Grass: How to recognize when to weed, feed and aerate.

Visual Signs Your Grass Needs Water

  1. Grass turns a dull bluish-gray color

    • Healthy grass is vibrant green. A dry lawn loses its sheen and starts to look dusty or grayish.

  2. Footprints stay visible

    • Walk across your lawn—if your footprints remain and the grass doesn't spring back, it's thirsty.

  3. Grass blades are curled or folded

    • When water is lacking, grass tries to conserve moisture by curling or folding lengthwise.

  4. Soil is dry and hard

    • Stick a screwdriver or similar object into the soil. If it's tough to push in, the soil is dry underneath.

  5. Patchy or thinning areas appear

    • Some spots may dry out faster, showing early signs like yellowing or browning.

Timing Tips

  • Water in the early morning (before 10 AM) to reduce evaporation and fungal risks.

  • Avoid watering in the evening—this encourages disease due to prolonged moisture overnight.

Simple Test: The Screwdriver Test

  • Push a screwdriver 6 inches into the soil.

  • If it goes in easily, your lawn has enough moisture.

  • If it's difficult or only goes a few inches, time to water.

How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?

  • Most lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, from rain or irrigation.

  • Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots (usually once or twice a week, depending on your soil and climate).

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