When lawns and landscape are properly watered, appearance is maintained and pride of ownership enhanced. In addition, proper irrigation often decreases weed invasion and allows lawn grasses to better tolerate insect and disease pressure. On the other hand, improper irrigation practices either too much water or too little can lead to poor lawn grass health and increased weed, insect, and disease problems. Excessive watering, however, can cause rapid turf growth resulting in more mowing and clippings. It can also lead to a shallow turf root system and weed and pest invasions.
Underwatered turf becomes open and sparse, develops a poor appearance, allowing weed invasion.
The choice to irrigate home lawns should be made after weighing the specific facts in your locale. Recommendations for Effective Lawn Watering Do not begin watering at the first sign of warm weather. Root-system elongation is the initial turfgrass response to droughty conditions. Do not delay watering, however, until the lawn has gone dormant. After an initial droughty period, begin watering to maintain green color and active growth.