It’s the last month of summer. Do you know how thirsty your lawn is? Here are some easy ways to tell if your grass needs a drink plus seven lawn watering tips.

How to Tell if Your Yard Needs Water

Some can tell just by looking outside that their grass is dry. While patches of dead spots could mean several things, here’s how to tell it’s time to water:

• Wilted, curled or folded grass blades
•  Dull bluish color instead of vibrant green
• After stepping on it, It takes time for the blades to bounce back

Once you’ve determined water is needed, make a plan to help ensure your lawn gets the right amount.

Lawn Watering Tips

You don’t want to waste water, especially during the hottest time of year when every drop counts. Follow these six easy tips to prep and efficiently water your lawn.

1. Remove thatch—rake up all the dead grass and debris—to help prevent matting.
2. Aerate in spring, mid-summer or early fall to help break up compact soil.
3. Enrich the soil with fertilizer and/or organic compost. Growing strong, healthy grass helps keep it more drought-tolerant.
4. Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation during the heat of the day and so excess water can dry.
5. Water daily on newly seeded or over-seeded areas until well established.
6. Measure how long it takes for water to penetrate the soil about an inch deep. Once you’ve determined the length of time, set that schedule about once a week Account for rain and adjust accordingly.
7. If using a sprinkler, adjust for uniform coverage over grass only.

If you’ve followed these tips but still find your grass isn’t bouncing back, contact Cardinal Lawns for more information on how to bring life back to your lawn. If all else fails, choose a type of grass that holds up better in the heat.

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