Frequentity of Irrigating Your Lawn During Winter, as Suggested by Professionals
During the spring and summer months, your lawn might appear constantly thirsty. However, once winter temperatures set in and your landscape becomes silent, you might not even consider watering your grass. Many grass types enter a dormant phase during winter, but they still require some water to bounce back swiftly the following spring. To aid you in understanding your lawn's winter watering requirements, we spoke to landscaping professionals who shared their insights on how frequently to water your lawn during colder weather.
- Jason McCausland, technical coordinator at Weed Man
- Craig Elworthy, founder of Lawnbright
Frequency of Watering Your Lawn in Winter
Although grasses require less water during winter due to their dormant state, they still need some moisture. "Grasses absorb minimal nutrients and very little water during winter," remarks Craig Elworthy, founder of Lawnbright. Unless you're experiencing a severe drought with no significant precipitation for over a month, watering won't be necessary. During such droughts, supply your lawn with a half-inch of water every two weeks.
You can examine soil moisture levels by utilizing a screwdriver or a soil moisture meter. "Watering may be essential if moisture is lacking several inches below the surface," suggests Jason McCausland, national technical coordinator for Weed Man.
Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grasses
Most grasses can be categorized into two groups: cool-season and warm-season grasses. These classifications depend on the growth patterns of specific grass varieties. Cool-season grasses grow actively in late winter to early spring and go dormant during summer, whereas warm-season grasses begin their growth in late spring to early summer and enter dormancy during winter.
Regardless of the type of grass you cultivate, both cool-season and warm-season grasses that enter dormancy in winter need watering only during drought periods.
However, regions that maintain year-round grass growth, such as the southernmost tip of Florida and specific tropical zones in southern states, may require weekly watering during winter, according to McCausland.
Timing of Lawn Watering in Winter
Should you need to water your lawn in winter, mid-morning is the optimal time to do so, suggesting McCausland, to stimulate root growth and reduce afternoon sun evaporation. Additionally, consider overnight temperatures and avoid watering late at night to minimize the risk of frost forming on the grass.
Risks of Underwatering Your Lawn in Winter
Inadequate moisture during winter can lead to various lawn issues. One potential drawback is root desiccation, which weakens the grass, making it more susceptible to insect and disease problems in the spring. "This dehydration also leads to soil compaction, creating an unfavorable environment for the root system and making it harder for the roots to absorb moisture, resulting in water drainage and runoff problems," adds McCausland.
Not only can underwatering slow the grass's recovery from dormancy in the spring, but it can also create thin growth areas and bare patches that will encourage weed growth later in the season, according to Elworthy.
Risks of Overwatering Your Lawn in Winter
Excessive moisture can lead to root rot and fungal diseases regardless of the season. "Overly wet soil can deprive grass roots of oxygen, weakening the lawn," notes McCausland. "Standing water can compact the soil, reducing drainage and impairing root development when growth resumes in the spring." It's best to water sparingly during winter, if at all.
After learning about the winter watering needs of lawns from landscaping professionals, Martha Stewart might consider investing in a soil moisture meter for her garden to ensure her grass receives the right amount of moisture. During periods of severe drought, both cool-season and warm-season grasses, as mentioned by Jason McCausland from Weed Man, should be watered with half an inch of water every two weeks.
