In order for roots to grow deeper down into the soil profile, watering less frequently and for a longer duration is recommended. Shorter and more frequent watering sessions promote shallow rooting depth which will decrease the survival rate of the turf under stressful conditions. The goal is to maintain soil moisture in and just below the root zone, not to keep the grass wet. In fact, the grass blades need to be dry for 10-12 hours per day to avoid disease development during warm, humid weather. 

The general guideline is to irrigate 1” to 1.5” per week, including rainfall.  You may need to track precipitation with a rain guage, and also  carry out manual starts if your irrigation system doesn't factor in rainfall amounts. In order to know how long to water you will need to know how much time it takes for your system to put out 1” of water.  You can use empty tuna cans (about 1" deep) scattered evenly throughout the yard to catch water while you run the system. The amount of time its takes to fill each can is how long you would need to run your irrigation system each week. Example: If it takes your system 30 minutes to fill the can, then you need to water your yard for 30-45 minutes/week (assuming no rain that week) to reach the recommended goal.

Soil moisture content is the key to knowing when to water.  If you can push an 8" screwdriver into the ground with only slight resistance, then your soil moisture is adequate to whatever depth you get to (you want to be able to get down to around 6-8”). If it is hard to drive it into the ground, then you need to irrigate. 

It is always beneficial to have a rain gauge and some type of watering system in place, and a good 10-day weather forecast is useful as well.  If you plan to install an irrigation system, July or August is the ideal time to have it done. Fall seeding and fertilization would be just around the corner, so the amount of time bare soil is visible would be minimized. 

Your specific watering schedule will change during the year depending on average daytime high temperatures and soil dry out rates. Here is a schedule you can follow but please read the statements in bold just below the schedule: 

**It is recommended that total run times be divided into 10-15 minutes splits to allow water to soak into the soil. This means that you should have several start times on the same watering day. I’ll be glad to walk you through this process if you need the help, or I will handle the complete scheduling for a small fee.

**This schedule is intended as a guideline only. Each yard will have a different topographic layout that may require different run times for each zone. 

**Always know when freezing temperatures are in the forecast and take steps to protect your system!

**During warm, humid months (May through August), it is better to slightly underwater than to overwater. This will help to minimize the chances of fungul development. 

**Try to schedule your watering on days when your mowing contractor will not be working. It’s good to allow a full day or two with no watering prior to mowing.

**​I​f you would like a recommendation for an irrigation specialist who can install a system for you, or simply manage your irrigation schedule remotely and maintain your existing system as needed​, please let me know.