Fall Watering
Watering Your Cumming Georgia Lawn In The Fall
Fescue
Fescue is a cool season turf grass. Should have been reseeded in the last few weeks. Watering should remain the same as it has been throughout the summer months. However, when the temps begin to drop you can space out the days in between watering. Remember it is important to water deep and less frequent than to water a short amount of time and more frequent for a healthy deep root system. Further explanation of this. When you water for 10 minutes every 2 days the water only gets into the ground about 1 maybe 2 inches. If we have long dry warm periods like we do here in Cumming Georgia in the fall that water will be gone quickly and cause a very shallow root system. If you water for 45 minutes to over 1 hour 2 times a week and measure your watering to the equivalence of 1 to 1.5 inches per week this allows the water to soak deep into the ground giving your lawn a deeper healthier root system.
Bermuda, or Zoysia
The summer turf grasses usually get a frost around 3rd week in October but we usually suggest even before then turning the water back because watering after mid to late September isn’t going to keep your summer turf grasses greener once we get this late in the season. They have already begun to go dominant with the days getting shorter. Once the first frost hits there isn’t any need in watering for green grass. This season in 2024 I have question all my years in this business should we run some water on our lawns just to have some moisture due to the dryness. Same goes for these type turfs when watering water long and infrequent for a deep root system.
Plants can require a lot of different needs: Here are some general guild lines for watering your plants this fall and headed into winter.
Water deeply but less frequently: As temperatures cool, plants need less frequent watering. However, when you do water, aim for a deep soak to help the roots grow strong for winter.
Morning watering: Water in the morning to allow any excess moisture on leaves to dry before evening, reducing the chance of fungal diseases.
Check soil moisture: Only water when the soil is dry an inch or two below the surface. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially as plants’ growth slows in the cooler months.
Newly planted trees and shrubs: If you’ve recently planted trees, shrubs, or perennials, keep up regular watering until the ground freezes. These new plants need more moisture to establish roots.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature as the weather cools.
Reduce watering annuals and perennials: Many annuals will naturally die back in the fall, so they won’t require much water. For pansies and Viola annuals these will need watering after install and if we are not getting much rain, they will need water up until 1st of December. If it is windy
continue to water periodically so the ground stays damp. It is just import to be care not to freeze sidewalks and driveways while watering. For perennials, slow down watering as they go dormant.
As always, thank you for choosing Cumming Lawn Service!