PUBLICATION W161F
Turfgrass Maintenance: Irrigation
If you have questions about this resource, contact your county Extension office.
Summary
Water lawns efficiently by understanding turfgrass water use and how weather and soil affect irrigation needs. This guide explains evapotranspiration and why warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and zoysia usually need less water than cool-season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. It shows how to estimate weekly water demand, compares deep infrequent versus light frequent watering strategies, and describes tools like soil moisture sensors. Includes practical tips for spotting drought stress and choosing early morning as the best time to irrigate.
Publications in Series: Turfgrass Maintenance
Turfgrass Maintenance: Cultivation
Turfgrass Maintenance: Developing a Turf Fertilization Plan
Turfgrass Maintenance: Essential Elements
Turfgrass Maintenance: Fertilizers
Turfgrass Maintenance: Mowers
Turfgrass Maintenance: Mowing
Turfgrass Maintenance: Rolling
Turfgrass Maintenance: Thatch
Turfgrass Maintenance: Topdressing
Harvested for You
Based on the subjects and categories of this publication, you may be interested in the following resources.
Turfgrass Selection for Tennessee Landscapes
Large Patch vs. Brown Patch in Turfgrass: How to Tell the Difference
Instructions for Collecting and Packing Turfgrass Sample for Diagnostic Lab
