--- title: "When Is the Best Time to Water Grass?" description: "Is the best time to water grass the first thing in the morning? Should grass seed get more water than full lawns? Your questions, answered." date: "2017-04-27" modified: "2026-03-12" authors: - name: "Kat Hodgins" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/kat-hodgins/" - name: "Bob Vila" job_title: "Founder" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/" - name: "Amy Lynch" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/amy-lynch/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-time-to-water-grass/" categories: - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn Care" tags: - "grow" - "how-to" - "lawn" - "sustainability" --- # When Is the Best Time to Water Grass? ![Water droplets spray from a sprinkler head on a lawn.]() *Photo: iStock* ## Q: I notice neighbors’ sprinklers running at all hours of the day. What’s the best time to water grass, and how much water is enough? **A:** When to water your lawn is no longer just a question of how to get the greenest, most pristine grass in the neighborhood (though it remains a factor). With many communities experiencing drought in recent years, it’s more important than ever to heed common-sense guidelines when watering a lawn. Doing so correctly can [save resources]() while keeping you out of hot water with your homeowners association and even your city. In areas where HOAs and municipalities enforce strict rules, wise watering can save you from fines as well. ![Sunday Lawn Care]() DIY Lawn Care. Simplified. Don't make watering the lawn a guessing game. Sunday has everything you need for a healthy and thriving lawn. **[START GROWING]()** ### Early in the morning is the best time to water grass. Watering grass during the day, preferably at sunrise when everything is cooler, will ensure optimal water absorption. Watering grass at night or later in the day—particularly if it’s bright, warm, and breezy—means that the wind and heat of the sun and soil will rob your grass and other plantings of precious hydration. Water is less likely to evaporate in morning’s lower light and temperature, so you waste less. If you get the job done at dawn, you’re giving the water a greater chance of reaching the roots and being fully absorbed. So set those [sprinklers]() accordingly. ### Water newly planted grass seed twice daily to help it take root. ![A sprinkler head next to a sidewalk sprays water on the adjacent green grass.]() *Photo: iStock istockphoto.com* Grass seeds require constant moisture and tend to grow best in temperatures ranging from 59 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions help them germinate. Depending on the variety of [grass seed planted](), germination takes 5 to 30 days. The goal with watering grass seed is to keep the top 1.5 inches of soil moist, but not soggy, all the time. The right amount of water is crucial for helping the sprouts take root. Not enough water dries out the sprout and kills it, whereas too much water can puddle or run and wash away the seed, creating clumps or bare spots. In general, water grass seed twice a day for 5 to 10 minutes, once in the morning and once in the afternoon after the hottest part of the day has passed. ### The amount of water you use is also critical. It might seem smart to set your sprinkler or irrigation system to the highest setting and drench the area as quickly as you can, but if you water too quickly, you can experience runoff. This robs the lawn of ample absorption and wastes water in the process. Keep an eye on the edge of your lawn to make sure you’re not letting water run down the drain when it could be helping your grass grow. ### Cool-season and warm-season grasses have different watering needs. [Cool-season grasses]() are found in cooler, northern climates or planted in the off-season of warmer ones. These grasses start growing when the soil temperature reaches about 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with peak growing seasons in the spring and fall. When watering a lawn of cool-season grasses, you typically need about 1 inch of water per week. This can be achieved by watering three times each week at regularly spaced intervals. [Warm-season grasses]() make their home in warm, southern climates. These [types of grasses]() start growing when the soil temperature hits between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching their peak growing season in the summertime. As a result of their heat tolerance, warm-season grasses develop deep roots. When watering a lawn of warm weather grasses, only give them only ½ to 1 inch of water per week. These types of grasses only need to be watered once, maybe twice, each week. ![Sunday Lawn Care]() DIY Lawn Care. Simplified. Bob Vila has partnered with Sunday to get your lawn exactly what it needs to thrive. **[START GROWING]()** ### Follow the general rule of 1 inch of water every week. More than an inch of water a week can drown your grass, depleting it of oxygen and causing it to die, so measure your output and wait about 3 days between each [watering session]() to give it a chance to breathe. To ensure you’re hitting the mark, place a few coffee mugs around your yard and test the [sprinkler system]() to see how long it takes to fill each cup to the ⅓- or ½-inch mark. Then, set the system for that same amount of time every 3 days or so. Watering daily is almost always too frequent, while once a week is rarely enough. So aim down the middle and watch your lawn flourish. ### Water your mature lawn one to three times per week. Your [lawn-watering schedule]() depends on whether you have warm-season grasses or cool-season grasses. The extensive root systems of warm-season grasses grow deep into the soil and require less frequent watering. You want to water these grasses as infrequently as possible. Cool-season grasses, on the other hand, have a shallow root system, and therefore require constant moisture. Watering up to three times each week can help the roots obtain the nutrients they need to grow. ### Keep an eye out for dryness. ![Ground-level view of grass in yard, some of which is brown and dry.]() *Photo: iStock* Grass that’s discolored or curled over at the top is likely suffering from a lack of moisture. The same is true of a lawn that still shows your footprints after you’ve trod a path across it, with the grass blades refusing to bounce back up. If you notice these [signs of dryness](), adjust your lawn watering schedule to start earlier in the day and allow for slightly longer sessions, or perhaps fine-tune your watering days to occur a bit more frequently. ### Watch out for overwatering, too. If the ground feels particularly sponge-like and your feet sink in as you walk across it, or if you see a thatch of extra vegetation taking hold of your topsoil when you run your hand over the blades, you’re watering a lawn too much. However, when modifying your frequency, don’t do so abruptly. Take a few weeks to slowly adjust your lawn watering schedule to keep the shock of change from further [ruining your lawn](). ### Looking to use less water? Consider xeriscaping or native landscaping. ![Best Time to Water Grass]() *istockphoto.com* [Xeriscaping]() involves landscaping that requires no or minimal watering, often using sand, pebbles, mulch, or [rock gardens]() where grass would otherwise be found. Native landscaping involves grasses and plants that thrive naturally with typical local rainfall, reducing or eliminating the need for extra watering. You also can check with local sources to find grasses native to your area and grow a small patch for kids and dogs to enjoy. Both xeriscaping and [native plants]() are attractive and effective ways to cut back on your water bill, and some homeowners choose to combine the two for a beautiful, eco-friendly landscape that demands little upkeep. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the best time to water grass in [summer heat]() or winter conditions; instead, you’ll have a landscape well suited to the elements in your region year-round. Whichever approach you choose, best of luck with your outdoor space! ## Final Thoughts The best time to water grass is in the early morning, which gives the water time to absorb before midday heat, and helps deliver the nutrients and oxygen the grass needs to thrive. Do the research to find out more about your lawn and the type of grass you have to provide the care it requires. Understanding the needs of your grass or grass seeds will help you determine how much water you need. Be sure to water thoughtfully, which better manages your water resources, and helps your lawn grow. Take care to avoid overwatering, which can push essential nutrients out of reach of the roots, along with underwatering, which can create dried-out patches on your lawn. With the [right amount of water]() delivered at the best time of day, your lawn is sure to see an improvement. ![Sunday Lawn Care]() DIY Lawn Care. Simplified. Bob Vila has partnered with Sunday to get your lawn exactly what it needs to thrive. **[START GROWING]()** ## FAQ ## Author Kat Hodgins is a copy and content writer based out of Vancouver, Canada. This lifelong DIYer and hands-on learner has been a freelance writer for over a decade and a BobVila.com contributor since 2020. With an affinity for jumping headfirst into home projects and finding products that make home life easier, Kat’s core contributions to the BobVila.com team are in DIY ventures and home goods.