Water when the sun will cause the least evaporation. Watering in the early morning is best. The next best practice is to water in the evening, but do it early enough so the grass is not wet overnight, which could enhance fungal growth. Other signs include: a bluish gray color, wilted, folded, or curled leaves.
It is ideal to water lawns about one inch of water per week. To determine how long you need to water to get one inch, place a plastic container in your yard and set a timer. On average, it will take 30 minutes to get a half inch of water. So, 20 minutes, three times per week will give a lawn about an inch of water.
Water Wisely
Most lawns need to be watered no more than three days a week in the spring as well as in the summer and two days a week in the fall. This watering schedule is recommended under normal water supply conditions.
The best time of day to water your grass is between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. when there is less wind and evaporation. This allows the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots. It also gives the excess water left on the foliage time to dry quickly, which reduces the risk of fungal disease.
It's generally better to water your lawn before mowing, rather than after. Watering beforehand hydrates the grass and makes it easier to cut cleanly.
Wait until the grass is dry, which will usually take at least a few hours. Walk through the lawn before mowing, and if your shoes or feet come away wet, don't mow yet. If they're mostly dry, you should be good to go.
Watering three or four times a week instead might not do as much for the short term appearance of the grass, but it's much better for its long term health and will help avoid fueling weed growth.
In particularly hot, dry climates, you may need to water your lawn more frequently, and it may be necessary to water during the late afternoon or early evening as well. However, it's important to avoid watering your lawn late at night, as this can increase the risk of fungal growth and other problems.
The next best time can be late afternoon somewhere between 4pm-6pm. Again, the winds are calmer during this time and the absorption level is good enough. You must absolutely avoid keeping the lawn wet overnight as it might become susceptible to fungal growth.
Watering on a hot summer afternoon is a horrible idea. The liquid will evaporate too quickly and may not reach your grass's roots, so heat and irrigation shouldn't go together. Instead, the best time to water grass during summer is in the morning. The ideal time for morning watering is before 9 AM.
Approximate Running Time: To provide your lawn with 1 inch of water per week, run your spray sprinklers for about 2 hours weekly, ideally split into three 20-minute sessions in early mornings.
If your grass is actually dead, there's nothing you can do to bring it back other than plant new grass. Brown grass, however, can green up following proper care. Oftentimes, that just means water, nutrients, and cooler temperatures for northern lawns and warmer temperatures for southern lawns.
1-2-3-2-1 watering technique:
In April water 1 day/week. In May ramp up to 2 times/week. In the heat of the summer water 3 times/week. In September drop back to 2 times/week. In the fall drop back down to 1/week.
Turf studies show that most lawns only require irrigation once every 4 to 8 days to stay healthy and green. Shallow rooted plants result from irrigating every day. Irrigating less often and applying more water per irrigation results in deeper rooted plants and a healthier turf.
Here Are Some Signs to Keep an Eye On:
If your lawn looks yellow, brown, or pale green when it should be a lush, deep green colour, then there's a good chance it's getting too much water. Consider reducing watering frequency immediately to restore its vibrant colour. Overwatered soil will often feel spongy and soggy.
Mid-Morning (8 AM - 10 AM)
Grass needs the benefit of the day to dry and heal before dusk settles. Since mowing your grass in the early morning can damage it and mowing it during the early afternoon can burn it because of all the high temperatures, the ideal time is mid-morning.
It's best to water your lawn after mowing only if it aligns with your regular irrigation schedule or when your grass is showing signs of underwatering. Look for signs of dehydration such as: Yellowing or browning leaves. Dry, crispy, or wilting grass blades.
You want to aerate the lawn when your grass is in its peak growing period so it can recover quickly—think early spring or fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer for warm-season grasses. If you have high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil, you will want to aerate every year.
In general, it's recommended to run your sprinklers two or three times a week and give your grass one-half inch of water each time.
Waltz suggests it's best to water to a depth of 1/2 inch twice per week, but watch for any runoff. Water more frequently and for shorter lengths of time if you see your sprinkler water running down the street and into the storm sewer rather than soaking into your turf.
Dew is a natural way Mother Nature can help “water” your lawn! Dew is the moisture that occurs from water vapor that condenses on cold surfaces. There are some plants that can absorb water from dew and help receive the moisture and nutrients it needs.
Apply organic lawn fertilizer regularly to encourage your grass to grow thicker, choking out weeds. Water lawn and bedding plants with underground irrigation systems to deprive weed seeds of moisture.
Desirable turf grasses prefer moist soils to a certain depth, with a dry surface and leaf area. This provides them with the moisture needed for growth and an ability to withstand drought should it occur. It also keeps mold and fungus from developing on the succulent leaf blades where food is being made.
Weeds and Rain
Weeds love to sprout after it rains, which is why treating a few days after a nice rain is ideal. Additionally, choosing rain-free days for treatment ensures that the product remains effective without being washed away.