Watering Smarter, Not Harder: Tips for a Healthier Lawn
If you’re a homeowner trying to keep your lawn looking lush and green, you might think watering every day is the way to go. But, hold up! Michael Romine from Houston Grass has some advice that might surprise you. Let’s dive into why skipping the daily watering routine could actually be better for your grass.
Why Watering Every Day Isn’t the Best Idea
A lot of folks set their sprinklers to go off every morning, thinking it’s the key to a great lawn. But when you water every day, your grass gets a little too comfortable and lazy. It doesn’t need to work for its water, so the roots stay up near the surface. They don’t dive down deep to find moisture.
The Trouble with Shallow Roots
Grass with shallow roots is like a kid who always relies on mom and dad—it’s weak and vulnerable, especially when things get tough. During a dry spell or drought, that grass is in big trouble because it can’t reach down deep for water. It’s stuck needing that constant helping hand, or in this case, a daily watering.
Watering infrequently and deeply is the key to forcing grass and plants to grow deep roots so they can access water for a longer period of time and thrive through the long, hot summer. — Texas Cooperative Extension Service and Texas Water Development Board
Try This Instead: Less Often, More Volume
Instead of the daily splash, go for less frequent but much deeper waterings. Give your lawn a big drink several times a week for a total of one inch and let it soak down deep. This way, the roots have to “chase” after the water, diving down into the soil. Strong, deep roots mean your grass can handle dry spells much better. The one inch per week benchmark includes whatever Mother Nature provides.
Bonus Tip: Time to Rethink Your Mowing
During the next few weeks, we’ll be talking about changing the height of your mower. As the Houston area heats up for summer, raising the mowing height can help. Taller grass shades the soil, helping to keep the precious moisture in place. It’s like giving your grass a little umbrella during the hot months.
So, rethink the daily watering schedule to better prepare your grass for the possibility of another hot and dry summer. By making a few simple changes, you can boost your lawn’s resilience and beauty. Water smart, sit back, and watch your grass thrive!