“If you get your lawn used to constant watering, it will keep needing it”—when and how to water your lawn
Don’t water your lawn unnecessarily. The spade test reveals when the lawn really needs water, advises Dr. Outi Tahvonen, who holds a doctorate in agricultural and forestry science. In the ‘Exactly!’ feature, one expert shares interesting knowledge from their field.
“You shouldn’t water your lawn simply out of habit; instead, pay attention to when it truly needs water. You can check by thrusting a spade firmly into the ground. Then feel the soil with your bare hand to see if it’s moist or bone-dry. If it’s moist, there’s no need to water. Also, don’t bother watering if rain is expected within the next five days.”
The best time to water is when there’s a light drizzle, when the soil absorbs moisture most easily. Although, the neighbors might think you’re somewhat eccentric for doing so. Of the times of day, I recommend evenings, because that’s when the lawn loses the least moisture. You should water long enough for the soil to become damp to a depth of at least five centimeters or 2 inches. You can confirm this with the spade.
“The best time to water is when there’s a light drizzle, when the soil absorbs moisture most easily. Although, the neighbors might think you’re somewhat eccentric for doing so.”
There’s no need to water the entire yard at once if you know its characteristics. Even during a heatwave, you may only need to water the part of the lawn that dries out the fastest. The rest of the lawn will recover on its own once the scorching weather subsides.
If you train your lawn to receive constant watering, it will keep expecting it. If you find yourself in that situation, gradually reduce how often you water to help it adjust.
“You can take inspiration from old farmhouse yards. Farmers don’t have time to water the lawn.”
In any case, it’s important for the lawn to keep growing, because only then do the grass’s air spaces remain open and the lawn can sequester carbon. A carbon-smart lawn is therefore green.
There’s no need to aim for the American ideal of a perfect roll-out lawn. Some people even spray green paint on their turf to keep it looking pristine.
Adding organic matter, such as compost, in small amounts helps the lawn endure dry spells. It’s also important to maintain drought-tolerant species. For example, the often-dreaded dandelions and plantain stay green during long dry periods and tolerate mowing well.
You can take inspiration from old farmhouse yards. Farmers don’t have time to water the lawn. Instead, they allow naturally occurring plants to grow. The most important thing is for the view to stay green.”
