Knowing how and when to water your lawn is crucial, especially ahead of the summer months when drought and/or heat stress can become an issue. If possible, water established turf in the early morning, between the hours of 4-8 am. Watering during the heat of the day will see much of the water wasted through evaporation. Watering in the evening or overnight allows moisture to sit on the grass for long periods of time, increasing the likelihood of fungal diseases developing.
While specific watering recommendations should be based on your soil type and composition, as a general rule, water infrequently (1-3 times per week), but deeply, targeting 1-2” of water per week from either rain or irrigation to ensure water penetrates the entire soil profile.
If your lawn is suffering from heat or drought stress, gradually increase the amount of water your lawn gets and monitor how it responds. You can also water the lawn midday for ~5-10 minutes simply to cool the turf off during the day’s hottest temperatures.
