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Watering Lawns

Here is a tip for homeowners who want to keep their lawns in good condition during the hot months of July and August. Do not water the lawn too often and when you do, water it deeply. Water clay or silty soils about once a week. Sandy soils hold less water and need more frequent watering. Avoid evening waterings.

The average water loss from a grass-covered area through evaporation and transportation is about one inch per week. This may go even higher in the hot days of summer. How long does a sprinkler need to run to apply an inch of water? For the average water pressure and average size hose it takes about two to three hours. If your hose is smaller or your water pressure lower than normal, it will take longer to water your lawn.

One way to check your particular set-up is to place small straight-sided tin cans at different intervals in the sprinkling area. Catch the water for an hour. Then, measure the depth of water in the cans with a ruler to calculate the rate of your sprinkler. This simple method will also give you an idea of the distribution pattern of your sprinkler.

Watering your lawn can keep it green and healthy through the summer. However, remember that when you water frequently and lightly you invite more serious lawn problems.

If you have further questions, please contact your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

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For More Information Contact your North Dakota County Extension Office of the NDSU Extension Service for additional information or see our main NDSU Web Page for publications and articles on Agriculture, Horticulture, Youth and Family, Business and Community and Food and Nutrition at  http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/