawn Isn’t Getting Enough Water
Underwatering is just as detrimental as overwatering. You can test if your lawn has dry soil by sticking a screwdriver in the grass. If it goes in easily, you’re in good shape. If it takes some pressure, you probably have compacted, dry soil conditions. Dry grass will also look wilted or discolored, especially during dry summer months. “Footprinting” is also a telling sign of underwatering. If you see your footprints in the grass after walking on it, the lawn is a bit thirsty!
Tips for Efficient Lawn Watering
Saving water is a big focus for many Colorado homeowners and you may find yourself dealing with watering restrictions during summer. That’s why it’s important to be efficient when watering your Colorado lawn. The Cycle and Soak method and sprinkler system check-ins can be game-changers and money-savers!
What is Cycle & Soak?
The cycle and soak method is a great way to limit water waste while making sure your lawn stays hydrated. Instead of watering one area of the lawn for a solid 45 minutes, try breaking it up into 3 different sessions for 15 minutes. Taking breaks in between watering will allow the soil to soak up the water and prevent runoff. If you notice water running off your lawn or forming puddles, it means you’re applying water too quickly. Adjust your sprinkler to a lower setting to prevent this water waste.
- Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can lead to shallow roots, making your lawn less drought-tolerant. Water the lawn enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Deep Watering: Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deeper roots. This helps the grass withstand dry periods better.
- Test Your Sprinkler System: A well-maintained irrigation system can help deliver the right amount of water efficiently. Placing small containers or cans in sections of your lawn can help you measure the output of your sprinklers. This is commonly referred to as the “Tuna Can Method”. Tuna cans or cat food cans work perfectly to measure how long it takes to collect one inch of water. Rain gauges are a great tool as well if you have one.
- Soil Type Matters: Sandy soils drain quickly and may need more frequent watering, while clay soil retains water longer but can lead to runoff if watered too fast. Colorado lawns may have sandy or clay soils, or sometimes a mixture of both. That’s why Cycle & Soak is a great tool.
Maintaining a Happy, Healthy Lawn in Colorado Springs
For homeowners looking for professional help with lawn care in Colorado Springs, Integrated Lawn Care is the team to call! We know Colorado lawns and what they need to thrive in our local weather conditions. Since 2001, we’ve provided lawn care services in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Palmer Lake, Peyton, Security-Widefield, Falcon, Black Forest, and surrounding areas. Our services are designed for Colorado grasses and tailored to maintain a healthy lawn every season. We offer weed control and fertilization, organic lawn care, tree and shrub care, rock bed weed control, bark beetle control, and more. Contact us today for a free quote!