You’re Watering Your Lawn at the Wrong Time—Do This Instead

You’re Watering Your Lawn at the Wrong Time of Day

When it comes to watering the grass, most people focus on how much and for how long to water. Few people pay much attention to the time of day. They should. Watering at the wrong time of day can result in soil that stays wet too long, promoting diseases, or dries out too quickly, wasting water while preventing your lawn from getting the moisture it requires.

Related: Wait For This To Happen Before Spraying Your Lawn for Weeds

Why Timing Your Watering Matters

When watering your lawn you need to keep in mind not just how much water your lawn needs, but also what happens to that water and how it can impact your plants. If you water mid day when temperatures are hottest, the water will evaporate before the grass has time to absorb it. Water at dusk, and that moisture will sit too long in the soil, increasing the chances of fungus growth in your lawn. 

Signs You’re Watering at the Wrong Time

When you water at the wrong time, you’re lawn will let you know with several clear signs:

• Dry patches: Dried out areas of grass is an indication that you’re watering when it’s too hot. When you water in the heat of mid-day, the water evaporates before the grass has time to absorb it.
• Fungus: If you spot fungal growth or mushrooms growing in your yard you’re likely watering too late in the day for excess water to evaporate. That wet soil creates the ideal environment for fungus to grow. 
• Excessive run-off: Puddling or standing water in drainage areas means you’re either overwatering or watering late in the day when it’s too cool for excess water to evaporate.

What to Do Instead

Water Earlier in the Day

The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning. At this time, it’s cool enough that the grass will have time to absorb the water. As the day heats up, the warm temperatures will help to evaporate any excess water in the soil, preventing fungus growth. 

Pro Tip: Your lawn really only needs to be watered in the summer to counter hot dry weather. During the spring and fall, rainfall usually produces enough moisture that you can forgo watering altogether. 

Related: Grass Too Tall? Fix It Without Wrecking Your Lawn

Water Less Frequently

Rather than water multiple times a day, water more deeply and less frequently. Aim for a total of 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week, adjusting for any rainfall. Rather than watering several times a day, give your lawn one deep watering in the morning on 2 to 3 separate mornings. 

Pro Tip: It’s easy to fall off schedule when watering your lawn. Make your life easier by purchasing a timer and setting up sprinklers to automate your weekly watering demands.