Problem: When it comes to taking care of your lawn, one of the most important maintenance practices is also one of the most basic.  Watering.  Lawns that are not properly watered during the hot, dry months become stressed and may brown and become thin.  Weakened turf grass is more subject to certain disease problems, insect damage and weed invitation.

Solution:
Quantity – your lawn should receive 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the hot, dry months.  Deep watering to a soil depth of at least six inches is recommended.  Light waterings that merely dampen the grass are of little benefit and actually harm your lawn.  Place an empty coffee can or bucket on your lawn to determine how long it takes to apply 1 to 2 inches of water. 

When to water – regardless of soil type, it is more efficient to water lawns at the first sign of drought stress rather than wait until the lawn is dormant.  Initial signs of a water deficit in the soil is wilting of turf so that footprints in the grass do not spring back after walking on the lawn.  An additional sign of drought stress is a blue or gray coloration of turf that is normally brighter green.  If you notice either of these conditions, water your lawn right away.  A good watering will usually perk your lawn right up.

Best time to water – the time of day for watering is usually not critical.  Very early morning watering is ideal.  Watering during the heat of the day results in more loss of water to evaporation before the water soaks into the soil.

Another helpful tip – during the summer months, it’s a good idea to water your lawn the day before you mow and then try to mow during the coolest part of the day.  This minimizes the browning effect of summer mowing and decreases the time it takes for the turf to heal.