Essential Lawn Watering Techniques for April

Let’s break down the proven watering habits every homeowner should follow for a flourishing lawn this spring.

1. Water Early in the Morning
   Early morning watering — ideally between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM — is the gold standard for spring lawn care.
   Cooler morning temperatures reduce water loss through evaporation.
   Grass blades have time to dry throughout the day, preventing fungal diseases.
   Moisture reaches the roots when the soil is at its most receptive.
   Avoid evening watering, as damp grass overnight is a breeding ground for harmful lawn diseases like brown patch and dollar spot.
2. 2. Water Deeply, Not Frequently
   One of the most common lawn care mistakes is frequent, shallow watering. Grass roots grow only as deep as water penetrates the soil. Shallow watering leads to shallow roots, which makes your lawn more vulnerable to drought, disease, and pests.
   Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
   Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the soil, increasing drought resistance.
   Spread watering across two sessions per week rather than short, daily bursts.
   You can measure how much water your lawn is getting by placing a rain gauge or an empty tuna can on your lawn while sprinklers run — once the can is full to about 1 inch, your lawn has had enough.
3. 3. Check Soil Moisture Regularly
   A simple screwdriver test can reveal more than fancy gadgets.
   Push a screwdriver 6 inches into the soil.
   If it goes in smoothly, your soil has adequate moisture.
   If it resists, it’s too dry and needs a deep soak.
   Moisture meters are also a helpful tool for precision-minded homeowners.
4. 4. Adjust Watering After Rainfall
   April showers can throw your watering schedule off balance. Overwatering after a good spring rain can do more harm than good, leading to:
   Soil nutrient runoff.
   Increased fungus and root rot.
   Shallow, underdeveloped roots.
   If nature has already provided rain, skip your watering cycle for a day or two and monitor soil moisture instead.
5. 5. Use Sprinklers Wisely
   If you’re using automatic sprinklers or manual oscillating ones, correct placement is everything.
   Make sure your sprinkler’s spray pattern reaches all corners without wasting water on sidewalks, driveways, or patios.
   Watch for runoff — if water starts pooling or streaming away, turn off the system and allow time for absorption.
   Choose sprinklers designed for your lawn size. Rotary sprinklers are ideal for large yards, while fixed spray heads work well for small, even lawns.