Should You Water Grass While It’s Sunny? - Expert Advice

Fri, Jul 26, 2024 13:25 CET

Watering the lawn is a fundamental part of keeping your garden green and healthy. But with so many conflicting opinions floating around, it can be confusing to know exactly when to water your grass. A common question many homeowners ask is: should you water your grass while it's sunny?

A sprinkler spraying water on grass

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Here, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk delves into the world of lawn care and explores the pros and cons of watering during sunny spells, along with expert advice to help you make informed decisions for your prized patch of green.

The Myth of Water Scorch:

Firstly, let's address a common misconception – watering your grass while it's sunny won't scorch the blades. Water droplets don't act like magnifying glasses, and healthy grass can withstand sunlight even when wet.

The Downside of Sunny Watering:

While scorching isn't a concern, watering during the hottest part of the day does have some drawbacks:

Evaporation: Sunshine and hot temperatures accelerate evaporation, meaning a significant portion of the water will evaporate before reaching the grass roots. This can lead to wasted water and a less effective watering session.
Wind Drift: Wind can easily blow water droplets away from your lawn, further reducing the amount of water that reaches the intended target.
The Case for Watering in the Morning: Experts usually recommend watering your lawn in the early morning hours, ideally before sunrise. Here's why:
Cooler Temperatures: Cooler morning temperatures allow for slower evaporation, ensuring the water has more time to soak into the soil and reach the roots.
Less Wind: Mornings are typically calmer than afternoons, minimising the risk of wind drift and ensuring the water reaches your grass effectively.
Night-Time Preparation: A good morning watering allows the grass blades to dry throughout the day, preventing moisture build-up that can encourage fungal diseases in the evening.

Alternative Watering Solutions:

If watering early in the mornings isn't feasible due to your schedule, consider these alternatives:

Deep Watering: Even if you water during the day, aim for a deep watering session that soaks the soil to a depth of several inches. This allows the roots to access the water even after the surface dries.
Divide and Conquer: If your lawn is large, consider watering in sections throughout the day. This helps to minimise water loss through evaporation.
Invest in a Sprinkler System: A well-programmed sprinkler system can take the guesswork out of watering and ensure your lawn receives the right amount of water efficiently.

Remember:

The best watering schedule for your lawn will depend on several factors, including your climate, soil type, and grass variety. Observe your lawn and adjust your watering habits based on its needs. If your grass starts to wilt or show signs of stress, it's a good indication that it needs more water.

Final Thoughts

With a little planning and these expert tips in mind, you can transform your lawn from a thirsty patch to a thriving green oasis. Remember, a healthy lawn not only adds beauty to your garden but also provides a cool, refreshing space for you and your family to enjoy.

By following these tips and consulting with local gardening experts, you can ensure your lawn receives the right amount of water at the most appropriate time, keeping it lush and verdant throughout the season.

FIONA JENKINS

Fiona Jenkins is a UK-based landscaper with over twenty-five years of experience in the industry. As a gardening expert for MyJobQuote, one of the UK's top trades-matching sites, Fiona offers her expert advice to MyJobQuote's tradespeople and homeowners and has also been featured as a gardening expert for a range of reputable publications.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.