Summer Lawn Watering Secrets | Expert Tips for Lawn Irrigation in Upstate SC and Western NC

Dewayne's Landscaping and Tree Service - Summer Lawn Watering Secrets | Expert Tips for Lawn Irrigation in Upstate SC and Western NC

Answers to Your Lawn Watering Questions

July 2024 - Maintaining a lush, green lawn during the sweltering summer months requires a strategic approach, especially in the unique climates of Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. That’s why we’ve decided to answer the most frequently asked questions that our irrigation experts receive here at Dewayne’s Landscaping and Tree Service. Our goal is to help you understand the best practices for watering your lawn, ensuring it stays healthy and vibrant throughout the season. Let’s dive into our summer lawn watering secrets! 

 

How Should Residents of Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina Water Their Lawns in the Summer?

Naturally, this is the question that we get multiple times a week during the dog days of summer. Watering your lawn properly in the summer is crucial due to our area’s hot and humid climate. Here are some key tips that we share with our clients:

 

Deep and Infrequent Watering 

It's essential to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. This method helps the grass withstand heat and drought better.

 

Early Morning Watering

Water your lawn early in the morning, preferably before 10 AM. This allows the water to soak into the soil before the heat of the day causes evaporation.

 

Avoiding Overwatering

Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases and weak root systems. Ensure your lawn is moist but not waterlogged.

 

How Often Should I Water My Lawn in the Hottest Part of the Summer?

During the peak of summer, lawns in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina typically need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week for those with Bermuda grass (which is typically the most common grass cultivar found in this area). This can be achieved through watering 2-3 times per week. We always advise that you divide the total weekly water requirement over multiple sessions rather than a single watering. This ensures better soil absorption and reduces runoff.

 

Is It Better to Water a Lawn Every Day or Every Other Day?

As we discussed above, watering every other day is generally better than daily watering. Daily watering can lead to shallow root growth, making your lawn more susceptible to drought and heat stress. By watering every other day, you promote deeper root growth and a more resilient lawn.

 

How Many Minutes Should I Water My Lawn in the Summer?

The duration of watering depends on the type of sprinkler system and the water pressure. However, a good rule of thumb is to water for about 30-45 minutes per session. This duration usually provides enough water to reach the root zone without causing excessive runoff.

 

How Long Should I Run Sprinklers in Each Zone?

To ensure even coverage and optimal hydration, it's important to run sprinklers in each zone for 30-45 minutes unless you have calculated an optimal rate for your lawn or had a professional provide different guidance otherwise. This rule of thumb timing ensures each part of your lawn receives sufficient water. Adjust according to the specific needs of each zone, considering factors like grass type, soil type, drainage, and sun exposure.

 

How Should I Maintain My Lawn's Irrigation System?

Proper maintenance of your irrigation system is vital for efficient watering. Nobody wants to find themselves with a broken irrigation system on the hottest day of the year. Here are the maintenance tasks that the irrigation experts at Dewayne’s Landscaping and Tree Service provide most often:

 

Regular Inspections: Check for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, and clogged nozzles.

 

Adjust Sprinkler Heads: Ensure they are spraying evenly and covering the intended areas. 

 

Seasonal Adjustments: Modify your irrigation schedule based on seasonal weather changes.

 

Winterizing: Properly winterizing your irrigation system before freezing temperatures set in after the growing season is the best assurance that you’ll begin the following year with an irrigation system that is ready to go as soon as the first blades of grass begin greening up. 

 

What Is the Best Type and Brand of Lawn Irrigation System?

 

There are various types of irrigation systems available, each with its own benefits. For Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, the following are the most commonly used:

 

Drip Irrigation Systems: Ideal for conserving water and targeting specific areas like shrubbery, mulch beds, ornamentals, flower beds, and gardens. 

 

Rotary Sprinklers: Suitable for larger lawns, providing even water distribution across large swaths of land. 

 

As far as the best brand of irrigation system goes, this largely falls into the personal preference category, but Rain Bird and Hunter are both brands that are renowned for the quality and durability of their lawn irrigation systems. They also both have smart irrigation control stations available as well, allowing users to program, schedule, and control their lawn’s irrigation system from their smartphone. 

 

At What Temperature Should I Stop Watering My Lawn?

Most grass growth here in the upstate of South Carolina slows down significantly when temperatures drop below 50°F. Therefore, you should stop regular watering when temperatures consistently stay below 50°F. This typically occurs in late fall around the upstate. 

 

How Long Can Grass Go Without Water in the Summer?

During extreme heat, many grass types can survive without water for up to two weeks. That said, if your lawn is made of Bermuda grass, which is extremely common in the upstate of South Carolina, your lawn can technically survive for up to eight weeks without water. Be warned though, this will result in crunchy, brittle, and brown grass. Additionally, prolonged drought conditions can cause significant stress and damage in the long run. 

 

How to Measure How Much Water My Irrigation System Puts on the Lawn?

To ensure your lawn receives the correct amount of water, you can use a basic rain gauge. Some people even use empty tuna cans (or similar). To do this, simply place the empty cans or rain gauges around your lawn and run your sprinklers for 15 minutes. Measure the water collected and adjust your watering time accordingly. To calculate precipitation rate (which is what you want to know to determine how much water your irrigation system is getting to the lawn),  multiply the depth of water collected (in inches) by four to get the hourly precipitation rate.

 

For example, if your rain gauge or empty can shows that there is a quarter of an inch of water after running your system for 15 minutes, then you can deduce that your lawn receives about one inch of water per hour at the current settings (0.25 * 4 = 1.0).

 

When Should I Avoid Watering My Lawn in the Summer?

Avoid watering during the middle of the day as the intense heat causes high evaporation rates, leading to water wastage. Additionally, you should avoid watering in the evenings since prolonged moisture overnight can promote fungal growth.

 

What Is the Best Time of Day to Water My Lawn in the Summer and Why?

The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning hours (before 10 AM). This minimizes evaporation and allows the grass to dry before evening, reducing the risk of disease.

 

Is It Easy to Repair a Lawn Irrigation System Yourself?

Repairing a lawn irrigation system can be challenging. While minor adjustments and maintenance can be done by homeowners, complex repairs are best handled by professionals due to the following reasons:

 

Complexity of Systems: Irrigation systems can be intricate, with various components that require specialized knowledge.

 

Risk of Further Damage: Incorrect repairs can lead to further issues and costly damage.

 

The Takeaway - Lawn Irrigation in Upstate South Carolina 

Proper watering practices are crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn during the summer months in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure your lawn remains vibrant and resilient. However, regular maintenance and professional assistance are key to optimizing your irrigation system's performance.

 

If you are interested in installing a new irrigation system, maintaining your current system, or just doing an annual check on your existing irrigation system, feel free to call, text, or email the irrigation experts at Dewayne’s Landscaping for a free estimate. We’ve managed irrigation systems throughout the upstate for over a decade and can handle all of your residential and commercial lawn irrigation installation, setup, maintenance, and repair needs.