How to Avoid Overwatering

If you come across sloppy puddles while watering your yard, you may have clay buildup in your soil. As a result, your soil is too compact to quickly and efficiently absorb water. You can take care of this issue a few different ways. Instead of watering for 30 minutes straight, water for five minutes, turn it off and wait 10 minutes. Water for five minutes more, then wait another ten minutes. Keep doing this until your 1.5 inch watering depth is achieved. This method allows the puddled water to absorb before you add more. Aerating in the Spring and/or Fall is another great way to dislodge that tough compacted soil.

Recap:

1. Water any day it doesn’t rain in the hottest parts of the summer.

2. Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is the best timeframe to water a lawn.

3. Water for 15-30 minutes. Don’t let the lawn get sloppy wet or puddle.

4. To be sure you’re watering properly, catch some water in a pan to see that you’ve water to a depth of 1.5 inches.

5. Aerating in the Spring and/or Fall is a great way to break up clay in tough compacted soil, helping your soil absorb water.