Jump to a Section:
Watering Guide
Give your lawn the drink it actually needs—not too little, not too much—with smart watering habits that promote deep roots and a resilient lawn.
Best Time to Water
Watering at the right time of day keeps your lawn healthy and cuts down on waste. Early morning is ideal—temps are cool, wind is low, and the water has time to soak in before the sun peaks.
Morning
5–9 AM
Best option
Afternoon
10 AM–4 PM):
Too hot
most water evaporates
Evening
6–8 PM
High risk of fungal disease
Signs You’re Overwatering
Too much of a good thing.
- Grass feels spongy or squishy
- Puddles form or water runs off
- Grass turns yellow, not green
- Increased fungus or mushrooms
- Shallow roots = weak lawn
Signs You’re Underwatering
When your lawn is thirsty.
- Grass has a gray-blue tint
- Stays flattened after stepping on it
- Soil is dry or cracked
- Edges and patches go brown
- Slow growth even with sun
Pro Tip: The Tuna Can Trick
Not sure if your lawn is getting enough water? Try this old-school but super effective method: place an empty tuna can on your lawn and turn on your sprinkler. Time how long it takes for the can to fill to 1 inch—that’s the total amount of water your grass needs each week. You can either water once for that full amount or split it into two sessions of ½ inch each to encourage deeper root growth and reduce runoff.
Smarter Watering: Do’s & Don’ts
Want a lawn that’s green, healthy, and low-maintenance? It all starts with watering the right way. These simple do’s and don’ts will help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of every drop—so your grass thrives without wasting water or time.
Keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant isn’t just about how often you water—it’s about how well you do it.
One of the best things you can do for your grass is to water early in the morning, ideally between 6 and 10 a.m. At this time, the air is cooler and the wind is minimal, so more water has a chance to soak into the soil before the sun can evaporate it. This helps your grass absorb moisture more efficiently, while also preventing fungal growth that can occur when the lawn stays damp overnight.
Consistency is key, and setting a timer is a great way to make watering part of your routine without the risk of overdoing it—or forgetting altogether. Instead of watering a little bit every day, aim to water more deeply just once or twice a week. This might feel counterintuitive, but deep watering encourages the roots to grow downward, creating a more drought-resistant lawn. Shallow, frequent watering keeps roots near the surface, making your grass more vulnerable to heat and stress.
That said, there are a few common watering mistakes that can undo all your hard work. First, avoid watering right after heavy rain. Your lawn already has what it needs, and adding more water can lead to runoff, wasted resources, and even lawn disease. If you notice water pooling in certain areas or running off into the sidewalk or street, that’s a sign that the soil can’t absorb it quickly enough. In those cases, break your watering session into shorter bursts to give the ground time to soak it in.
And finally, don’t overlook your equipment. A dull sprinkler head or leaky hose might seem like a small issue, but uneven water distribution can leave parts of your lawn dry and patchy while oversaturating others. Take a few minutes every now and then to inspect your gear and make sure everything’s working smoothly. With just a few mindful adjustments, your lawn can stay healthy, hydrated, and looking its best all season long.
Pro Tip: Soil > Schedule
Let your lawn—not your calendar—tell you what it needs
Use a screwdriver or your finger to test soil depth. If it’s dry more than 2 inches deep, it’s time to water. Moist soil? You’re good.