Maintaining a vibrant lawn in the springtime starts with the right winter watering routine.
During the warmer months, keeping your grass adequately hydrated is often top of mind.
Yet, when winter arrives and temperatures drop, many homeowners forget about their lawn’s hydration needs.
While it’s true that most grasses enter dormancy during the colder months, they still need a bit of moisture to bounce back beautifully in the spring.
To provide you with the best practices for winter watering, we reached out to landscaping experts, and they shared some invaluable advice.
How Often Should You Water in Winter?
Winter watering is essential, albeit in limited amounts.
Because grass growth slows down in the cold, the need for water drastically decreases.
Experts suggest that unless your region faces extreme drought—indicated by a complete lack of rainfall for a month or more—frequent watering isn’t necessary.
In dry conditions, consider delivering about half an inch of water every two weeks.
If you’re unsure about the moisture content in your soil, try using a screwdriver to poke a few inches down or use a soil moisture meter.
If the soil feels dry, it’s time to give your lawn some hydration.
Understanding Grass Types: Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season
Grasses fall mainly into two categories: cool-season and warm-season.
Cool-season grasses flourish from late winter through early spring but tend to stay dormant during the summer heat.
In contrast, warm-season grasses kick into gear in late spring and rest during the winter months.
Regardless of the type, both categories of grass will lie dormant in winter, requiring watering primarily during dry spells.
However, if you live in warmer regions like southern Florida or certain tropical areas of the southern U.S., your lawn may benefit from weekly watering sessions, even in winter.
Risks of Not Watering Enough in Winter
Neglecting to provide adequate moisture during the winter months can lead to a host of issues for your lawn.
One significant problem is root desiccation, which can weaken grass health and leave it more vulnerable to pests and diseases as spring approaches.
Insufficient watering can also cause soil compaction, creating an unhealthy environment for roots and complicating the absorption of water, resulting in runoff.
If your lawn doesn’t receive enough hydration during winter, it may take longer to wake up from dormancy in spring.
This slower recovery can lead to patchy growth and bare spots, which, in turn, can foster weed development as the season progresses.
Conversely, giving your lawn too much water can be just as damaging.
Overwatering can lead to problems like root rot and the development of fungal infections, affecting your grass year-round.
When soil becomes overly saturated, it lacks essential oxygen, which can suffocate roots and threaten your lawn’s overall health.
Additionally, standing water can compact the soil, making it difficult for roots to grow and for water to drain effectively as spring rolls around.
Therefore, it’s crucial to be judicious with your winter watering efforts.
With the right approach to winter hydration, you can set the stage for a lush lawn that flourishes when the warm weather returns.
Source: Marthastewart.com