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Best Time to Water Your Lawn

Sonia Nair
Early morning is considered the best time for watering your lawn. Read on for some information about watering the lawn properly.
Without water, lawn grass may survive for around ten to twelve days; after which, these plants will show symptoms of water deficiency, like wilting, yellowing and browning of leaves. Though most people are very much particular about watering their lawn regularly; many of them lack awareness about the best time to water the lawn.

When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn
It is a known fact, that watering is vital for maintaining a lush green lawn. However, there are various factors that have to be taken into consideration, while watering lawn grass. You must have a basic understanding about the water requirements of the grass, and the best time for watering.
Early morning (4:00 to 5:00 am) is considered the best time to water the lawn. This is because, the plants get enough time to absorb the water, before it evaporates due to the action of sunlight.
If that time is not convenient, water the lawn during late afternoon or early evening. In that case, make sure to do it well before night, so the leaves get dry by night. Never water lawn grass during daytime and night. During daytime, most of the water will evaporate; and during night, the leaves will remain wet, leading to fungal infections and diseases.

How to Water Your Lawn Properly
The water requirement of lawn grass may vary with factors, like the type of soil, climatic condition, and the type of lawn grass. In general, it is said that lawn grass requires around one inch of water in a week.
It is common misconception that providing small amounts of water every day is better than watering deeply once or twice a week. However, the latter method is beneficial for lawn grass, that has to be soaked well once a week, with at least one inch of water.
However during rainy seasons, you can reduce the frequency of watering. For young plants, daily watering will be beneficial, for at least two months.
If you are planning to mow the grass, then water the lawn thoroughly, the day before mowing. Frequent watering may be required for a short period, after using dry fertilizers. You may also dilute the nutrients in the water meant for lawn grass.
How long to water the lawn, so the grass gets one inch of water? This can be determined with a simple method. Keep empty cans within the range of the sprinkler, and check the time taken to collect one inch of water in them. This is the time needed to provide one inch water for the lawn.
In short, the best time to water your lawn is early morning. For established lawn grass, watering once a week will be sufficient. Young plants require frequent watering. The frequency of watering grass can be increased in case of extreme heat, sunlight, drought, and high winds.
Likewise, reduce the frequency during cold conditions, low winds, humid climate, and rainy season. Lawn aeration will be beneficial, if the soil is too dry to absorb water.