Watering Cool Season Lawns
Established lawns should NOT be kept wet all the time (causes fungus and chlorosis). Normal cycle: deep watering then dry out. 1-1.5 inches of water per week during growing season, water deeper and less often. New lawns/newly seeded/newly sodded: short waterings 2-3 times per day for first few weeks, then every other day once established, then 3-4 times per week during heat. Hot spots over tree roots or construction debris dry out 5x faster and may need hand watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my lawn?
Water deeply once or twice per week, not daily. Deep infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil. Daily shallow watering creates shallow roots and promotes fungal disease.
How much water does my lawn need per week?
Most cool-season lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week from rain and irrigation combined. Use tuna cans or rain gauges on your lawn to measure your sprinkler output.
When is the best time of day to water?
Water in the early morning between 4 AM and 8 AM. This reduces evaporation loss and allows grass blades to dry during the day. Watering in the evening leaves blades wet overnight and promotes fungal disease.
Should I water during drought?
Cool-season grasses can go dormant during drought and survive. If you choose to water, commit to maintaining full irrigation. Inconsistent watering during drought stress is worse than letting the lawn go dormant.
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