The Ultimate Summer Watering Guide for Lawns in Bend & Redmond, Oregon
When summer hits Central Oregon, lawns in Bend and Redmond face an uphill battle. Intense sun, dry winds, and high desert conditions can turn lush grass into a brittle brown patch faster than you’d expect. Whether you’re in Discovery West, The Bridges, or SE Bend, proper watering is the key to a thriving lawn.
Here’s a practical, neighborhood-specific guide to keeping your lawn green and healthy this summer.
1. Know Your Soil Type (And Why It Matters)
In Bend and Redmond, most neighborhoods—especially Tree Farm, Tetherow, and Collier—have well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. These soil types drain quickly, meaning water doesn’t linger near the root zone.
✅ Tip: Water deeply but infrequently. A 20–30 minute soak 3x per week is far more effective than daily shallow watering. Deep roots survive heat better.
2. Water Before the Sun Rises
The best time to water is between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. This minimizes evaporation and allows water to soak in before the heat arrives.
⛔ Avoid watering at night—excess moisture sitting overnight can lead to fungus and mold, especially in shaded zones (common in River Vale and Collier neighborhoods).
3. Adjust by Sun Exposure
Full Sun Lawns (Tetherow, SE Bend): Increase duration by 5–10 minutes per zone.
Shaded Lawns (Meridian, The Bridges): Reduce watering by 15–20%. These lawns retain moisture longer.
Every yard is different—pay attention to where your lawn dries out fastest and adjust accordingly.
4. The Tuna Can Test (Seriously)
If you’re unsure how much water you’re applying, use this quick test:
Place a tuna can on your lawn.
Run your irrigation for 15 minutes.
Measure the depth of water in the can.
You want around 1 inch of water per week, ideally split across 2–3 deep sessions. If you’re only getting 1/4 inch in 15 minutes, bump up the duration.
5. Smart Irrigation for Smart Savings
Homeowners in tech-savvy neighborhoods like Discovery West or Tree Farm should consider smart irrigation controllers. These systems:
Adjust watering based on weather forecasts
Save up to 30% on water bills
Prevent overwatering (a common issue in SE Bend)
Products like Rachio or Hunter Hydrawise are easy to install and often pay for themselves in one season.
6. Watch for Signs of Stress
Your lawn talks. Here’s what to look for:
Blue-gray patches: The grass is thirsty.
Footprints remain after walking: It’s dry and not bouncing back.
Cracked soil: You’re under-watering—or watering too quickly and it’s running off.
Spot-check every few days, especially after a stretch of hot weather.
Final Tip: Don’t Rely on Rain
Even if Bend or Redmond gets an occasional summer thunderstorm, it’s not enough. Rainfall in our region often evaporates before it soaks in. Stay on top of your schedule and don’t let the weather fool you.
Need help setting up your irrigation clock or diagnosing dry patches?
You’ve got better things to do—let Edge Landscaping handle your lawn care and landscape maintenance so you can relax and enjoy a green, healthy yard all summer long. We serve homeowners across Bend and Redmond, including Discovery West, Tetherow, Tree Farm, Collier, Meridian, The Bridges, River Vale, and SE Bend.