To properly water grass, the general guideline is to provide about one inch of water per week. This typically translates to watering for about 30 minutes twice a week, or 20 minutes three times a week, depending on your sprinkler system and soil type
. Key points on watering duration and frequency:
- It usually takes about 30 minutes for sprinklers to deliver half an inch of water, so watering 20-30 minutes per session is common
- Watering twice a week for 30 minutes each session or three times a week for about 20 minutes each session can meet the one-inch weekly water requirement
- Less frequent but deeper watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making the lawn more drought-resistant
- Avoid watering too frequently for short periods, as this wets only the surface and encourages shallow roots
- The best time to water is early morning or late evening when evaporation is minimal and grass blades dry before night to prevent fungal diseases
Adjustments based on grass type and conditions:
- Cool-season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass) may require watering up to three times a week in hot weather
- Warm-season grasses (e.g., Bermuda grass) are more drought-tolerant and typically need watering once or twice a week
- During extreme heat, a shorter "cooling shower" of about 10 minutes can help reduce stress
Additional tips:
- Check soil moisture by inserting a screwdriver or similar tool; it should penetrate 6-8 inches easily if adequately watered
- Avoid watering if rain is expected or has recently occurred to prevent overwatering
- If runoff occurs, split watering into shorter cycles with breaks in between to allow absorption
In summary, watering grass for about 20-30 minutes per session, two to three times a week, early in the morning or late evening, is ideal to maintain a healthy lawn with deep root growth and efficient water use
