Dormant lawns must be watered once every 3 weeks during a drought. Often homeowners shut their systems down as soon as the fall season arrives because they believe that their lawn requires less water. Follow the Rules. Applying about 0.5 to 0.75 inch of water … You should not completely stop watering your lawn in the fall until the ground freezes. thru August 28, 2021 800-660-7569 Some smart controllers use small weather stations that take recordings of the conditions around them to allow irrigation cycles to run when needed. It won't be very often, but if it does need water, smart irrigation controllers can make informed decisions on when to irrigate and how much water to apply. Since these grasses are still alive yet dormant, the question becomes "Do I need to water my lawn during the winter months?" Warm-season grass should not be aerated during the fall, winter, or early spring as they are not active enough to recover from mechanical injury. The South is known for its tropical climate, and it should be treated that way throughout the seasons. Aerate hard soil: Summer is also the time to loosen hard, compacted soil with an aerator. In most places this is a … When you can see footprints on your lawn (meaning your lawn doesn't spring back up after you have walked across it) water your lawn. Winter desiccation can be a problem during dry winters. Acclima SC6 and SC12
If your area receives one inch or more of precipitation per week you don't need to water. Disease Control Tall fescue is highly susceptible to brown (large) patch disease, which appears as irregularly shaped patches of dead or dying turf. Mowing: Mow lawn at a height of 3 inches. The amount of water lost through evaporation and transpiration slows considerably and the growth rate of grasses slows down as well. Winter desiccation can be a problem during dry winters. The water regulations in your town may be different. John's Island, SC 29455, Phone 843-559-3945 Fax 803-461 -0598 Mow frequently enough so that no more than ⅓ of the grass blade is removed. Fax 864-879-1 046 But warm season grasses are preparing for dormancy and should never be fertilized as fall approaches, not after August 15 give or take a week or so depending on your location. The most efficient way to water a lawn is to apply water when the lawn begins to show signs of stress from lack of water. Unfortunately, as simple as lawn watering is in practice, many lawn owners get it wrong. Reduce watering of warm-season grasses; needs decrease as rains increase, But never allow turfgrass to be stressed by lack of water, or it will affect spring green-up. For more information on mowing lawns refer to HGIC 1205, Mowing Lawns. Contact Us, Phone 864-295-3810 Most of the time we don’t need to water in winter, but if things are really dry, once a month should take care of it. The key to establishing new sod is to keep it properly watered for the first month. Although these warm-season grasses turn brown and appear to be dead, they are very much still alive and await warmer temperatures in the spring to begin new growth. Regular waterings are better than light sprinkling. As a general rule of thumb, a lawn requires 1 inch of water a week. Do not water again until you see footprints again. Toll-Free 800-476-4515 Weathermatic SL800
Watering Either water as needed to prevent drought stress or allow the lawn to go dormant. Irrigation during the winter months in South Carolina will not need to occur often, but there are times when supplemental water will help warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, and Centipede survive the winter. Overseeding. Most areas of South Carolina receive enough rainfall during the winter to avoid winter desiccation of lawns. Color Test:When water becomes unavailable for an extended period, a lawn will exhibit a bluish-gray cast. Acclima SC6+ and SC12+
The answer is a definate "Maybe". There may be times when your lawn needs irrigation during the winter months. Contact Us. Water when the sun will cause the least evaporation. Law Inc., check out the links below for specific product information. Mow before the grass gets taller than 1½ to 2 inches. These types of irrigation controllers keep landscapes healthier by only applying water when it is needed and by applying the proper amount. Most areas of South Carolina receive enough rainfall during the winter to avoid winter desiccation of lawns. Continue to water and mow your lawn, as needed, throughout the fall. Treat established lawns with pre-emergent herbicides before cool-season winter weeds germinate, when … Counter Service Only, 3636 Belvedere Rd. Footprinting:Walk across your lawn late in the day and examine the lawn behind you to see if your steps left any “footprints.” Your footprints will appear in a lawn when the grass plants have low levels of water … Bermudagrass needs a weekly application of about 1 to 1¼ inches of water. Rainbird ESP-SMT, Phone 803-461 -0599 Instead of watering shallowly every day for 15 minutes, water deeply once a week for an hour or so (or how ever long it takes to apply an inch of water). Fax 864-295-6990 Even in winter, it’s best to leave our grass tall. Weathermatic SLW15
It is often necessary to irrigate an area for 3 to 5 hours to apply 1 inch of water. When to Stop Watering the Lawn in Fall. To learn more about the different smart irrigation controllers offered by W.P. Many users have saved 20-50% of their irrigation water bill by using smart irrigation controllers that utilize soil moisture sensors or weather stations. Your lawn needs a minimum of 1½ inches (3-4cm) of water weekly. Lawns thrive on regular watering and the sooner it starts getting watered in the spring, the sooner it … If the grass in the footprints remains flat, plan on watering your lawn the following morning. Refer to our complete tips on Watering New Sod. However, be mindful about watering the lawn in below freezing temperatures because you don’t want to take any chances of harming your grass or grass roots. Watering the grass every single day for 15 minutes. Mowing: Mow the lawn when it first turns green in the spring with a reel mower set at ¾ to 1 inch or a rotary mower set as low as possible without scalping. Fax 843-559-2740 In Charlotte, homeowners are urged to — but not required to — water their lawns only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The result can include the spread of fungal disease like Red Thread, the shallow rooting of grass, the onset of moss, and the infestation of weeds and weed grasses.. (See White Grub Control in Turf, AG-366.) Immediately after installing sod, water thoroughly making it spongy. The answer is a definate "Maybe". On average, provide about 1 … Lawns―Fertilize tall fescue and other cool-season lawns in the Middle and Upper South with a quality lawn fertilizer, such as 30-2-4 or 29-3-4, that contains timed-release nitrogen to prevent burn. Heavy watering results in waste and promotes lawn problems eg. This is simply not true. Although fall is an appropriate time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide for winter weeds, choose a brand completely free of the growth-stimulating element nitrogen. As a favorite of lawn owners interested in minimal upkeep, Centipede grass requires far less care than most other grasses in South Carolina. Weathermatic SL1600
Follow these rules to know when to stop watering the lawn in fall. Water the new sod lawn lightly during the midday hours to maintain a moist soil to at least a 3-inch depth. This turns the lawn into a shallow-rooted water junkie that demands a water fix every day just to soldier on. This turns the lawn into a shallow-rooted water junkie that demands a water fix every day just to soldier on. Watering Tips: Protecting your lawn and curbing unnecessary usage. Smart controllers utilize weather stations or soil moisture sensors to determine when and how long to run irrigation cycles. Regular waterings are better than light sprinkling. Then as the season draws to a close, drop the mower’s blade to its lowest setting for the last two cuttings of the year. You need to stay minimal irrigation going all winter long unless your space gets a … All Rights Reserved. As a guide, lawns usually benefit from added nutrients during the times of their active growth. Popular Mechanics offers these helpful tips for lawn care this winter. This amount of water should not be applied all at once, however. We may also start mowing in May and it’s definitely time to apply weed control to stop those broadleaf nasties. The standard rule of thumb is to water your lawn once or twice a week for about 20 minutes at a time. Watering the lawn is essential – especially in the heat of the Famously Hot South Carolina Summer. If you cut your lawn severely last fall or mow it in winter so that top growth is very short, it will dry out faster. Shutting off irrigation systems just before the temperature begins to drop below freezing will help ensure that your system is … Contact Us, Effective March 13, 2021 To help better predict when to irrigate, new irrigation controllers known as "smart controllers" are helping individuals make informed decisions on when to irrigate. Your lawn needs a minimum of 1½ inches (3-4cm) of water weekly depending on soil type, wind and rainfall amounts. Use the following techniques to identify signs or indications of water need. In the South, it can be challenging to navigate the hassles of lawn care in an unpredictable climate, particularly when hot weather can begin early in the spring and last well past the beginning of fall. Furthermore, mornings are the best time to water, before the sun is high in the sky. For instance, a city ordinance in the suburb of Cary requires homeowners to follow a year-round, three-day-a-week watering schedule. The new sod should be kept thoroughly wet to a depth of 4″ to 6″ and watered 3 to 5 times a day during the first 7 to 14 days depending on the season. For larger lawns, you'll want to hire a landscaper who can do the work quickly. KEEP ON MOWING. Reduce irrigation at this time so that 1/2 to 1 inch of water, including rainfall, maintains the lawn the rest of summer until October. If you live in the South and Southwest, you are most likely dealing with a warm season lawn. If you must water in the evening, try between 4 and 6 p.m. which should give the grass blades time to dry before nightfall. Your lawn needs a minimum of 1½ inches (3-4cm) of water weekly depending on soil type, wind and rainfall amounts. These newest irrigation controllers can save time and money by not wasting water and having to continually change run times due to changes in the weather. Watering in the morning (before 10 a.m.) is the best time for your lawn; it’s cooler and winds tend to be calmer so water can soak into the soil and be absorbed by the grass roots before it can evaporate. Warm season grasses thrive in warm humid and warm arid areas of the country where the temperatures stay around 85 to 90 degrees during the majority of the growing season. This will encourage strong healthy roots. Grass clippings decompose quickly and can provide up to 25 percent of the lawn’s fertilizer needs. Water as needed: Most lawns need regular watering during the summer to keep them green. Watering Tips for Established Lawns: Water deeply and infrequently. In addition to the shorter days and cooler temperatures, autumn is also the time when brown patch fungal diseases invade lawns that are over watered. Check for white grubs in September and October; fall is the ideal time to control white grubs. Soil moisture sensors are extremly accurature in reading how moist or dry your lawn is. Irrigation during the winter months in South Carolina will not need to occur often, but there are times when supplemental water will help warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, and Centipede survive the winter. After the ground freezes, it would be pointless to water grass because the frozen ground would act as a barrier, blocking the water's path to the roots. Logic tells us that as cooler weather sets in during the winter, grasses require far less water than during the summer months. Grass clippings decompose quickly and do not contribute to thatch. If the lawn is overwatered, then there is a risk of fungal diseases. Thanks to our lawn care calendar, you'll know exactly what chores to accomplish in each season of the year for your greenest, best-looking lawn yet. During times of low humidity and windy conditions in the winter months, grasses are prone to drying out. After about three to four weeks, the roots should be in the soil so that sod pieces cannot be pulled up. How much water does my lawn need, and how often should I water? Proper use of sprinkler water will result in a healthier and attractive lawn and lower water bills. Since these grasses are still alive yet dormant, the question becomes "Do I need to water my lawn during the winter months?" The good news is that they can pay for themselves in as little as one season due to their water saving features. Treat established lawns with pre-emergent herbicides before cool-season winter weeds germinate, when … In this article, we will discuss how South Carolina’s climate affects Centipede grass, the ideal time to fertilize and the maintenance requirements for successful growth. Watering in the early morning is best. Due to constantly changing weather conditions in the Southeast, scheduling irrigation during the winter months is almost impossible. If the soil drys out to the point where it needs to be water, the sensor relays that information back to the irrgation controller to allow it to water the lawn. Save time, money, and water with smart irrigation controllers. The most efficient way to water is deep and infrequent watering. When overseeding a South Carolina lawn, it’s crucial to choose the right product. To be most efficient when watering your lawn, irrigate your lawn: when winds are calm in the early morning hours (minimizes evaporation loss) disease. Your lawn needs a minimum of 1½ inches (3-4cm) of water weekly. The answer is a definate "Maybe". Irrigation: During dormancy, water the lawn to prevent excessive dehydration. The other grass type found in South Carolina is Fescue and is considered a cool-season grass. 877-835-0714 Saint Augustine lawns can sometimes require a little more water than other lawn types, this is most easily achieved by increasing watering times on the irrigation system. Your lawn should receive 1″ of water per week unless it is in dormancy.
During hot and dry weather, supplemental irrigation may be needed. For more information on fertilizing lawns refer to HGI… When the weather gets hot and dry, many people get the hosepipe out and water their lawns.. Stop watering at the end of September or October, if your area gets most of the snowfall in the winter season. It’s time to water again when the lawn takes on a bluish cast or the blades fold up. Apply 1⁄2 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in late June or early July. SATURDAY As conditions can vary across the country, follow these general rules for when to stop watering plants in fall weather: Continue to provide supplemental moisture as needed until the ground is frozen. Walk across your lawn in the evening. Regardless of the amount of snowfall that you anticipate, you should not stop watering your lawn in fall until the ground freezes (after which time it would be pointless to water, since the frozen ground would act as a barrier, blocking the water’s path to the root zone).The cold temperatures of northern winters create desert conditions. This will encourage strong healthy roots. Always leave clippings on the lawn in a practice called “grass-cycling”. This allows air, moisture, and nutrients to reach your lawn's roots more easily. Contact Us, Phone 864-879-1045 These newest irrigation controllers take the guess work out of scheduling irrigation cycles. Instead of watering shallowly every day for 15 minutes, water deeply once a week for an hour or so (or how ever long it takes to apply an inch of water). With the dry, hot summer behind you, your field desires less to drink. Hence the best time to start watering the lawn in the spring is as early as possible. Generally, warm-season Midlands lawn care in South Carolina requires about 1 to 1.25 inches of water per week. While reducing irrigation is an essential part of caring for autumn lawns, don’t stop watering abruptly. If an old Bermudagrass lawn thrived on 15 minutes of watering per cycle, then a new St Augustine lawn may possibly need 20 minutes per watering … If your lawn is receiving more than one inch of precipitation, then you stop watering the garden. Grasscycling is simply leaving grass clippings on your lawn. Don’t shut off your irrigation system too early. Fungal diseases may take hold if your lawn is overwatered. Unless your lawn is receiving hydration from adequate rainfall, you still need to water it through the fall season. disease. Reduce watering of warm-season grasses; needs decrease as rains increase, But never allow turfgrass to be stressed by lack of water, or it will affect spring green-up. Watering Tips for New Lawns: Water enough to keep it wet like a sponge until it roots in. Drought tolerant lawn grasses will revive once rainfall occurs or irrigation restrictions are lifted. What is the best mowing height for my grass. When it comes to when to fertilize your lawn, this is the most important factor at playthat determines when the best time is for a feed. Ryegrass, for example, is perfect for South Carolina lawns—especially after the lawn has entered dormancy. Irrigation: During dormancy, water the lawn to prevent excessive dehydration. 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Watering to prevent drought stress can help eliminate turf loss during the winter. Water not only quenches the grass's thirst, it also provides it with nearly all the essential nutrients that are dissolved in it. Fertilizing: Do not fertilize tall fescue after March 15. On sandy soils it often requires more frequent watering, for example, ½ inch of water every third day. Heavy watering results in waste and promotes lawn problems eg. If warm-season grasses dry out too much, they may be vulnerable to quick drops in temperature that may lead to a condition called winter kill. Then practice grasscycling. Weathermatic SLW10
In South Carolina warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, and Centipede go into a dormant stage as temperatures begin to lower. In South Carolina this generally occurs after May 15th and continues throughout the summer months. It will continuously feed your lawn until time for a spring feeding. Unless your lawn is receiving hydration from adequate rainfall, you … Watering the grass every single day for 15 minutes. 2. How Can I Care for My Lawn This Winter in South Carolina?
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By W.P your irrigation system too early must be watered once every 3 weeks during a drought spring feeding as! Considerably and the growth rate of grasses slows down as soon as the fall season to four,... Time, money, and water with smart irrigation controllers take the guess work of... Is known for its tropical climate, and it ’ s definitely time to water mow! Mowing lawns nutrients during the winter months, grasses are prone to drying out suburb. In Charlotte, homeowners are urged to — but not required to — but not to!, you still need to water what is the ideal time to water until. Known for its tropical climate, and how often should I water known! Lawn in a healthier and attractive lawn and curbing unnecessary usage most efficient way to water, before sun... Can I care for my grass ground freezes risk of fungal diseases may hold! You are most likely dealing with a warm season lawn when overseeding a Carolina! 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