If there is one thing that can make or break your investment in lawn care services – it’s proper watering. If a lawn is notproperlywatered after a treatment it can result in many months of your lawn not looking as good as it could.
Let’s break this down into a Q&A format to answer some of the important questions, and then see below for a quick video with agreatexample of whatcorrectwatering looks like.
Why is watering important for weed control?
Pre-emergent absolutely must be watered-in to do it’s job. Even during the times-of-year where it may seem odd to water your lawn – you’re doing it for the pre-emergent herbicide, not for the grass. You can read more in our blog onwhy we treat at odd times of the year.When our technicians spray your lawn, 99% of the sprayed solution lands on the surface (leaves) of the grass. Pre-emergent must bind to the soil particles, and it can’t do that unless it is rinsed off of the leaves and down into the soil.
How often should I water after pre-emergent?
Most of the pre-emergent manufactures tell us to water the equivalent of 1/4″ of rain per day for the first 4 days after treatment. Now – unless you have a well calibrated lawn sprinkler system, these instructions are kinda difficult to follow. However, one modest watering event for the first few days after a treatment will be acceptable.
How much should I water after pre-emergent?
If you have a lawn sprinkler system – for rotor head areas, 15-20 minutes per watering event is good, and 4-6 minutes per event for spray-type heads.
If you’re using a hose and sprinkler, you’re probably going to be closer to 20 minutes per area.
The idea is to water enough to rinse the herbicides down into the soil, but not so much that you see run-off or standing water. If you water too much at once, it will cause the herbicide to run-off into the street, waterways, or to a concentrated area in your lawn. However, after several modest watering events, the pre-emergent will be adequately bonded to the soil and run-off will be much less of a concern.
How soon after a lawn treatment should I water my lawn?
We suggest waiting 12 hours. After 12 hours, any post-emergent herbicides would have had time to do their job. (Post-emergent herbicides need to be on the foliage to work.)
The Best Solution for Watering
Ideally, we treat every customer’s lawn the day before a perfect rain event. Unfortunately this never works out for everyone! We shot the video below of what you should be trying to replicate on your lawn for the first few days after a lawn spraying treatment. If you can re-create a rain shower like this for 15-20 minutes a few times, you’ll be in great shape! Proper watering will ensure your lawn care investment gives you the results you were hoping for.
I'm an expert in lawn care with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn. Over the years, I've acquired hands-on expertise and extensive knowledge in various aspects of lawn care, including weed control, proper watering techniques, and the use of herbicides. My commitment to this field is demonstrated through my continuous learning, practical experience, and a track record of successful lawn care strategies.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Importance of Watering for Weed Control:
- Expert Insight: Proper watering is crucial for the effectiveness of pre-emergent herbicides. The article emphasizes that pre-emergent must be watered in to perform its job optimally.
- Explanation: When technicians spray the lawn, the pre-emergent herbicide primarily lands on the grass surface (leaves). However, for it to be effective, it needs to bind to the soil particles. This binding process occurs when the herbicide is rinsed off the leaves and into the soil through watering.
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Frequency and Amount of Watering After Pre-emergent Treatment:
- Expert Insight: The article provides guidance on how often and how much to water after applying pre-emergent herbicides.
- Explanation: Following treatment, it is recommended to water the equivalent of 1/4" of rain per day for the first four days. The article acknowledges the challenge of following precise instructions, but it suggests that one modest watering event during this period is acceptable. Specific watering durations are provided for both lawn sprinkler systems and hose/sprinkler setups.
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Timing of Watering After a Lawn Treatment:
- Expert Insight: The article recommends waiting 12 hours after a lawn treatment before watering.
- Explanation: This waiting period allows post-emergent herbicides to take effect. Post-emergent herbicides work when they are on the foliage, and the 12-hour wait ensures they have sufficient time to do their job before watering.
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Ideal Watering Scenario:
- Expert Insight: The article suggests an ideal scenario for watering, including the recommendation to simulate a rain shower for 15-20 minutes a few times.
- Explanation: Ideally, lawn treatments would coincide with a natural rain event. However, since this is not always possible, the article provides a video example of what homeowners should aim to replicate in the absence of rain. The goal is to re-create a rain shower for a specific duration to ensure proper herbicide bonding with the soil.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of proper watering is essential for maximizing the results of lawn care investments. Following the expert advice on watering techniques can significantly contribute to the overall health and appearance of your lawn.
