Turf grass water requirements will vary depending on where you live.  If you have cool season turf grass such as Kentucky bluegrass, the watering requirements will be different from warm season.  Turf grass water requirements will also vary depending on the time of the year.  For cool season turf grass, spring usually provides adequate water so that supplemental watering is not needed.  As a general rule of thumb, cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass require at least 1″ of water per week.  During the heat of summer, this same grass may require 3″ of water to maintain its appearance.  Since mother nature does not usually provide adequate water all year-long, supplemental watering may be necessary.  If you are providing supplemental water through the use of a sprinkler and hose, chances are that you will not be able to keep up during high heat.  Irrigation systems are the most effective way to provide supplemental watering during high heat.  Irrigation systems are some-what expensive and may not be practical for everyone.  If you have the means and want a perfectly green lawn all summer long, then consider installing an irrigation system.

Turf Grass Water Requirements

Turf grass water requirements may vary.

Turf grass water requirements can also depend on the quality of soil.  Usually the better your soil is, the deeper and more extensive root system your lawn will have.  Roots are the part of the grass plant that take up water.  The more roots you have, the more water your plant will be able to take up.  Turf grass water requirements will also be different in clay or sandy soils.  Sandy soils will allow water to move out of the reach or roots.  If your lawn is composed of sandy soil, it may be necessary to water your lawn more frequently with less water.  Clay soil will deter roots from establishing and branching out.  Most lawns will clay soil will have shallow roots because of this reason.  Clay soil will cause water to shed because it acts like an umbrella.  If you have clay soil, you should water frequently and slowly as to avoid run-off.