Amount of Water to Grow Grass

New Lawns

• New lawns require more frequent watering than established grass. Newly seeded lawns need several light waterings each day, depending on the weather. Keep the top inch of soil moist but not wet until the seeds germinate. Newly placed sod also needs frequent watering. Water once or twice a day until the roots are established. Gradually taper off waterings, watering more deeply and less frequently.

Established Lawns

• Water needs vary with types of grass. Buffalograss, zoysia and Bermuda grass need less water than other types, approximately 1/3 to 1/2 inch per week. Tall fescue grass requires almost 4/5 of an inch weekly. Kentucky bluegrass needs 1 1/5 inches per week and perennial ryegrass requires 1 1/2 inches of water per week. More water is required in extremely hot, dry weather. Supplement rain with irrigation to provide the needed amounts. It is better to water deeply once or twice a week than to apply small amounts of water several times a week. Watering deeply encourages deep roots and makes the plant less susceptible to drought.

Measuring Water

• A rain gauge or any straight-sided can or container works well for measuring the water applied to the lawn. Leave containers in several locations on the lawn. Measure the depth of water accumulated after rain or irrigation. Rain gauges are marked for easy measuring, but a plastic ruler also does the trick. Measure water applied during a timed period to determine how long you need to run your irrigation system or sprinkler.

Symptoms of Dry Grass

• Water needs vary with weather conditions. Look for indications that the grass needs water before turning on the sprinkler. One good general indication that your lawn needs water is footprints that remain on the lawn. Walk across the lawn and look back for indentations on the lawn. Healthy, hydrated grass springs back quickly. Grass that needs water will hold footprints for hours.

  Another indication is the condition of the leaf blades. When leaves fold, roll lengthwise or turn bluish-purple in color, it is time to water.