Water is one of the most important ingredients for a healthy, vibrant lawn and landscape. But in South Carolina, with our hot summers and unpredictable rainfall, watering the wrong way can waste money, weaken your turf, and even encourage weeds and disease.
At KeckCo Turf & Ornamental Services, we’ve helped homeowners fine-tune their watering practices for over 20 years. The goal? Keep your grass, ornamentals, and flower beds thriving — while avoiding overwatering, waste, and high utility bills.
Why Proper Irrigation Matters
Watering your lawn isn’t just about keeping it green — it’s about helping your turf develop deep, strong roots that can handle heat, drought, and foot traffic. Overwatering leads to shallow roots, fungus, and weed growth, while underwatering causes stress, brown spots, and thinning turf.
Getting it right means understanding your grass type, soil, and local climate.
Step 1: Know Your Turf’s Needs
Warm-season grasses common in South Carolina — like Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, and St. Augustine — typically need about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season. This includes rainfall, so check the forecast before turning on your sprinklers.
Step 2: Water Deeply and Infrequently
Frequent, shallow watering trains your lawn’s roots to stay near the surface, making it more vulnerable to drought. Instead, water deeply so moisture penetrates 6–8 inches into the soil. This encourages roots to grow deeper, where they can access more stored moisture.
Step 3: Water Early in the Morning
The best time to water is between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. This allows moisture to soak in before the heat of the day and reduces evaporation loss. Evening watering can leave grass blades wet overnight, increasing the risk of fungal disease.
Step 4: Check Your Irrigation System
Inspect your sprinkler heads regularly for leaks, clogs, or poor coverage. A misaligned head can waste water by spraying sidewalks or driveways instead of your lawn. Also, consider upgrading to a smart irrigation controller that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonally
Your lawn’s water needs change throughout the year. In the cooler months, cut back on watering, and during peak summer heat, increase your schedule slightly. Avoid the “set it and forget it” approach — seasonal adjustments save water and keep your lawn healthier.
Step 6: Don’t Forget Your Ornamentals
Flower beds and shrubs have different water needs than turf. Drip irrigation systems deliver moisture directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and preventing water from splashing onto leaves, which can cause disease.
Smart Watering Protects Your Lawn and Your Wallet
Efficient irrigation isn’t just good for your plants — it’s good for your budget and for conserving one of our most valuable resources. By adopting smarter watering practices, you’ll enjoy a greener lawn, healthier ornamentals, and lower water bills.
Let KeckCo Fine-Tune Your Irrigation
From sprinkler system inspections to customized watering schedules, KeckCo Turf & Ornamental Services can help you keep your lawn lush while saving water and money. Call us at 843-273-0735 or visit keckcoturf.com to schedule your irrigation service today.
