While it still may not technically be that close to summer around the great state of Utah, warm temperatures will roll around before you know it. This will mean a few important priorities within landscaping and yard care, and watering your grass is a top example.
At Aeroscape, we’re here to provide the best landscape contractor services around Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy and nearby areas, with professionals who offer a huge range of landscape design and landscape maintenance services, including lawn care assistance. As the temperatures heat up, here’s a guide on the best time to water grass in hot weather, plus some other general tips on watering frequency and other watering approaches to ensure an excellent lawn without overusing your water supply.
The specific time of day when you water is quite important during the hottest parts of the year, particularly in Utah where temperatures often get over 100 degrees and conditions are very dry. For instance, if you water your grass in the middle of the afternoon on a hot day, you’re more likely to see the water evaporate before it can properly soak into the soil and reach the roots of your grass.
Instead, try watering in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Most prefer the morning period, as it allows the water to soak fully into the soil – and then dry throughout the rest of the day. Because wind tends to be calmer during the day period, the water will land evenly and directly on your lawn, instead of being blown away from it. This also gives enough time for the grass to dry out before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal growth caused by excess moisture.
In general, watering deeply and infrequently is better than watering lightly but often – longer periods between watering helps promote deeper root growth. So while daily sprinkler runs may be great during cooler months or times when rainfall isn’t as frequent, they’re not recommended for extreme heat periods in Utah.
If you’re unsure whether your lawn needs to be watered or how much water it should receive, try this simple trick: step on an area of grass and see if the blades spring back up. If they don’t, it’s time to water.
One vital part of this entire conversation is ensuring your sprinkler system is working correctly and covering the entire lawn. There are a few small steps you can take to make sure this happens – double check for leaks, adjust any nozzles that aren’t hitting the right spots, and make sure all valves are open.
It’s also worth investing in a rain sensor for your sprinkler system, which will automatically shut off the system if it senses enough moisture from rainfall. This helps prevent overwatering and saves water resources.
Speaking of overwatering, it’s important to know the signs of this issue and address them promptly. Overwatered grass will often have a spongy feel when walked on, or may even be discolored or feel slimy. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to cut back on watering immediately.
Remember that maintaining a healthy lawn during hot weather is all about balance – not too much water, but also not too little. By following these tips and keeping an eye on your lawn’s condition, you can ensure a beautiful and healthy landscape all summer long with minimal effort.
A couple other basic tips to keep in mind when watering during hot periods:
By following these tips and properly managing your watering schedule during hot weather periods, you can maintain a healthy and lush lawn without wasting precious resources.
And if you ever need professional assistance with landscape design or maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact Aeroscape for all of your landscaping needs! Our team is here to help clients around SLC, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy and nearby areas with all their landscaping needs, no matter the season or weather conditions. Let us help you create and maintain your dream outdoor space!