Tuna can test for lawn watering? Thoughts?

Just read this article about the tuna can test for measuring sprinkler output. Sounds like a neat trick, but is it really accurate? Anyone tried it before? Link: [article]

Hey, I've actually done that! It's a classic trick my grandpa used. You place a few tuna cans around the lawn, run your sprinkler, and measure the water depth. It's not super precise, but it gives you a good idea of coverage and evenness. Definitely better than guessing, especially for us DIYers who don't want to nuke our lawns.

I've used a similar method with a rain gauge and a few jars. The tuna can is just easy because they're wide and shallow. But honestly, if you're serious about lawn care, get a proper moisture meter. They're not too expensive and give you instant readings. Still, for a quick check, it's a cheap and effective hack.

From a professional standpoint, the tuna can test is a decent starting point, but remember it only tells you about precipitation rate, not soil moisture. For lawns, you want about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. I recommend testing a few times a week during different weather conditions. Also, make sure the cans are level and spread out – don't just put them in one zone. But hey, it's a great way to educate homeowners without selling them expensive gadgets.

Thanks for the input! I'll probably give it a try since it's cheap and easy. I like the idea of using something I already have. Appreciate the tips on placement – I'll make sure to spread them out. Happy spring, everyone!