What Time of Day Should I Water?

Morning time is the best time to water (5:00pam - 10:00am). Grass and plants are under very little  stress in the nighttime hours. Cool dew is available and evapotranspiration is at its lowest level during the hours from sundown to sunrise. Watering before nighttime in the evening hours is of limited benefit. Much of that water may have already leached through the root zone (especially in sandy soils) by the time the grass and plants are in need of ground moisture during the heat of the day. Watering during the hottest part of the day is only suggested in shorter amounts to simply cool or syringe the grass blades. Watering too long in the heat of the day can be detrimental in areas where water begins to stand. A heated pool of water can literally cook the lawn in spots. Therefore, early morning watering is the best!

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How often should I Water?

The answer to this question greatly depends on a wide range of factors.

Soil Type  is a major factor. Clay and loam soils require less water than sandy soils. Certain soils only  require every other day or every 3rd day watering. Sandy soils, especially during the summer months, require water every day. Note: Don't allow clay soils to dry out to the point of developing cracks. Once cracks develop, extremely large amounts of water are needed to effectively water the lawn. Keep the soil moist.

Season - Spring and Fall have typically much less supplemental watering needs. As you approach summer, a continual increase in the amount of times you water will be necessary.

Sun vs. Shade - Open areas not covered by shade trees require the most water and need more frequent watering cycles. Focus your water on these areas first. However, don't overlook shaded areas altogether. Larger trees draw incredible amounts of moisture from the ground and these areas can get very dry also.

Topography - The lay of the land can create varying watering needs. Steep slopes, especially facing the sun, can dry up fast. More frequent watering will keep the slope wet and will allow each subsequent watering to be drawn more easily. Larger amounts of water less frequently  will be more likely to run off and collect at the base of the slope.

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How long should I set a zone to run on the timer?

This is the most difficult answer to explain. You need to take into consideration all of the previously listed factors  of your property. Then you need to consider  the output capability in gallons per minute of each zone in your sprinkler system for each area of your property. You should consult a professional to help you gain  this specific information about your system.

Keep in mind that every lawn has its own unique qualities that will effect watering times. These are only suggestions to get you close.

Clay Soil Chart - If Watering Every Day  / Average Zone output of 10gpm

Time of Year	Mist Zone Landscape	Mist Zone Grass	Rotary Zones Sides	Center Rotary Zone
Spring - Early Summer (April 15th - May 30th)	1-2 min.	3-7 min.	12-15 min.	15-25 min.
Early - Mid Summer (June 1 - July 7th)	3-5 min.	7-12 min.	16-25 min.	16-24 min.
Mid Summer - Late Summer (July 8th - August 20th)	4-6 min.	7-12 min.	16-25 min.	16-24 min.
Late Summer - Fall (August 21st - October 15th)	1-2 min.	3-7 min.	10-15 min.	15-25 min.

 

Sandy Soil Chart - If Watering Every Day  / Average Zone output of 10gpm

Time of Year	Mist Zone Landscape	Mist Zone Grass	Rotary Zones Sides	Center Rotary Zone
Spring - Early Summer (April 15th - May 30th)	3-5 min	5-9 min.	15-20 min.	20-30 min.
Early - Mid Summer (June 1 - July 7th)	6-11 min.	10-18 min.	21-35 min.	31-60 min.
Mid Summer - Late Summer (July 8th - August 20th)	7-12 min.	10-18 min.	21-35 min.	31-60 min.
Late Summer - Fall (August 21st - October 15th)	3-5 min.	5-9 min.	15-20 min.	20-30 min.

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