Generally speaking, the best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. However, those guidelines can vary depending on factors like your location, the season, the type of grass in your yard, and the weather.
This guide discusses the ins and outs of watering your lawn, plus some tips from our expert lawn care team to ensure your grass gets the right amount of water at the right time.
Why Timing Matters for Watering Your Lawn
Watering at the wrong times can lead to water waste, inadequate or excessive hydration, and even lawn disease.
For example, many homeowners water their lawns at midday or in the late afternoon. While this may be a convenient time to do so, it can also result in excess evaporation that prevents your grass from absorbing the water effectively.
On the other hand, watering too late in the evening can cause the droplets to cling to blades of grass overnight. Over time, excessive moisture can lead to lawn disease.
Watering early in the morning can help you avoid these risks. Cooler mornings allow the water to absorb into your lawn without evaporating, while the promise of a midday rise in temperatures prevents the risk of excess moisture.
How Long To Water Your Grass
Grass usually needs one inch of water per week. A standard sprinkler system can complete the job in roughly an hour. But while a single burst of water can provide the inch required, it’s typically better to break up the waterings. Aim for two 30-minute sessions a week for adequate hydration and a deep root system.
Higher frequencies, like three 20-minute sessions or four 15-minute sessions, don’t provide enough consistent hydration to thoroughly soak the ground and can keep your grass’ roots too close to the surface.
Best Time to Water Your Lawn for Different Grass Types
While it’s generally recommended to water your lawn in the early mornings to keep your grass healthy, the frequency of watering can vary depending on whether you have cool- or warm-season grass.
Cool-Season Grasses
Common cool-season grasses include fescue, ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. As noted above, cool-season varieties typically require more water than warm-season grasses. These grasses will also go dormant if they don’t receive enough water but will revive when rain or watering resumes.
Plan to water cool-season grasses from spring through fall. You may need to water up to three times per week when temperatures peak.
Warm-Season Grasses
Drought-tolerant, warm-season grasses like zoysia, carpet grass, and Bermuda grass need less water overall than cool-season grasses. Even so, plan to water these heat-loving grasses once or twice a week, early in the morning.
Common Watering Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these watering mistakes to keep your lawn healthy and happy all season long!
Using the wrong watering method
Consistency is key when it comes to watering your lawn. Choose a method that works best for you — and helps cut down on manual effort and water waste:
- Hose-end sprinklers: Hose-end sprinklers come in a variety of forms, such as the popular oscillating sprinkler. They’re generally better suited for smaller yards; if yours is on the medium to large size, prepare to move your hose-end sprinkler several times to ensure adequate coverage.
- Underground sprinkler system: An underground system consists of pipes and nozzles placed strategically throughout your lawn. In many cases, underground sprinkler systems are programmable, allowing you to “set and forget” your weekly watering schedule.
- Smart sprinkler systems: Similar to an underground system, a smart sprinkler system is typically buried in your yard. However, these systems may offer an upgrade, allowing you to schedule waterings from your phone. They can also use weather and temperature data to automatically adjust your watering schedule.
No matter which method you prefer, make sure sprinklers are placed so that they water your grass — not your sidewalk, house, or street. Doing so will reduce water waste and improve efficiency.
Not considering soil type
The soil in your yard can impact your watering schedule as much as the type of grass. For instance, sandy soil doesn’t hold water well, so watering only one inch per week may not be enough. On the other hand, soil with too much clay can lead to water retention and lawn disease. Loamy soil tends to be the most balanced, allowing water to filter through slowly without soaking the grass or roasts.
Watering too much — or not enough
Overwatering and underwatering can be equally detrimental. Watering too often can cause rot, lawn disease, pest infestations, and weather damage, while not watering enough can stress your lawn. Aim for consistent, deep watering sessions that nurture strong root systems and help your lawn survive periods of stress, such as drought or high heat.
Why Choose Lawn Pride for Your Lawn Watering Needs
At Lawn Pride®, we know maintaining a healthy lawn isn’t easy. With that in mind, we offer professional, affordable, customized lawn maintenance plans that keep your grass healthy, green, and growing. We even back our work with the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ to ensure your satisfaction.
Ready to grow your best lawn yet? Contact Lawn Pride today to learn more about our professional lawn services and request a quote.
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not apply to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Lawn Pride is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Lawn Pride for more information and a professional on-site assessment.