Knowledgebase

Lawn Watering #752991

Asked May 30, 2021, 7:07 PM EDT

Is there a good technique for watering a lawn using soaker hose segments. I now water using a pulse sprinkler, but wonder if using soaking hose segments can replace the pulse sprinkler during the current drought.

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Greetings,

Thank you for reaching out to Extension. Here is a fantastic guide on lawn care in the NW.  It includes watering and other foundational management strategies for best results! https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1521

Feel free to circle back with any follow up questions you have after reading. 

Warm Regards,  Replied June 01, 2021, 11:02 AM EDT

Hello Teagan Morgan,

 

Thank you for your message, prompt response to my question, and the very helpful guide.

 

I have additional questions about what type of hose or device to use for watering our lawn.

 

We now use a pulse sprinkler attached to a hose, which I move every hour during watering hours when there is a reduced evaporation risk.

 

I would like to know if it would be better during the current drought to use a portable drip or soaking hose.

 

If it would be, does OSU recommend a portable drip or soaking hose for this purpose?

 

If OSU does recommend one or the other, is there a particular type of drip or soaking hose recommended?

 

Thank you.

 

Bob

 

From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 8:02 AM
To: Bob Sanders <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Lawn Watering (#0022922)

 

The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2021, 6:35 PM EDT

Bob:

A soaker hose will not produce good results for a lawn situation.  This application method will provide poor surface uniformity.  I think a sprinkler is your best option.  I would also use a sprinkler, timer and rain gauge when making your applications.  

Run your sprinkler to apply 1/4" to 1/2" of water per applications 3 times per week, totaling 0.75" to 1.5" per week.

If this is not enough add more days to the irrigation.  Irrigating to a large amount, more than 1/2" will not prove much advantage.  Turfgrass is naturally shallow rooted because of the frequent mowing. 

This is a recent extension article on lawn irrigation rates and frequencies...

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9311/html

Good luck, 

Alec  

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 02, 2021, 12:59 PM EDT

 

Alec:

 

Thanks very much for your very informative message today, and another prompt response.

 

I will continue using my sprinkler. 

 

I first started using a pulse sprinkler in 1957 or 1958, helping my mother water her lawn, and have had good luck with a sprinkler so far.

 

Bob 

 

From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 9:59 AM
To: Bob Sanders <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Lawn Watering (#0022922)

 

The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2021, 7:10 PM EDT

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