When Is the Best Time of Day to Water Your Lawn?

In many neighborhoods, you can see sprinklers running from before dawn until well into the evening as homeowners try to maintain a lush, green lawn throughout the summer months. But timing and technique are key to ensuring your efforts are effective and efficient.  Watering your lawn at the wrong time of day can be a problem for your lawn’s health and can waste a lot of that water and effort.

So when’s the best time to water your lawn? And how often should you water your lawn to help keep it healthy? Here are our best watering tips to ensure your grass thrives all summer long.

Best Time to Water Your Grass

The best time to water your grass is early in the morning, preferably between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. During these early hours, temperatures are cooler, and the wind is usually calmer. This allows the water to soak deeply into the soil without evaporating quickly. Watering in the morning also gives the grass blades time to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in damp conditions.

Watering in the late afternoon can be a second option if morning watering isn’t feasible. Aim for between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. This timing allows the grass to absorb the water before nightfall while still drying out a bit before the cooler evening temperatures set in. However, be cautious, as watering too late in the day can leave your lawn damp overnight, again increasing the risk of disease.

Avoid watering during the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak. The heat causes water to evaporate quickly, meaning your grass won’t get as much benefit, and you’ll be wasting water. Similarly, watering at night should be avoided due to prolonged moisture on the grass, which can lead to fungal issues.

How to Water Your Grass Properly

1. Water deeply and infrequently. Instead of light, frequent watering, aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage roots to grow deeper, making your grass more drought-resistant. Typically, lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
2. Use sprinklers effectively. Use a sprinkler system that delivers water evenly across your lawn. Oscillating sprinklers are excellent for smaller areas, while pulsating sprinklers are better for larger spaces.
3. Monitor moisture levels. Invest in a soil moisture sensor or simply check the soil yourself. Insert a screwdriver or a similar tool into the ground. If it goes in easily, your soil is moist. If not, it’s time to water.
4. Water evenly. Make sure the entire lawn gets equal attention. Brown patches often indicate uneven watering.
5. Adjust for weather. During cooler months or rainy periods, reduce your watering frequency. Conversely, during hot and dry spells, you may need to increase it slightly.

By watering your grass at the right time and using proper techniques, you’ll ensure a healthy, vibrant lawn that enhances the beauty of your home. With Norhio plumbing experts in Aurora, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, and Twinsburg on your side, you can get the right outdoor plumbing solutions to make your home even more functional for outdoor life. Contact us today for details on maintaining your outdoor plumbing, or to install a new fixture outside to make your house better fitted to your lifestyle.