How Often Do You Water Your Lawn?
How do your lawn watering habits compare to the rest of the country? Read this new survey to find out.
A recent survey of 1,000 homeowners across the U.S. revealed diverse lawn watering practices. About 67% of homeowners rely solely on natural rainfall, while at the other end, 10% water their lawns at least once a week. These habits vary widely across regions, from the rain-rich cities like Astoria, OR, to the dryer climates out west.
5 States With Least Lawn Watering
(Percent of homeowners who don’t water their lawn)
- Louisiana: 91.0%
- Ohio: 88.2%
- Arkansas: 85.5%
- Illinois: 85.1%
- Wisconsin: 82.9%
In contrast, the states that have the highest portion of homeowners watering their lawns are mostly out west in Big Sky Country along with New Jersey.
5 States With the Most Lawn Watering
(Percent of homeowners who water their lawn)
- Wyoming: 77.6%
- Idaho: 67.0%
- Montana: 66.7%
- Nevada: 51.0%
- New Jersey: 49.5%
What Do the Experts Say About Watering Your Lawn?
Cornell University and the Department of Agriculture suggest that an established lawn needs about one inch of water per week. The best time for watering is early morning, and it’s more beneficial to water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root development.
How long to water: The length of time you should be watering will vary based on the flow rate of your irrigation system or sprinkler system, as well as the amount of water that’s needed in addition to the rainfall.
The type of grass matters: Certain types of grass seed are better suited to different climates. Bermuda grass is a popular warm-season grass, while Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season grass. Choosing the right variety matters a lot. A poorly suited variety that’s not drought-resistant will need much more care and attention.
Use good mowing practices: By mowing your grass to a height of three inches and letting the clippings fall back into the lawn, you’ll reduce evaporation and encourage root growth, helping the lawn need less water.
Regional Trends and Their Implications
We found that states with minimal lawn watering, like Louisiana and Ohio, might overlook the potential impact of this practice on home foundations. On the other hand, states with higher lawn watering frequencies, such as Wyoming and Idaho, need to be cautious about overwatering and its consequent foundation risks.
Why You Should Not Overwater Your Lawn
Simply put, because of soil and drainage issues. Consistent overwatering leads to soil compaction, altering its water absorption capacity and potentially causing drainage issues. This can result in water flowing towards your foundation, risking damage or flooding in basements or crawl spaces.
Excessive rain or overwatering can significantly damage your home’s foundation. Understanding how your home responds to different water conditions is key. Groundworks is here to provide a free inspection and expert solutions for any foundation-related concerns.
Why Balancing Lawn Watering Is Crucial for Your Foundation
While it’s essential to maintain a green lawn, it’s equally important to understand how lawn watering affects your home’s foundation. Overwatering can lead to soil expansion, exerting pressure on your foundation, while under-watering may cause soil shrinkage and foundation damage. Achieving the right balance is crucial.
The Role of Proper Drainage in Protecting Your Foundation
Effective drainage is vital in protecting your foundation from water damage. Ensuring that water flows away from your home prevents foundation weakening. This includes managing downspouts and soil grading around your house.
Expert Tips for Lawn Watering and Foundation Care
At Groundworks, we advocate for a balanced lawn watering approach. Techniques such as deep and less frequent watering promote healthy lawn roots and minimize soil instability that affects your foundation. Regular inspections for signs of foundation issues are also crucial.
When to Seek Professional Foundation Inspection
A professional inspection is advisable if you’re uncertain about your lawn watering’s impact on your foundation. Groundworks offers expert evaluations to identify and resolve potential foundation problems. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection.