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Ashland Watering Basics

What Time of Day Should I Water?

Run sprinklers between midnight and 6 a.m. to avoid water loss to evaporation and wind.

How Long Should I Water?

Generally, the Ashland area soils are classified as clay loams and sandy loams with slopes that range from 0 to 35%. These factors will affect how long you will need to water. Running sprinklers longer than your soil can absorb it will result in runoff. In areas with slopes, runoff can occur even faster.

Precise watering times differ depending on the type of watering device, slope, soil and plants being watered.  See additional information on watering devices, general tips and sample irrigation schedules to assist you in tailoring watering times to your specific landscape.

For a detailed map of the soils in your neighborhood click here.

How Often Should I Water?

Since plant water needs change throughout the seasons it is important to adjust your watering regularly.  See our sample watering schedule for approximate number of minutes to water lawns per week. Dividing this time up throughout the week, you will typically water lawns for 2 to 5 days depending on the time of year.  Throughout the sprinkling season, use the “cycle and soak” method described later to obtain beneficial deep watering with fewer watering days. Following are some general guidelines:

  • Winter:  No irrigation is needed as plants are dormant.

  • Spring:  Water needs increase when plants start growing, but rainfall is often sufficient. Ongoing sprinkling may not be necessary. Watering seldom but deeply will encourage healthy root growth.

  • Summer: Water needs increase until late July, and then begin declining.  Daily watering may be beneficial during brief very hot periods, but 4 to 5 days per week is often plenty.

  • Fall: With days getting shorter, water needs are coming down, so even during warm periods, water less often than during the summer. Some sprinkling may be needed until rains arrive, but irrigation systems can typically be shut off near the end of October.

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