April 28, 2014

Lawn irrigation represents the largest expenditure of water at most residential properties. For this reason, it is crucial for any homeowner to understand properly efficient and effective lawn irrigation practices.

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1. Lawn Irrigation Water Volume Control for Optimal Yard Health

One of the principle considerations associated with yard irrigation is utilizing the proper volume of water. A common mistake is overwatering, applying too much water to a lawn too frequently. Overwatering in this manner results in a great deal of runoff and what can amount to a tremendous waste of water during the course of a season.

At the other end of the watering spectrum is frequent, albeit light, watering of a lawn. The only time that this type of watering regimen is appropriate is when a lawn has been freshly seeded. If a frequent, light watering course is followed, roots will not develop and grow as deeply into the soil as necessary to ensure a health lawn. This type of watering practice also results in more weeds which can end up infesting a yard.

The most appropriate method to utilize in regard to lawn irrigating is infrequent and yet deep watering. The amount of water utilized should be sufficient to water the entire root system. In other words, water should go down to the entire depth of the root system. Typically, the application of 1 inch of water is sufficient to accomplish this objective. Lawn irrigating should not occur again until the soil area has completely dried.

2. Preventing Damage Through Proper Timing of Lawn Irrigating

Selecting the proper time of day for irrigating a lawn is another crucial element in a proper watering regimen. Generally speaking, the ideal time to irrigate a yard is between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m. This is the best time for lawn irrigating because the sun is lower in the sky. In addition, temperatures are lower. Finally, winds are generally not significant at this time of day.

3. Avoiding a Patchy Look with Uniform Lawn Irrigation

Another factor to keep in mind when it comes to effectively irrigating a lawn is to ensure that water is applied in a uniform manner across the entire expanse of grass. If this does not occur, a lawn will be uneven in its appearance.

The reality is that it is easier said than done to ensure that uniform irrigating of a lawn occurs on a consistent basis. Achieving this objective requires a person to be attentive to the lawn watering process. In other words, a person cannot simply activate a sprinkler system and ignore how it is working.

4. Explore Different Lawn Irrigating Strategies for Optimal Results

Most people immediately assume that the best way to water a lawn is through some sort of sprinkler system or device. In most cases, for most areas covered in grass, this is the ideal choice to follow. However, in some cases, a drip irrigation system proves to be the most effective alternative for at least some portions of the landscape. In some cases, a person may want to consider combining sprinkler and drip watering systems for optimal results.