Now that we’re in the dry heat, everyone’s wanting new watering tips for summer. Two questions people have on their minds are: “How often do I water my lawn?” and “How much water should I be using?” Here’s some helpful advice to keep your lawn looking fresh and green this summer.

Watering Tips for Summer

• Start A Routine: Water your lawn 1-3 times per week (depending on your soil’s needs) to keep your lawn green and lush. Thorough (yet infrequent) waterings help plants become more water-efficient and more tolerant to drought.
• Check Your Soil: Make a habit of regularly checking your soil moisture to better meet your lawn’s needs. This can be done by inserting a 6-inch screwdriver into the soil. If it penetrates the soil easily, you can hold off on watering. If it takes some effort, it’s time to water your lawn. Do this throughout your yard so you know where to water more and where to water less, and then adjust your sprinkler system accordingly.
• Group Similar Plants Together: Group plants with similar watering needs together for convenient watering. For example, you can do this with newly planted grass, plants, and vegetables, which may need more frequent watering until they become well-rooted.
• Know When To Water: It’s best to begin watering before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to avoid water evaporation.
• Continue adjusting your sprinkler system: Oregon often has unpredictable weather, so it’s best to look at the next week’s forecast and plan accordingly. Hold off on watering if you know it will be a rainy week, and increase waterings for more intense, prolonged heat.
• Avoid Water Run-Off: Water run-off (or puddling) is nature’s cue that plants are getting more water than they can absorb. To avoid this, begin applying water in shorter sessions – this will help water to gradually soak into the soil in between sessions.

If you’re at all unsure about your lawn’s watering needs, it’s best to trust our experts at Mountain View Landscapes. We can adjust your water sprinkler system according to your lawn’s specific needs (and so much more) with our residential and commercial lawn maintenance packages. Contact us today and we’ll help you maintain a fresh, green lawn all summer long!