Lawn Care and Watering

Preparing the Lawn

• When putting in a lawn, amending it improves the water-retention capability of the soil. Spread 3 to 4 inches of composted organic mulch on top of the soil and thoroughly till it in.

Amount of Water

• A typical lawn requires 1 inch of water per week, which will moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 7 inches. A humid area that receives 1 inch of rain weekly may not need supplemental water, whereas a dry area with little rain desperately needs at least the weekly 1 inch of watering. To determine if the soil is moist enough, probe down 6 to 7 inches with a garden spade. If the soil isn't moist to that depth then water the lawn until it is. During hot periods, allow the grass to grow taller. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper, and taller grass will also shade the ground, preventing evaporation.

How Often to Water

• Watering the lawn once weekly to a depth of 6 to 7 inches stimulates deep root growth that encourages a healthier and hardier grass. Generally, water the lawn on the same day each week. If significant rain falls during the week, determine whether to add supplemental water by probing the soil on your regular watering day to see whether the soil is moist enough. Not enough water allows crabgrass and other weeds that flourish in dry soil to crowd out grass, whereas too much water encourages disease.

When to Water

• Watering the lawn early in the morning, before the sun and wind has time to evaporate the water, is best. The grass will have time to dry during the day, which makes it more resistant to disease.

Don't Bag It

• Thatch is the accumulation of grass roots and stems, both living and dead as well as leaves and other debris. Thatch creates tightly-woven matting between the grass and the top of the soil that inhibits the growth of healthy grass. While thatch needs to be raked free of the lawn, grass clippings during mowing should remain on the lawn. Grass clippings do not create thatch and, in fact, break down biologically and significantly nourish the grass.