Watering the grass every single day for 15 minutes. It will continuously feed your lawn until time for a spring feeding. disease. As a general rule of thumb, a lawn requires 1 inch of water a week. 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. Your lawn needs a minimum of 1½ inches (3-4cm) of water weekly depending on soil type, wind and rainfall amounts. Some smart controllers use small weather stations that take recordings of the conditions around them to allow irrigation cycles to run when needed. These newest irrigation controllers take the guess work out of scheduling irrigation cycles. 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. 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. We may also start mowing in May and it’s definitely time to apply weed control to stop those broadleaf nasties. Irrigation: During dormancy, water the lawn to prevent excessive dehydration. In Charlotte, homeowners are urged to — but not required to — water their lawns only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even in winter, it’s best to leave our grass tall. 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. During hot and dry weather, supplemental irrigation may be needed. Applying about 0.5 to 0.75 inch of water … Watering in the early morning is best. Most areas of South Carolina receive enough rainfall during the winter to avoid winter desiccation of lawns. It’s time to water again when the lawn takes on a bluish cast or the blades fold up. Dormant lawns must be watered once every 3 weeks during a drought. Overseeding. The answer is a definate "Maybe". As a guide, lawns usually benefit from added nutrients during the times of their active growth. Heavy watering results in waste and promotes lawn problems eg. The South is known for its tropical climate, and it should be treated that way throughout the seasons. Due to constantly changing weather conditions in the Southeast, scheduling irrigation during the winter months is almost impossible. To help better predict when to irrigate, new irrigation controllers known as "smart controllers" are helping individuals make informed decisions on when to irrigate. Winter desiccation can be a problem during dry winters. 2. 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. If your lawn is receiving more than one inch of precipitation, then you stop watering the garden. Watering Either water as needed to prevent drought stress or allow the lawn to go dormant. Use the following techniques to identify signs or indications of water need. 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Unless your lawn is receiving hydration from adequate rainfall, you … For instance, a city ordinance in the suburb of Cary requires homeowners to follow a year-round, three-day-a-week watering schedule. 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. Heavy watering results in waste and promotes lawn problems eg. Watering the lawn is essential – especially in the heat of the Famously Hot South Carolina Summer. Toll-Free 800-476-4515 If your area receives one inch or more of precipitation per week you don't need to water. Hence the best time to start watering the lawn in the spring is as early as possible. 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. This amount of water should not be applied all at once, however. On sandy soils it often requires more frequent watering, for example, ½ inch of water every third day. The standard rule of thumb is to water your lawn once or twice a week for about 20 minutes at a time. Follow these rules to know when to stop watering the lawn in fall. 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. Water when the sun will cause the least evaporation. If the lawn is overwatered, then there is a risk of fungal diseases. 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. 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. Fertilizing: Do not fertilize tall fescue after March 15. Continue to water and mow your lawn, as needed, throughout the fall. 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 … As a favorite of lawn owners interested in minimal upkeep, Centipede grass requires far less care than most other grasses in South Carolina. Counter Service Only, 3636 Belvedere Rd. Fax 864-295-6990 Soil moisture sensors are extremly accurature in reading how moist or dry your lawn is. Your lawn needs a minimum of 1½ inches (3-4cm) of water weekly. With the dry, hot summer behind you, your field desires less to drink. 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. On average, provide about 1 … (See White Grub Control in Turf, AG-366.) Generally, warm-season Midlands lawn care in South Carolina requires about 1 to 1.25 inches of water per week. To learn more about the different smart irrigation controllers offered by W.P. Since these grasses are still alive yet dormant, the question becomes "Do I need to water my lawn during the winter months?" This is simply not true. For more information on mowing lawns refer to HGIC 1205, Mowing Lawns. Regular waterings are better than light sprinkling. Law Inc., check out the links below for specific product information. In most places this is a … When to Stop Watering the Lawn in Fall. While reducing irrigation is an essential part of caring for autumn lawns, don’t stop watering abruptly. Contact Us, Phone 864-879-1045 During times of low humidity and windy conditions in the winter months, grasses are prone to drying out. Grass clippings decompose quickly and do not contribute to thatch. These types of irrigation controllers keep landscapes healthier by only applying water when it is needed and by applying the proper amount. 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. Logic tells us that as cooler weather sets in during the winter, grasses require far less water than during the summer months. The water regulations in your town may be different. Lawns thrive on regular watering and the sooner it starts getting watered in the spring, the sooner it … Your lawn should receive 1″ of water per week unless it is in dormancy. Water the new sod lawn lightly during the midday hours to maintain a moist soil to at least a 3-inch depth. 800-660-7569 disease. Unless your lawn is receiving hydration from adequate rainfall, you still need to water it through the fall season. Follow the Rules. Apply 1⁄2 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in late June or early July. Your lawn needs a minimum of 1½ inches (3-4cm) of water weekly. 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. Unfortunately, as simple as lawn watering is in practice, many lawn owners get it wrong.   Weathermatic SLW15 Treat established lawns with pre-emergent herbicides before cool-season winter weeds germinate, when … Fax 803-461 -0598 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. Watering Tips: Protecting your lawn and curbing unnecessary usage.   Acclima SC6+ and SC12+ It is often necessary to irrigate an area for 3 to 5 hours to apply 1 inch of water. This turns the lawn into a shallow-rooted water junkie that demands a water fix every day just to soldier on. 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. This turns the lawn into a shallow-rooted water junkie that demands a water fix every day just to soldier on. For more information on fertilizing lawns refer to HGI… 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. Disease Control Tall fescue is highly susceptible to brown (large) patch disease, which appears as irregularly shaped patches of dead or dying turf. Bermudagrass needs a weekly application of about 1 to 1¼ inches of water. In South Carolina warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, and Centipede go into a dormant stage as temperatures begin to lower. Often homeowners shut their systems down as soon as the fall season arrives because they believe that their lawn requires less water. 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. Regular waterings are better than light sprinkling. All Rights Reserved. Mowing: Mow lawn at a height of 3 inches. Color Test:When water becomes unavailable for an extended period, a lawn will exhibit a bluish-gray cast. There may be times when your lawn needs irrigation during the winter months. Save time, money, and water with smart irrigation controllers.   Weathermatic SL800 SATURDAY How much water does my lawn need, and how often should I water? Most areas of South Carolina receive enough rainfall during the winter to avoid winter desiccation of lawns. Always leave clippings on the lawn in a practice called “grass-cycling”. Treat established lawns with pre-emergent herbicides before cool-season winter weeds germinate, when … KEEP ON MOWING. After about three to four weeks, the roots should be in the soil so that sod pieces cannot be pulled up. The most efficient way to water is deep and infrequent watering. Fungal diseases may take hold if your lawn is overwatered. Aerate hard soil: Summer is also the time to loosen hard, compacted soil with an aerator. 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). Drought tolerant lawn grasses will revive once rainfall occurs or irrigation restrictions are lifted. 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. Watering to prevent drought stress can help eliminate turf loss during the winter.   Rainbird ESP-SMT, Phone 803-461 -0599 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. thru August 28, 2021 The answer is a definate "Maybe". Contact Us, Phone 864-295-3810 Contact Us, Effective March 13, 2021 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). When overseeding a South Carolina lawn, it’s crucial to choose the right product. Walk across your lawn in the evening. Ryegrass, for example, is perfect for South Carolina lawns—especially after the lawn has entered dormancy. 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. Fax 843-559-2740 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. Popular Mechanics offers these helpful tips for lawn care this winter. Watering to prevent drought stress can help eliminate turf loss during winter. Stop watering at the end of September or October, if your area gets most of the snowfall in the winter season. 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. Proper use of sprinkler water will result in a healthier and attractive lawn and lower water bills. 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. The key to establishing new sod is to keep it properly watered for the first month. 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. 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. Water not only quenches the grass's thirst, it also provides it with nearly all the essential nutrients that are dissolved in it. Smart controllers utilize weather stations or soil moisture sensors to determine when and how long to run irrigation cycles. Watering Tips for New Lawns: Water enough to keep it wet like a sponge until it roots in. Shutting off irrigation systems just before the temperature begins to drop below freezing will help ensure that your system is … This will encourage strong healthy roots. 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. 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. Check for white grubs in September and October; fall is the ideal time to control white grubs. Since these grasses are still alive yet dormant, the question becomes "Do I need to water my lawn during the winter months?" Winter desiccation can be a problem during dry winters. 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.. The amount of water lost through evaporation and transpiration slows considerably and the growth rate of grasses slows down as well. Then practice grasscycling. 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. Water as needed: Most lawns need regular watering during the summer to keep them green. This will encourage strong healthy roots. If you live in the South and Southwest, you are most likely dealing with a warm season lawn. 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 … 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. Refer to our complete tips on Watering New Sod. This allows air, moisture, and nutrients to reach your lawn's roots more easily. When the weather gets hot and dry, many people get the hosepipe out and water their lawns.. If the grass in the footprints remains flat, plan on watering your lawn the following morning. Contact Us. The good news is that they can pay for themselves in as little as one season due to their water saving features.   Weathermatic SLW10 Immediately after installing sod, water thoroughly making it spongy. 877-835-0714 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. 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. To be most efficient when watering your lawn, irrigate your lawn: when winds are calm in the early morning hours (minimizes evaporation loss) Furthermore, mornings are the best time to water, before the sun is high in the sky. Grasscycling is simply leaving grass clippings on your lawn. Watering the grass every single day for 15 minutes. Grass clippings decompose quickly and can provide up to 25 percent of the lawn’s fertilizer needs. Don’t shut off your irrigation system too early. Your lawn needs a minimum of 1½ inches (3-4cm) of water weekly depending on soil type, wind and rainfall amounts. The answer is a definate "Maybe". In South Carolina this generally occurs after May 15th and continues throughout the summer months. How Can I Care for My Lawn This Winter in South Carolina? Watering Tips for Established Lawns: Water deeply and infrequently. You should not completely stop watering your lawn in the fall until the ground freezes. Mow frequently enough so that no more than ⅓ of the grass blade is removed. Mow before the grass gets taller than 1½ to 2 inches. The other grass type found in South Carolina is Fescue and is considered a cool-season grass.   Weathermatic SL1600 John's Island, SC 29455, Phone 843-559-3945 You need to stay minimal irrigation going all winter long unless your space gets a … 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. Many users have saved 20-50% of their irrigation water bill by using smart irrigation controllers that utilize soil moisture sensors or weather stations. For larger lawns, you'll want to hire a landscaper who can do the work quickly. Acclima SC6 and SC12 Irrigation: During dormancy, water the lawn to prevent excessive dehydration. What is the best mowing height for my grass. 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. 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. Do not water again until you see footprints again.