Proven Tips for Keeping Your Lawn Green

Despite recent thunderstorms, July and August will most likely be our driest and hottest months this year — conditions that are tough on your lawn. Watering is critical to keep your lawn healthy and green but different grasses require different amounts of water. For example, Kentucky bluegrass will turn brown and go dormant during the hot, dry summer months if not watered consistently while Bermuda grass requires less water to maintain a healthy green color. Here are specific watering recommendations for three of the most popular types of lawn grass:

Kentucky bluegrass: This type of grass is not drought tolerant and requires a steady amount of water in order to remain healthy. As much as two inches of water per week is recommended to keep Kentucky bluegrass green and growing during the summer months.

Bermuda: This type of grass is drought tolerant and can even go for extended periods of time without water. One inch of water is recommended per week to maintain this type of grass.

Fescue: During the summer months, fescue grass needs approximately one inch of water each week. If summer temperatures are extremely high, applying one-and-a-half inches of water per week is ideal.

Water Early Morning Once or Twice a Week

No matter what type of grass you have, it’s better to SOAK your lawn once or twice a week than to water daily. Soaking your lawn promotes a deep root system, which helps keep your lawn healthy. Water your lawn early morning to prevent evaporation. Keep an eye on the weather. If it’s going to rain, hold off on watering your lawn and let Mother Nature do the work.

How do I know I’ve watered my lawn enough?

An inexpensive rain gauge takes the guesswork out of watering your lawn. It will track how much water you have applied each week as well as measuring rainfall.