Although summer heat blankets the entire region, lawn care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Smart Irrigation Month in July is a reminder to explore best practices when watering your lawn.
It is important to water only as much as needed. Grasses and other plants are healthier when their root systems go farther into the soil for resources, making twice-per-week watering ideal. Still, it can be easy to overdo it, especially when regular irrigation is combined with heavy rain. Typically, most turf grasses need about 0.75-1 inch of water per week.
The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension offers a free tool to help homeowners determine their watering needs. The WaterMyYard program uses local weather data pulled from weather stations and rain gauges, combined with proven methods, and provides customized weekly water advice.
Mulching grass clippings and leaves is an optimal way to both cut down on yard waste and reduce the amount of water needed. Applying mulch helps retain ground moisture and nourishes the soil with nitrogen as the yard waste breaks down. A mulching mower is an easy way to create mulch; as always, mowing is not recommended when grass is damp.
