The Secret Way Your Grass Is Telling You It Needs Water

Even for the most avid gardeners, lawn maintenance is often an afterthought, which is the case for up to 67% of American homeowners, according to Ground Works. When watering our lawns, it can be easy to forget and end up with dry grass that isn't the best look for anyone whose yard is their pride and glory. So, how can you tell if your grass requires more water? One telltale sign is if you notice that it lacks any bounce or spring, resulting in imprints. This may signal that you need to try a footprint test.  

Instead of bouncing back up as usual when you walk across the area, your grass will stay limp and leave behind a footprint if dry. This hack is particularly helpful during the summer when your grass will likely start to lose moisture. Those who've noticed this should be concerned and ready to take action. Below, we'll take a deeper dive into what you should be looking out for and how you can resolve the issue.

So, what should you be looking out for? As it turns out, if your grass lacks bounce and spring, then this is a giveaway sign. Due to the lack of moisture, you may see imprints around your yard. If you have animals, then it may be pretty obvious. However, you can also test this out for yourself using your very own footprints. For example, take a stroll across your lawn and see if the footprints stick. If they do, this should be able to give you a good idea if your grass is beginning to dry up and will indicate that you should water it to encourage it to return to full health.

Likewise, you should also be able to tell if more water is necessary by feeling the soil of your grass. If the soil is starting to feel hard, this is a good indicator your grass is lacking hydration and may soon turn brown. Keeping on top of this is key if you want to keep your yard in good condition. However, why does this hack work so well?  

One of the main reasons this hack works is because it provides a quick visual of your lawn's moisture levels, ensuring you're providing it with enough water, even if it looks deceptively green and healthy. The tactic is especially helpful for those who live in warmer climates and may need to consistently check on their yard's health. If your grass is leaving behind footprints, you may wonder how much water it needs. Typically, you want to be providing your lawn with 1 to 1 ½ inches of water every seven days. Maintaining a good watering routine is key if you want to improve its condition.  

Once you water your lawn, you should be able to see changes within a few days, depending on its condition. Additionally, you should ensure that you're watering your lawn at the best time of day, which is usually around 10:00 a.m. when the weather is cooler and less water will evaporate. All of these tricks should help to combat your garden woes if you discover that your grass needs more water. This way, you'll be able to reap the full benefits of any manual watering sessions that you do.