How Often Should I Water My Lawn In Calgary?

How Often to Water Your Lawn for Best Growth in Calgary, Alberta

When it comes to maintaining a lush, green lawn in Calgary, Alberta, one of the most crucial factors is watering. With Calgary's dry climate and fluctuating weather patterns, understanding how often to water your lawn is essential for its health and growth.

The Importance of Proper Watering

Watering your lawn correctly ensures that your grass gets the nutrients it needs to thrive, helping to develop deep roots, lush blades, and a healthy green color. However, both overwatering and under watering can harm your lawn. So, how often should you water your lawn in Calgary to achieve the best results?

Optimal Watering Schedule for Calgary Lawns

Water Deeply, But Infrequently
The key to a healthy lawn in Calgary is watering deeply but infrequently. A common mistake is watering the lawn frequently but shallowly, which leads to shallow roots. Deep watering encourages the grass to develop deep roots, making it more drought-resistant and better suited to Calgary's dry summers.

Watering Frequency
During the growing season (from late spring to early fall), aim to water your lawn about two to three times per week. This allows your grass to receive enough moisture without becoming waterlogged. Watering once every three days is usually sufficient, but if it's particularly hot or dry, you may need to increase the frequency.

Early Morning Watering
The best time to water your lawn in Calgary is early in the morning, ideally before 10 a.m. This gives the grass time to absorb the water before the sun evaporates it. Early morning watering also helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases, which thrive in the wet, warm conditions of the evening.

Amount of Water
Your lawn should receive approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. You can use a rain gauge or a simple container, like a tuna can, to measure the amount of water your sprinkler delivers. To ensure deep watering, aim for your sprinklers to run for about 30 minutes at a time.

Seasonal Adjustments

Spring & Fall:
During the cooler months, you may not need to water your lawn as often. Grass grows slower, and rainfall may be more frequent. Reduce watering to once or twice a week.

Summer:
Calgary's summers can be hot and dry, so you may need to increase watering to three times a week, especially during periods of drought.

Winter:
When temperatures drop, grass goes dormant and does not require much water. You may only need to water if there is an extended dry spell in late fall or early winter.

Additional Tips for a Healthy Lawn

• Mow Higher: Set your mower blades to a higher setting. Longer grass helps retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Aeration: Aerate your lawn every year to ensure that water can reach the roots more effectively.
• Soil Health: Healthy soil helps your lawn retain moisture. Consider adding organic matter to improve your soil's water retention.