Should I water my lawn during winter? This is one of the most common questions lawn owners find themselves wondering when temperatures fall. The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Watering grass even during colder seasons is necessary.
Even when the grass is dormant, the roots still need water to stay hydrated during the colder months. Plants cannot survive periods of drought without water. Your grass may look lush and green, but looks can be deceiving. A sudden drop in temperature can push your lawn grass to its limit.
Rainwater alone isn’t enough to keep a lawn well-hydrated and healthy. You should water it periodically. When your lawn is well-hydrated, the grass is able to fight damage caused by cold weather.
Also, because water releases heat more slowly than plant tissues, the blades are able to retain heat longer than if they were dehydrated.
Landscape contractors in Sonoma County recommend watering a day or two before the temperature drops to allow the roots to absorb more water. The best time of the day to water your lawn is early morning when air temperatures are lower, and there is dew on the ground.
If you water at night, the roots will not get enough time to absorb moisture. When water does not evaporate, it stays on the blades longer, promoting fungal growth.
When you water in the morning, the roots get more time to absorb water. Watering in the morning also allows some evaporation to clean off from the blades.
So, how much should you water your lawn? Plants and grass need less water in winter than summer to survive and thrive.
During summer, grass needs at least 1-2 inches of water every week. However, in winter, it does well with ½ inch of water each week as not much moisture is lost to evaporation.
If your grass grows too fast, it may need an inch of water per week. Rain might supply some of this need, but do not rely heavily on nature. Inspect your lawn periodically and water it yourself to make up the difference.
Gardenworks Inc. is a leading landscape contractor in Sonoma County. Whether you want to create a landscape from scratch or want to have an existing landscape maintained, our team has you covered. Over the years, we have helped many homeowners design and build the landscape of their dreams. To discuss your project with one of our professionals, call us at 707-857-2050.