Hi Chris –
The best way to promote a luscious, green Sir Walter lawn is to water deeply and slowly. Slow watering gives the soil a chance to absorb the moisture, and damp soil, like a damp sponge, absorbs more moisture than dry soil. Deep watering (at least six inches deep) trains your grass roots to go deep, thus making your lawn more resistant to drought. Conversely, frequent but short waterings will encourage the roots to grow close to the surface, which means your lawn will be hurting during any dry spell.
New turf should be watered immediately after application and kept moist until the roots take hold. Donโt wait until the grass actually turns brown. Instead, watch for it to curl, or for it to hold the shape of your footprints as you walk across it. Both of these signs indicate that the grass needs water, well before it is actually stressed. You want it to be thirsty, not dehydrated.
The timing of lawn watering will also influence how much you use. Irrigating turf midday is most wasteful, of course, since this is when temperatures and evaporation are highest, and your lawnsโ ability to absorb and retain water is lowest.If you can water first thing in the morning. Watering in the evening often leaves the grass itself wet overnight, conditions that may promote mildew and the fungi that cause most turfgrass diseases.
If your lawn has a sprinkler system, make sure itโs set for maximum efficiency. This includes proper run-settings for early or late waterings that are set to proper amounts. Make sure sprinklers heads are set to efficiently cover lawns without wasting water on sidewalks, driveways, or other areas where itโs not needed.
Hope it helps!