BEST WATERING PHILOSIPHY: “WATER TURFGRASS DEEPLY & INFREQUENTLY"
Respond to climate conditions and plant
stress to determine exact watering needs, understanding that sprinklers are to
be a supplementary source only. During periods of heavy rainfall, automatic
sprinkler systems should be turned off temporarily. Wind is a factor also and
watering should be avoided during high winds approaching 20mph. Be diligent in
monitoring the weather, choosing when to water makes all the difference.
Over-watering leads to weed problems and a shallow root system, while under-watering
stresses the turfgrass and promotes an underdeveloped canopy. See the
recommended watering guide below to help water correctly throughout the year.
Calibration model: Rotating sprinklers 20 to 40 minutes
= approx. ¼” of water. Reduce minutes by half when using stationary sprinklers
for equivalent output. Use a rain gauge to confirm exact amount. Watering
start times should be from 2am to 6am, zones concluding by 9am or earlier.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Examples
below: when watering needs are justified, and no rainfall is present or
forecasted.
SPRING 70°~80° (March ~ May) 1/4"
of water/wk, one water session/wk
Example all turfgrasses w/rotating
sprinkler heads: à 40min/zone x 1/wk @ 6am =
~1/4"/wk
(March & April delay start times until
temperatures are above 40°)
EARLY SUMMER 85°~95° (June ~ July) 1/2" of water/wk
divided into 2 or 3 watering sessions/wk.
Example warm-season grasses
(Bermuda/Zoysia) w/rotating heads: à 40min x 2/wk @ 5am = ~1/2”/wk
Example cool-season grasses (Fescue in sun) w/rotating heads: à 22min x 3/wk @ 5am = ~1/2”/wk
Example cool-season grasses (Fescue in sun) w/rotating heads: à 22min x 3/wk @ 5am = ~1/2”/wk
Example cool-season grasses
(Fescue in shade) w/rotating heads: à 35min x 2/wk @ 7am = ~1/2”/wk
(disease warning for Fescue grass – apply fungicide
May 1st)
LATE SUMMER 96°> (July ~ Aug) 1-1/8” (1.125”) of water divided into multiple
watering sessions/wk.
Example warm-season
(Bermuda/Zoysia turf) w/rotating heads: à 60min x 3/wk @ 5am = ~1.12”/wk
Example
cool-season (all Fescue turf) w/rotating heads: à 12min x 2/dy @ 6am
& 3pm = ~1.12”/wk
FALL 70°~95° (Sept ~ Oct) 1/2" of water/wk divided
into 2 watering sessions/wk.
Example all turfgrasses
w/rotating sprinkler heads: à 40min/zone x 2/wk @ 6am =
~1/2"/wk
Fescue:
(if seeded) 12min x 2/day @ 6am & 3pm first 10 days after seeding (seed ~Sept
1st)
(w/rotating sprinkler heads) 20min x 1/day @ 7am next 10 days
35min e/o day @7am next 10 days
40min x 2/wk @ 7am = ~1/2"/wk - throughout Oct until the end of the season
November – Sprinkler systems OFF and drained to
prevent freezing pipes or winter-proof sprinkler system to allow for winter
watering if needed.
Hope this helps - Good
luck,
- John Mitchell
President/ CEO
GreenMaster Landscape
Contractors Inc.
(AKA) Stillwater Sprinkler
Co.
(405) 707-0151
mail@greenmasterstillwater.com