Beat the Heat: Smart Irrigation Tips for a Healthy Summer Lawn
Summer in South Louisiana is no joke. Between the blazing sun, thick humidity, and the occasional two-week drought, it’s easy for lawns to go from lush to lifeless fast.
So how do you keep your lawn green without wasting water (or blowing up your water bill)? It starts with smart irrigation.
At Cultivate maintain irrigation systems across the Northshore that actually work with our climate—not against it. Here's what every homeowner needs to know to stay ahead of the heat.
Water Early—Like Really Early
The best time to water your lawn is between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Why?
-Temps are cooler - Less evaporation
- Wind is calm - Water gets to the roots
-Fungal risk is lower than night watering
If you’re watering at noon, you’re wasting water—and possibly burning your grass.
Deep, Infrequent Watering > Daily Sprinkles
This is a classic mistake we see: homeowners running sprinklers for 15 minutes a day.
But shallow, daily watering trains your grass roots to stay near the surface—which makes them weaker in extreme heat.
Do this instead:
-Water 2–3 times a week, but for longer durations (30–45 min per zone depending on system and soil)
-Aim for 1" to 1.5" of water per week, including rainfall
- Let the soil dry out between cycles to encourage deep root growth
Don’t Water Just Because It’s Hot—Check the Soil
In South Louisiana, heat doesn't always mean dryness. Some areas (especially shaded spots) may still hold moisture even when it’s 95°.
-Use a screwdriver test: Stick a screwdriver into your lawn. If it goes in easily, your soil is still moist enough. If not—time to water.
Pro systems with rain + moisture sensors can automate this and avoid overwatering.
Install a Smart Controller
If your sprinkler system still runs on a dial or manual timer, it's time to upgrade.
Smart controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on:
-Temperature
-Rainfall
-Humidity
-Season
In other words: They only water when your lawn needs it. Bonus: Many water companies offer rebates for upgrading.
Inspect Your System Monthly
A broken head or clogged nozzle might not seem like a big deal—but it can cost you hundreds in wasted water and burn spots that won’t bounce back.
Check for:
-Leaking heads
-Misting (caused by too-high pressure)
-Overspray onto concrete or fences
-Zones that don’t activate
Don’t want to mess with it? We offer seasonal tune-ups across St. Tammany Parish to keep your system running right.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Lawn Stress Isn’t Just About Water
If your lawn’s still struggling even with perfect irrigation, the problem may be:
-Compacted soil
-Dull mower blades
-Grubs or chinch bugs
-Too much shade or poor drainage
At Cultivate, we look at the whole picture—not just how often your sprinklers run.
Serving Lawns Across St. Tammany Parish
From Slidell to Covington, Madisonville to Mandeville, our irrigation experts know how to protect lawns from Louisiana’s worst heat—and build systems that last.
Need an Irrigation Tune-Up or Upgrade?
Don’t wait until your grass turns crunchy. Let’s get ahead of the heat and build an irrigation system that actually works.
Visit our Service Form or Call: 985-999-0309
