Creating a beautiful lawn, healthy and drought resistant plants, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center’s 2015 HGIC 1804 Landscape Irrigation Management Part 5: Irrigation Time of Day, can be achieved by regular irrigation. Though the absolute best time of day to water is still debated late afternoon before sunset and early morning before 10:00 am is the best range of time to waters. Regular overnight watering becomes an issue ONLY if the area is routinely over-irrigated which could result in an increase instances of disease.

Thoroughly water once a week long enough to achieve about 1” of water evenly applied to all parts of your lawn or garden, without run off, is the rule of thumb generally accepted. Your plants and pocketbook will thank you for not watering during the heat of the day. For example, if, under ideal conditions, it takes two hours to achieve 1” of water it could take twice as long during the heat of the day when the humidity is lowest and the winds are the strongest. Such conditions evaporate some water before even reaching the plants and wind drift will result in spotty application. Plants, like your body, when properly hydrated can stand up to the heat of the day, low humidity and loss of water due to evapotranspiration much better than those that have been inadequately prepared.

The City of Aberdeen has permanent restrictions for irrigation from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. This restriction is intended to promote good irrigation habits which in turn will result in healthy, beautiful landscapes and gardens giving you a wonderful green space to enjoy.