The following links seem to confirm that watering at night is generally bad (because of fungus, mildew):
- link: pretty good info
- link includes tips on recognizing when grass needs water
- City of Toronto site on water efficiency and lawn watering
- link: more from above, specifically on lawn watering in various seasons
- link: notes on watering new trees
(new trees apparently need 20L of water a day!)
Lesson's learned from the above
- water preferably in the morning, to avoid fungus and disease due to wetness at night
- water long but infrequently
- the lawn should get about an inch of water per week (but keep previous point in mind)
- need to assess the water output of sprinkler using cans
- water when lawn needs it; watch for signs: blue-green blades, long lingering foot depressions, curling
- may need to sharpen lawnmower blades (twice a year recommended)
- cut to 3" blade height (longer blades give greener, healthier lawn)
- cut grass when dry, probably early evening best
- should cut no more than a third of the blade's length
- leave the clippings where they fall for nutrient-return to soil (should disappear in a day or two)
