What You’ll Learn
In this crash course on fall lawn care, you’ll learn:
- The right approach to watering your lawn during the fall, including how often and when to water
- When to stop watering
- Easy lawn care tips to make your grass as gorgeous as possible
- How caring for your grass changes after the summer months end
- Ways to balance proper watering and water conservation
In the world of lawn care, few things are as delicate as finding the balance between too much water and not enough. But to achieve a perfectly green, lush, and healthy carpet of grass, mastering basic lawn maintenance is key. Just a few useful tips can help you regain control of your grass and whip it into shape once and for all.
For many people, the fall season can be one of the most confusing times of the year, at least when it comes to lawn maintenance. From how much water lawns to when to transition to winter watering, there are plenty of confusion sources – even for the experienced grass grower. But this year, you can keep your lawn looking its best with this useful guide to fall watering and lawn care.
How Much Should I Water My Lawn in the Fall?
As you’d probably guess, the answer to this question largely depends on where you live, what type of grass you have, what your autumn weather is like. But whether you live in a warm or cool climate, proper watering is the foundation of fall lawn care. Equally important as mowing, fertilizing, and raking, watering your grass is what your lawn needs this autumn.
Why Fall Watering is so Crucial
For several types of grass, particularly cool-season grasses, fall is a surprisingly important growing season. Although you might not see much visible growth, a lot is going on under the soil’s surface. During this time, vital repair and growth processes occur in the root system that set it up for survival in winter.
Your lawn roots need enough water to allow for optimal nutrient uptake during this period of growth. In addition to adequate water, a high-quality soil additive can support nutrient absorption. Harvest Gold Organics has crafted an innovative soil additive blend that utilizes a unique shape to maximize the proper absorption of both water and nutrients – think of it as the secret ingredient to a healthy lawn all year.
How Much to Water Grass in the Fall
Now for the number-one question about autumnal lawn care: how much water does my lawn need during the fall? A good rule of thumb is to aim for about one inch of water per week. This includes any rainfall, so make sure to account for fall storms when adjusting your watering schedule.
If you live somewhere that sees lots of rain during this season; you probably don’t need to be running the sprinkler too often. Keep in mind that parts of your lawn that are overseeded and new lawn areas require extra water. Also, be aware of seasonal dry spells so that you’re ready to switch back to summer-style watering to make up for lack of rain.
The Best Time of Day to Water Grass in the Fall
How much water you give your grass isn’t the only thing that matters; when you water, it is crucial equally when you water. Automatic irrigation systems are preferable because they make it easy to stick to a schedule – and you don’t have to remember to wake up and start the sprinklers every day.
Here’s what you should know about when to water grass:
- The best time to water grass is in the early morning because it can then spend the entire day drying out before nightfall.
- In contrast, the evening is the worst time to water your grass because it’s less likely to dry overnight properly. Oversaturating the roots can lead to long-term issues, including root rot.
When Should You Stop Watering in the Fall?
One of the most common questions about lawn care is: Should I water in the fall? It’s a common misconception that comes fall; it’s time to stop watering your lawn. Fall is an important recovery season for grass in most regions and critical time for setting your lawn up for recovery come spring. Consistent watering can help grass bounce back from sweltering summer temperatures, which is why cutting off the watering too early can be detrimental in the long-term.
Instead of setting a specific date for when you plan to stop watering, you should take your cue from nature. Pay attention to the ground under your lawn, and watch for it to freeze through completely. Once the ground is frozen, you can put watering on hold until it thaws. The frozen ground is a barrier between the roots and water, so turning on your sprinklers becomes pointless
However, if you live somewhere that stays moderately temperate all winter and doesn’t see snow or rainfall, you might need to keep watering for the entire season. In humid, sunny, and warm climates, aim for watering at least a few times a week.
How Can I Water My Lawn More Efficiently?
It’s no surprise that for many people, conserving as much water as possible is a priority. Besides reducing your water bill to supporting the environment, there are plenty of benefits to maximizing your water efficiency. Here are some tips to do so:
- Look into getting a wind-resistant sprinkler, which can automatically adjust spray height on windy fall days to reduce water waste.
- If you live somewhere that gets regular rainfall during autumn, adjust your watering time accordingly.
- Upgrade your watering timer to one that’s capable of delaying a scheduled watering session so that unexpected rainfall doesn’t catch you off guard. Even better, consider making the switch to a smart watering system, which you can conveniently adjust from your smartphone anytime, anywhere.
- Stick with a soil additive that works. While many products promise to boost watering efficiency, few actually do. But Harvest Gold Premium Soil Conditioner is an expertly-formulated additive that taps into the powerful potential of minerals and all-natural silica to help you finally love your lawn – without raking up a huge water bill.
Choose Harvest Gold Premium Soil Conditioner for Terrific Turf
Because Harvest Gold Premium Soil Conditioner’s signature soil additive nurtures a healthy root system and soil structure, the result is a lawn that’s greener, fuller, more resilient, and perfectly primed for any season. The secret is in the distinct particle shape, which helps keep water absorption at peak efficiency. Combined with the mineral-rich formulation that’s enhanced with all-natural silica, Harvest Gold Premium Soil Conditioner is a simple way to work smarter, not harder, on a beautiful lawn.
Shop our chemical-free, certified organic soil additive or follow us on Twitter for more tips and tricks about optimizing your lawn care routine today.
