With the Atlanta summer heat on the horizon and water restrictions frequently in place, it’s essential to know how to properly water your lawn to keep it healthy and growing.

Bloom’n Gardens Landscape understands the ins and outs of lawn care in the greater Atlanta area and how to quench a thirsty lawn in the spring. Even though our grass is present year-round here in Georgia, spring is a time to assess your yard and see what it needs for the new growing season.

When is a good time to start watering your lawn?

Seasonal rain has likely kept your grass from getting too thirsty, however, the summer heat is well on its way! Spring is the perfect time to start planning for the hot weather. Before you turn on your irrigation system, it's important to assess your lawn's condition first. Many property owners notice yellow or brown grass and immediately start watering, however, this could also be a sign of other issues like lawn disease. That is why it is so important to get a professional opinion about what your lawn actually needs to gear up for the summer.

It is always best to water your lawn generously at least 24 hours before you apply your spring fertilizer. Give it 1 to 1.5 inches of water to ensure that it soaks into the ground and reaches the roots. Whether you need a second watering depends on the type of fertilizer you use. Granular fertilizer requires water to activate and break it down while watering after a liquid fertilizer application will only wash it away.

Tips for Properly Watering Your Lawn in the Spring

Irrigation system watering a lawn in Buckhead, GA.

Keep these dos and don’ts in mind when watering your lawn in the springtime:

Do…

  • Water your lawn early in the morning, as it allows the foliage to dry for hours. It also means the soil is cool and the sun not so intense, preventing the disease, fungus, and insect issues that thrive in warm, wet conditions.
  • Water deeply a couple of times a week. Deep watering less often allows the roots to get the nutrients they need and stimulates them to grow deeper and more robust.
  • Avoid getting the foliage wet by watering it at the base of the plant. Wet foliage is an ideal location for fungus to develop.

Don’t…

  • Use sprinklers that spray water up into the air. You will lose most of the water to evaporation if you do, and the grass and plants will get no benefit. Use irrigation systems with their fixtures positioned close to the ground.
  • Rely on sprinkler systems to water trees and shrubs. Take the water straight to the bases to give them what they need.
  • Water un-mulched soil. The force of the water hitting the dirt splatters the plants with soil and causes runoff.

Irrigation Systems Will Save You Time & Effort

An irrigation system will distribute water evenly over your lawn, something that even watering by hand cannot accomplish consistently. Here in Georgia, outdoor watering restrictions can include only watering between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. and sometimes limiting to only 1 inch of water per week. In these cases, be sure to program your sprinklers so that they adhere to these restrictions. With an irrigation system, you won't have to spend your limited free time pulling out the hose anymore!

Water Your Lawn More Efficiently with an Irrigation System

Irrigation systems take the work out of keeping your lawn well-watered and nourished. With years of experience under our belts, Bloom’n Gardens Landscape has the knowledge and skill to customize and repair your irrigation system and handle all your landscaping and design needs in the metro Atlanta area. Call us at (404) 314-1474 to schedule a consultation.