You can irrigate your Lawn and landscape at any time during the
day. However, the ideal time is in the early hours of the
day. At this time, wind is minimal, and you reduce water losses. Also, irrigating at this time gives water a better chance to infiltrate into the soil before it is lost to
evaporation.
Watering at night or in the evening is a second choice
to morning irrigation. Water loss to evaporation can be
minimized at this time, but the moisture remaining on
plant leaves overnight creates a condition conducive to
disease development. Nevertheless, in some cases, such
as on golf courses, night irrigation may be the only way
in which you can practically water turf or a landscape
without interrupting its use. Night irrigation is especially practical with automatic irrigation systems.
Daytime is the least preferable time to irrigate. Evaporative losses are high, and wind also may be greater
I am surprised that irrigation systems are turned on the same time each day. Often when I drive around no matter whether it rained a day earlier or even if it was raining at that moment I see those sprinklers going because most people do not tailor there systems to the enviromental conditions. They set it on auto or cruise control and just let it happen
We do not live in the rainforest here in the USA so why are we still watering every day and wasting precious water? Usually when the lawn is under stress during hot, dry summer months, an established lawn only requires about one inch of water weekly either from rain or irrigation sources. Consider having a licensed irrigation professional install a rain gauge on your gutter to bypass a few cycles of irrigation when it rains.
Water less frequently and more deeply. If you water deeply, your roots will begin to grow down further into the soil. This means that your grass will perform better during hot and drought-like periods.
One inch of water is a good rule of thumb for your lawn. However, this will really depend on where you live, the quality of your soil, etc. Soil types can make a big difference on how efficiently your lawn uses water.
One inch of water is a good rule of thumb for your lawn. However, this will really depend on where you live, the quality of your soil, etc. Soil types can make a big difference on how efficiently your lawn uses water.
Go out and test to see how much water you’re using each time you water. Remember that your goal should be an inch of water about every week. Place a series of shallow containers throughout your lawn. Turn the sprinklers on and water your grass. When you’re finished, measure the water in the dishes. Adjust the time until the water is about an inch deep.
Try setting your sprinkler system to run about every two to three days. Watch your lawn to see how it reacts. It may take a week to get it right but you will benefit in the long run.