A lush, green lawn is the goal of just about every homeowner. After all, the landscape has a direct impact on the curb appeal of your home, and your lawn is a large part of the landscape. In order to achieve and maintain a thick, healthy, green lawn, regular watering is essential. But which is the best way to water your lawn?
What is the Best Way to Water Your Lawn (By Hand or With a Sprinkler)?
When it comes to watering your lawn, there are two main options: with ground sprinklers or by hand. Both are efficient ways to water your grass, and both options have their pros and cons, so which option will yield the best results? Read on to find out.
Hand Watering
As the term suggests, hand watering refers to applying water to your lawn with a hand-held hose.
Pros of Hand Watering the Lawn
Prevents overwatering/underwatering
Watering your lawn by hand can prevent both overwatering and underwatering. You’ll be able to ensure that each part of your lawn is catered to and receives the proper amount of water that it requires.
Avoids wasted water
Another benefit of hand watering your lawn is that it can help you avoid wasting water. When you water your grass by hand, you’ll be able to control the amount of water that you’re applying. This helps avoid soaking the soil and wasting water.
Detection
Watering by hand allows you to keep a closer eye on the grass root system. You’ll be able to assess your grass blades/soil and detect any trouble spots and provide any treatment that may be necessary.
Cons of Hand Watering the Lawn
Not efficient
Watering a lawn by hand isn’t efficient. It can be time-consuming, tedious, and tiring.
Inconsistency
You could end up over-watering parts of your lawn and under-watering other sections.
Not ideal for large lawns
If you have a large lawn, hand watering is less-than-ideal.
Sprinkler Watering
Sprinkler watering refers to sprinklers attached to a hose or a sprinkler system that features a collection of strategically placed nozzles used to water a lawn.
Benefits of Sprinkler Watering the Lawn
Convenience
Watering by sprinkler is much more convenient, especially if your lawn needs watered multiple times per week. When it’s time to water, simply set up the sprinkler, turn it on, and it will water your lawn for you. Turn it off when your grass has had enough to drink.
For even more convenience, set up or install a sprinkler system and use a timer to automate watering.
Healthier landscape
The average lawn needs between 30 and 60 minutes of watering several times a week. The length of time and frequency in which you water per week varies and depends on the climate and soil. Both under-watering and over-watering can result in dead grass.
An irrigation system can be automated to run for a predetermined amount of time and number of days. With an automated system, your lawn will receive the water it needs, even when you aren’t home.
Increased property value
Installing a sprinkler system can increase the resale value of your property. This is certainly beneficial if you plan on selling your home in the future.
Cons of Sprinkler Watering the Lawn
Excess watering
Sprinkler watering can result in over-watering. This is particularly true if the watering is automated, as the sprinkler(s) can run even when your grass doesn’t need a drink.
Costly
Sprinkler watering can be more costly than hand watering, especially if you intend to install a sprinkler system.
Sprinkler System vs. Hand Watering: Which is Best for the Lawn?
The decision to water your grass by hand or with a sprinkler depends on your personal preferences. Consider your unique circ*mstances and your goals to determine which option will best suit your needs.
Understand that the best time to water your lawn is in the early morning hours. In this case, there’s a good chance you might prefer sleeping in a few extra minutes instead of working on the lawn. In this instance, it might be best to install a sprinkler system so you can automate watering your lawn daily.
What is The Best Sprinkler System for Watering Lawns?
The best water sprinkler for your lawn depends on various factors such as lawn size, shape, water pressure, and personal preferences. However, some popular options include:
- Rotary Sprinklers: These are versatile and can cover large areas. They emit water in a circular pattern and are great for medium to large lawns.
- Oscillating Sprinklers: They distribute water in a rectangular pattern, making them suitable for rectangular or square-shaped lawns. They are adjustable and can cover a wide area.
- Impact Sprinklers: Known for their durability and ability to handle high water pressure, impact sprinklers are suitable for large lawns. They rotate in a circular motion and are often used in agricultural settings as well.
- Stationary Sprinklers: These are simple sprinklers that emit water in a fixed pattern. They are suitable for smaller lawns or for targeting specific areas that need watering.
- Traveling Sprinklers: These are self-propelled sprinklers that move along a hose path, covering large areas effectively. They’re great for irregularly shaped lawns or for those with slopes.
Consider factors such as coverage area, water efficiency, durability, and ease of adjustment when choosing the best sprinkler for your lawn. Additionally, look for sprinklers with features like adjustable spray patterns, flow control, and sturdy construction for optimal performance and longevity.
How Often Should You Water New Sod?
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Omaha’s Best Commercial & Residential Sprinkler Systems
Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away! Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.
