Watering Information

Watering is an important aspect of lawn care, and there are several things you should consider.

 

How much water do I apply?

This question is best answered by assessing weather factors, and also the quality of your lawn.

The daily evaporation rate decides how much water is needed.

What time of the day is the best to water?

Water is used more efficiently at night when there is less evaporation. Also, you will find that water restrictions will prohibit you from using scheme water during the day.

To prevent water wastage, you should make sure your sprinklers are fitted with tap timers, so that if you water at night, you won't forget to turn the sprinklers off. If you have an irrigation system, you can set the times with your reticulation controller.

 

How Long Should I Leave My Sprinklers On?

The best way to answer this question is to put out some 'catch cups' on the area you are watering. You can get these from any good hardware or irrigation supplier.

Leave your sprinklers on for a set period of time, and then measure how many millimeters of water was collected in the cups. Then, calculate how long the sprinklers need to be left on to provide the amount of water you want to apply. Set your timer for the required time and remember to adjust the timer at different times throughout the summer.

 

How Often Should I Water?

You can water every day if you like. But daily watering results in inefficient use of water because there are relatively high losses due to evaporation and the water doesn't penetrate deep into the soil.

Due to water restrictions, it may be better for your lawn and more water efficient to apply a wetting agent to prevent diseases like dry patch occurring. If you are unsure of what to buy, contact our office and one of our friendly, professional staff will be happy to assist you.

About Wetting Agents

Wetting agents can either Liquid or Granular.

Liquid wetting agents must be sprayed on or applied with a watering can. Follow the instructions on the product for correct application.

Granular wetting agents are much easier to apply. They can be spread like fertilisers, either by hand or with a hand trolley. Follow the instructions on the product for correct application.

All wetting agents need to be washed into the soil with about 15-20mm of water. Liquid wetting agents need to be washed in before they are allowed to dry on the turf. If they do dry on the turf, it will cause the turf to burn.

Granular wetting agents are better for use on home lawns. They can be left on the surface until washed in with a sprinkler.

About Sub-Surface Irrigation

A number of reticulation and environment specialists recommend sub-surface irrigation for maximum water efficiency.  However, Greenacres Turf Farm does not recommend sub-surface irrigation as the best method.

Particularly when laying Palmetto and Sir Walter soft leaf buffalos, which grow from surface runners, water needs to proceed down from the surface in order for the lawn to survive.  Therefore, if you install sub-surface irrigation, and then lay Palmetto or Sir Walter lawn, you will be required to apply several hand waterings on top of the sub-surface irrigation in order for the lawn to survive.

Therefore, we recommend surface irrigation over and above sub-surface irrigation.