Question
Q
When is the best time time to water my lawn? I've heard it's better in the evening because it gives time to soak in and I've heard morning because if you do it at night the lawn will get moldy. Thanks.
Answer(s)
A
This is a good question, because so many people have moved here from other parts of the U.S. where this really matters.
Because Utah's relative humidity is so low, it doesn't really cause significant fungal problems to water in the evening hours.
Turfgrass fungal problems in Utah are more often related to thatch buildup, since it holds water like a sponge and provides a good environment for fungus to grow.
Here in Utah, it is more important to water when the sun is down and the wind is calm so that the water is used efficiently. In some cases, where the sprinkler times must be cycled to avoid runoff, it may take 8 hours to complete the irrigation. So you would need to start the system at night for it to be done by sunup.
Here are links to more information about watering efficiently:
Basic Turfgrass Care, at http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG_517.pdf
Efficient Irrigation of Trees and Shrubs, at http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG-523.pdf
Utah Division of Water Resources Weather Data, at http://www.conservewater.utah.gov/et/etsite/default.asp?summary.htm
Good gardening!
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