Want a thick, green lawn without wasting water?
Deep watering is the best-kept secret for a healthy, drought-tolerant lawn that thrives in all seasons. If you're dealing with blazing heat, patchy brown spots, or just want to give your grass a stronger root system, learning how to water your lawn the right way makes all the difference.
From smart sprinkler tips and watering times to drought-tolerant grass types and regional lawn care advice, this guide will help you water wisely, reduce waste, and grow a yard you'll be proud to walk barefoot on!
Whether you live in the dry Southwest, the rainy Northwest, or somewhere in between, this lawn care know-how has you covered!
What Is Deep Watering and Why Does It Matter?
Deep watering means soaking your lawn so the water reaches the roots, 6 to 8 inches into the soil. This helps your grass grow deep roots, making it tougher against heat, dry weather, and stress. Shallow watering only wets the surface, causing weak, thirsty grass.
- Benefits of deep watering:
- Grows stronger, deeper roots
- Helps your lawn survive drought and heat
- Reduces weeds and lawn diseases
- Cuts down on how often you need to water
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
Most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rain or watering. To check your sprinkler, place a few empty tuna cans around your yard and run your system. Stop when the cans fill to 1 inch.
When Should You Water Your Lawn?
Water early in the morning. The best time is between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. when it's cool. This gives the water time to soak in before the sun heats up and causes evaporation. Avoid watering at night, because wet grass overnight can grow mold, fungus, and disease.
How Often Should You Water?
For most lawns, watering 1–2 times a week is enough if you water deeply. That means soaking the soil to a depth of 6 inches.
Regional Lawn Watering Tips:
Hot, Dry Southwestern Climates (like Arizona or West Texas):
- Water early morning only
- Use low-water grasses like Buffalo grass or Bermuda grass (try the Dog Tuff™ Bermudagrass or the Latitude 36™)
Apply mulch to keep the soil cool and moist
Humid Southeastern Areas (like Florida or Georgia):
- Water less often and do so very early in the morning so the morning sun can dry the blades of moisture. Watch for fungal problems
- Choose disease-resistant grasses like Zoysia or St. Augustine Grass (try Citrablue™ or Palmetto®)
Cooler Northern States (like Minnesota or New York):
- Water deeply but not as often
- Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass work well in cool temps
Mountain or High Elevation Areas (like Colorado):
- Soils dry out fast; water deeply once or twice a week
- Blue Grama or Tall Fescue are great low-water options
Northwestern U.S. (like Oregon or Washington):
- Rainfall is usually high. Watering may not be needed often
- Focus on proper drainage to avoid soggy roots
- Choose shade-tolerant grasses like Fine Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass
- Trim trees and shrubs to let more sunlight hit the lawn
- Watch for moss or fungus in shady, wet spots
Common Watering Mistakes To Avoid
- Watering too often: Shallow watering causes weak roots. Lawns struggle in drought
- Watering at the wrong time: Midday watering wastes water, and it just evaporates
- Watering for too short a time: Water won't soak deep enough to encourage deep roots
- Overwatering: Leads to fungal issues, root rot, and waste
Smart Sprinkler Tips For Saving Water
- Use a smart sprinkler controller that adjusts based on weather
- Fix leaks or broken heads; they waste gallons fast
- Use rotary nozzles for better coverage and less waste
- Group sprinkler zones by grass type and sun exposure
- Ensure your sprinkler heads are watering your lawn, not the street or sidewalk
Pro Tip: Aerate your lawn in spring and/or fall. This helps water reach roots faster and deeper and prevents/helps with compaction issues.
Water Restrictions? No Problem!
If you live in areas with water restrictions or drought rules, don't worry! Your lawn can still thrive:
- Water during the allotted hours (usually early morning)
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses where possible
- Switch to drought-tolerant grass types
- Try lawn alternatives that look just as green but are far more Xeric
Contact your local County Extension Office for regional information and grasses that do best in your area
Top Low-Water Grass Options:
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Buffalo Grass: Native and super tough. Check out Legacy Buffalo Grass Plugs
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Blue Grama Grass: Loves dry weather and low care
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Zoysia Grass: Drought and foot traffic resistant. Try Zenith® or Innovation™
- Tall Fescue: Deep roots, good for shady spots
Deep Water, Deep Roots, Deep Rewards
A healthy lawn (and all your other plant roots, too!) starts underground, with deep roots that drink up water and stand strong against stress. Watering the right way means you'll use less water, save time, and grow a greener, tougher lawn. Whether you're dealing with drought, heat, or just want the best lawn on the block, remember: water deep and smart, not shallow and often. Ma Nature will thank you, and your lawn will show it with a vibrant green smile!
Want more lawn care tips or drought-tolerant plant picks? Keep digging into our blog or check out our top-rated grass seed collections for every region and climate.
Happy Planting!
