As temperatures begin to fall, you may think there is no longer a need to water your lawn. But, your yard is still in need of its nutrients and water even in the colder temps. Caring for your lawn in the summer instead of the fall can depend on the climate and the area you live in. Try the tips below to help you decide what’s best for your lawn.
Why You Should Still Water Your Lawn in the Fall
Before all else, you determine the type of grass. You will decide how your grass should be treated in the fall. For instance, cool-season grasses are in solid growth during this time of the year. Cool-season grasses in the fall and wintertime need their irrigation now more than ever, so having an adequate water supply is essential for your lawn to absorb nutrients sufficiently and achieve optimal health. Do not make the wrong assumption; your grass continues to grow in the fall even if you cannot see it from above. The activity underground in the stolons of your grass makes up the foundation of your yard and needs to be observed and adequately cared for for the long-term health of your lawn.
Proper Fall Water Techniques
- If you live in a more humid climate, curb your watering to only once or twice a week for 20 minutes a zone. You can stop watering around the end of September or October if you live in a climate with consistent snow during the fall and winter.
- During the fall and winter seasons, water at least twice a week at 4 am, with each zone set at 20 minutes.
- If you are hand watering, try watering as early in the morning as possible since cooler temperatures keep evaporation to a minimum.
When to Stop Watering Your Lawn in the Fall
During the late fall and winter, temperatures in the panhandle can lower enough to freeze over or even snow. However, you should only stop watering your lawn if the ground freezes. If the ground has frozen over, watering your lawn will yield no results as the frozen ground would act as a barrier blocking the water from ever reaching the grass’s roots. But if the ground has not frozen, you should still water your lawn regularly. Of course, over-watering your yard can be just as bad. If your area receives sufficient rainfall during the fall, you may only need to water the areas that need it. Living in the South, the fall time can bring occasional warm, dry spells during which you would still need to water your lawn during them.
Be sure to visit WaterMaster for all of your irrigation supply needs or call (806) 797-9044 to get help from the pros!