Fall Watering Guide for Warm-Season Turf: .6 Inches of Water Per Week
Follow this Fall Watering Guide for Warm-Season Turf to ensure your lawn receives the perfect amount of water this season.
As the fall season approaches, it’s time to adjust your lawn care routine to ensure your grass stays healthy and vibrant. Proper watering is key to maintaining a lush, green lawn. By following these fall watering recommendations, you can keep your lawn looking its best as the temperatures drop. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to provide your lawn with the perfect amount of water.
Aspect | Key Points | Advice for Homeowners |
Water Requirement | .6 inches of water per week from Sept-Nov, in addition to rainfall. | Adjust watering schedule based on rainfall. Use seasonal adjustments if available. |
Signs of Under-Watering | Wilting, bluish-gray color, and footprints remain visible longer. | Watch your lawn regularly for signs of drought stress and adjust watering accordingly. |
Watering Time Calculation | Use catch cans to measure and calculate how long to run your sprinklers to achieve .6 inches. | Measure water output accurately to ensure even distribution across the lawn. |
Sprinkler System Types | Spray Heads: 30 min/week. Rotors & MP Rotors: 60 min/week. Adjust as needed. | Choose appropriate sprinkler types for different areas and adjust run times based on observed needs. |
Optimal Watering Time | Water between 3-5 AM to minimize evaporation and prevent disease. | Set your irrigation system to water early in the morning to maximize efficiency. |
Identifying Hotspots | Check for uneven watering that creates brown patches. Adjust sprinkler heads if needed. | Monitor your lawn for dry areas and ensure your irrigation system covers all parts evenly. |
Water Conservation | Reduce watering based on rainfall, use seasonal adjustments, and avoid over-watering. | Optimize water usage to avoid wastage and promote sustainable lawn care practices. |
Why Fall Watering Is Important
Your lawn’s water needs change throughout the year, and fall is no exception. During this time, your grass is preparing for the cooler months ahead, and it’s essential to provide the right amount of water to support its growth. Watering too much or too little can lead to problems such as disease, weak root systems, and unsightly brown patches.
For comprehensive care, consider our lawn treatment services to keep your grass in top condition year-round.
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
From September to November, our area receives an average of 4.62 inches of rainfall per month. However, according to NC State, only 50% of this, or 2.31 inches, is effective for the lawn.
Your lawn needs a total of 4.21 inches of water each month. To determine how much additional water is needed, we calculate the Gross Irrigation Requirement (GIR) by subtracting the effective rainfall (2.31 inches) from the total water needed (4.21 inches):
Gross Irrigation Requirement (GIR):
4.21 inches (water needed) – 2.31 inches (effective rainfall) = 1.90 inches of irrigation required.
However, because irrigation systems are typically 80% efficient, you need to apply more water to ensure the lawn gets what it needs. This is called the Net Irrigation Requirement (NIR). We calculate it as follows:
Net Irrigation Requirement (NIR):
1.90 inches (GIR) ÷ 0.80 (irrigation efficiency) = 2.38 inches per month.
Spread over 4 weeks, this means you need to irrigate an additional 0.6 inches each week, on top of the natural rainfall, to meet your lawn’s water requirements.
To ensure your lawn is receiving the right care, our lawn and landscape maintenance services can help keep it healthy and lush.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Water
Your lawn will tell you when it needs more water. Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Wilting: Grass blades fold or curl.
- Color Changes: The lawn starts turning a bluish-gray color.
- Footprints Remain: Footprints stay visible on the grass longer than usual.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to increase your watering. Regularly checking your lawn for these signs will help you stay ahead of potential issues.
Learn more about our lawn care services to ensure your grass gets the care it needs.
Calculating Your Watering Time
Determining the right watering time for your lawn is crucial. Each irrigation system is different, so it’s essential to calculate your system’s output. Here’s a quick method:
- Use Catch Cans: Place glass cups or coffee cans around your lawn.
- Run the System: Turn on your irrigation for 10 minutes.
- Measure the Water: Check the amount of water in each cup.
- Calculate Run Time: If you collect .1 inch of water in 10 minutes, you need to run that zone for 60 minutes per week to achieve .6 inches.
Estimated Watering Times by Sprinkler Type
Knowing your sprinkler type can help you estimate the time needed to provide .6 inches of water per week:
- Spray Heads: Average of 50 minutes for 1 inch of water.
- Weekly Requirement: 30 minutes per week (10 minutes, 3 days a week).
- Rotors: Average of 100 minutes for 1 inch of water.
- Weekly Requirement: 60 minutes per week (20 minutes, 3 days a week).
- MP Rotors: Average of 100 minutes for 1 inch of water.
- Weekly Requirement: 60 minutes per week (20 minutes, 3 days a week).
Keep in mind that these are general estimates. Your system’s actual performance may vary, so it’s essential to monitor and adjust as needed.
The Best Time to Water Your Lawn
Watering your lawn at the right time is as important as the amount of water you provide. The ideal time to water is early in the morning, between 3-5 AM. This allows the water to soak into the soil before the sun gets too high and evaporation rates increase. Morning watering also helps prevent fungal diseases and allows the grass to dry before it’s time to mow.
For more information on best practices, visit our lawn care page.
Watch for Hotspots
Hotspots are areas in your lawn that receive less water than others. These spots can cause your grass to turn brown and thin out, even if the rest of your lawn looks green and healthy. Common causes of hotspots include:
- Improperly designed systems.
- Heads not spraying correctly.
- Low-pressure problems.
- Incorrect nozzles or head spacing.
It’s essential to regularly check your system for coverage issues and make adjustments to ensure an even distribution of water.
If you’re looking for professional help with your lawn, our lawn care services can provide the support you need to keep your yard in top shape.
Conserve Water While Keeping Your Lawn Healthy
Water conservation is crucial, especially during times of drought or when rainfall is abundant. To conserve water while maintaining a healthy lawn:
- Use Seasonal Adjustments: If your irrigation controller has a seasonal adjustment feature, use it to change the run times based on the current weather.
- Monitor Rainfall: If it rains, reduce your watering schedule accordingly.
- Avoid Over-Watering: Over-watering can harm your lawn and waste water. Stick to the recommended .6 inches per week.
Conclusion: Keep Your Lawn Healthy This Fall
By following these fall irrigation recommendations, you can ensure your lawn stays healthy and vibrant throughout the season. Providing .6 inches of water per week, monitoring for signs of drought, and adjusting your system’s run times will help you maintain a beautiful lawn.
For ongoing maintenance, explore our lawn and landscape maintenance services.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our team at Vinedresser Lawn & Landscape is here to help. Let’s work together to create a successful lawn care plan this fall. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our lawn care services.