How to Water Your Grass Properly in the Houston Area
Introduction
Many people in the Houston area wonder how to properly water their grass, especially during the hot summer months. In this guide, Michael Romine, owner of Houston Grass, shares expert advice on watering both newly planted and established grass to keep your lawn healthy and green.
How to Water Planted Grass
The Importance of Immediate Watering
When planting new grass, it’s crucial to water it as soon as it’s laid down. Don’t wait until the evening or the next morning—start watering immediately after installation.
How Much Water is Needed?
- On the first day, apply about two inches of water to the new sod, regardless of the season.
- This heavy watering helps the grass recover from transplant shock and ensures good contact between the sod and soil, eliminating air pockets.
- For the first two weeks, continue with one inch of water per day. In cooler months, you may reduce this to one week of daily watering, but in the hot Houston summer, stick to two weeks.
Special Considerations for Shaded Areas
- Even in shaded areas, the initial two-inch watering is necessary.
- For the first week, continue with one inch per day, but start reducing the amount in the second week to avoid overwatering, especially for shade-tolerant varieties like Palmetto.
Preventing Fungal Issues
- Excessive watering, especially in shaded areas, can promote fungal diseases like gray leaf spot.
- Apply a fungicide like Heritage G as a preventive measure and monitor for early signs of fungus. We stock and sell Heritage G at our office in Arcola.
How to Water Established Grass
Deep and Infrequent Watering
- Avoid daily, shallow watering. Instead, water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
- The general recommendation is one inch of water per week, ideally split into two half-inch waterings.
- During extended hot and dry periods, you may need to water three times a week.
How to Measure Watering Effectiveness
- Use multiple rain gauges in different areas of your yard to determine how long it takes your irrigation system or sprinkler to deliver a half-inch of water.
- Different sprinkler heads may distribute water at different rates, so check each area.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Water
- Try the screwdriver test: Insert a long screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily and comes out muddy, your lawn has enough moisture. If it’s hard to push in or comes out clean, it’s time to water.
Contact and Additional Resources
If you have questions, call Houston Grass at 281-431-7441. Visit us just off Highway 6, a little east of Sienna, for lawn care products, grass pickup, delivery, and professional installation.