Smart Ways to Conserve Water While Watering Grass in Summer

There are many easy ways to conserve water when watering grass in summer. These watering tips will help you save H₂O and money on your water bill this summer while still enjoying the benefits of a healthy, green lawn.

Why should I save water when watering my lawn?

Water is a finite resource that is essential to the environment. Using less water, especially during drought, is eco-friendly and contributes to sustainability. Plus, you’ll save money.

In some areas of the U.S., residential water use is restricted. Efficiently managing water use is one important way to support the local community.

How can I conserve water while caring for my lawn?

In the hot summer months, mow the grass higher than normal. This will help shade grass roots and soil from the sun so that moisture will evaporate slower.

Mowing on a higher setting will also promote healthy root growth, which helps your lawn take in more water from the soil.

Avoid over-fertilizing. Fertilizer encourages new growth, and more growth requires additional water.

Grow the right type of grass for your area and growing zone. Plant grass seed that is suited for your region.

A grass suited to your local climate will have water requirements that are in tune with your area’s growing conditions. It will be able to grow well and require less water.

For example, Kentucky bluegrass does best in northern zones while Zoysia grass prefers a warm, Southern location. As a rule, warm-season grasses require less water and withstand the heat better than cool-season grasses.

Grow a turfgrass lawn that has been tested and approved for drought tolerance. According to the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance, the below grass species are the most drought tolerant.

See the full list of drought-tolerant grasses for a lawn at TGWCA.org.

• Princess 77 – Bermuda grass, produced by Pennington.
• Healthland – Chewing Fescue, produced by TMI
• Xeric – Creeping Red Fescue, produced by Pure Seed
• Apollo H20 – Kentucky Bluegrass, produced by Proseeds
• Molalla – Perennial Ryegrass, produced by Vista Seed Partners

Plan a water regimen

Water requirements can vary widely from yard to yard. Your neighbor’s lawn may require more or less water than your own.

Also, the amount of water you use on your lawn depends on where you live and the weather patterns in your region.

As a rule, most lawns require an inch of water per week to remain healthy and thrive. This measurement also includes natural rainfall and any water supplies from lawn irrigation systems.

It’s best to water your lawn in the early a.m. in summer before the heat rises for the day. Watering early in the day gives the moisture time to saturate the soil before the sunlight can cause evaporation.

Set up a rain gauge on your lawn to keep track of your weekly rainfall, then supplement with water if needed.

To monitor the amount of water your sprinkler system provides:

1. Randomly place empty tuna cans on the lawn. Space them out a little.
2. Turn on the sprinkler and set a timer for 15 minutes.
3. After 15 minutes, check the water depth to determine how long it takes to apply 1 inch of water to your lawn.
4. Water close to the ground of the lawn. A high-arcing sprinkler will waste more water compared to a soaker hose.

For additional tips on watering your grass:

• Water your grass once a week, twice if the weather is extremely hot or dry. Watering deeply encourages root growth. Frequent, shallow watering leads to shallow root growth and less drought tolerance.
• Water the grass slowly to minimize runoff and puddles. If you see water runoff, stop watering. It’s a sign that the soil is saturated.
• Buy a sprinkler with an automatic timer, flow timer, or an automatic shutoff valve. You’ll ensure thorough watering and save money on your water bill.
• Adjust your lawn sprinkler to avoid spraying water on sidewalks, driveways, and hardscape surfaces.
• Buy a rain sensor. It will shut off your sprinkler system when it detects moisture.
• A mature lawn will usually become dormant and suffer no permanent damage. Once or twice a week, a light watering of a 1/2 inch of water should keep the grass from drying out.
• For particularly dry areas, set up a portable sprinkler at the location or adjust in-ground sprinklers so they reach the spot.
• For the most efficient watering at the root zone, use a drip irrigation system instead of a sprinkler. A drip irrigation system sends water to where it’s needed most within the lawn – grass crowns and roots.
• Inspect time sprinklers pre-season for broken lines, damaged sprinkler heads, and leaks. Check the spray pattern and spray reach to minimize wasted water.
• Add a wireless soil moisture sensor to your controller. It continuously monitors the moisture level in the lawn’s soil to prevent over-watering and eliminate guesswork.

In the event of water restrictions or drought:

Be sure to follow your city’s water regulations regarding lawn maintenance.

Ensure that your lawn survives drought conditions this summer by:

1. Adjust your watering schedule weekly.
2. Turn off your automated watering system and water by hand with a hose.
3. Gradually reducing moisture to allow turf grasses to acclimate to drier conditions.
4. Watering shady areas less. Save the water for hot, sunny areas.

Here are a few more factors to keep in mind:

• Do not mow during extreme heat or drought. A stressed lawn has a tough time recovering from a trim. Instead, mow immediately after rain or after water irrigation.
• In general, turf grasses grow best when kept moist but not constantly wet. If the roots are continually saturated, they may not receive enough oxygen. This can lead to disease and root rot.
• Aerate your lawn in spring or fall to retain water better. The small holes will allow more moisture to move into the soil, down to the root zone.
• Sharpen your mower blades at least twice per season. Dull blades can tear tender grass blades, and the turf will use approximately 50% more water to recover from the stress.
• Don’t rake up grass clippings after you mow. They will serve as a natural mulch, which slows evaporation.
• Water-wise lawn maintenance will help keep your lawn healthy and conserve a limited natural resource.

Did you know?  Grass blades that are well-hydrated spring back after being walked on. Blades that lack moisture will stay bent.

Now, you’re a pro at conserving water while watering your grass in the summer!