Watering your lawn regularly is crucial, but you also have to know when to water it. Your lawn doesn’t just need moisture; it needs moisture that will last and will hydrate the lawn more efficiently.
The worst times of day to water lawn is late at night or in the middle of a hot day. Watering at night can lead to mold or mildew growth. Watering during the hottest part of the day cause the water to evaporate before the lawn can absorb it.
This article will explore the worst and best times to water your lawn.
Worst Times and Best Times to Water the Lawn
There are both good times and bad times to water your lawn, so let’s take a look at them.
Worst Times to Water Your Lawn
The absolute worst time to water your lawn is in the middle of the day. This is because this is the hottest time of the day and your lawn’s moisture will evaporate almost instantly.
As a result, the grass becomes dehydrated once again quickly. You want to water your lawn when you know the moisture will absorb slowly so that it can remain on your lawn for as long as possible. Slow absorption rates are what you want, and you won’t get that when it’s hot outside.
Best Times to Water Your Lawn
There are two good times to water your lawn to make the task more efficient. The first is in the early morning hours, meaning 9:00-10:00 a.m. The second is late afternoon, preferably between 4:00-6:00 p.m.
You’ll do this for the same reasons mentioned earlier – because the lawn will absorb the water more slowly and the water will therefore last longer.
Just as the heat evaporates the water too quickly, water sprayed on your lawn early in the morning or late in the afternoon saves the water and makes the most of it.
Be careful when you water at night time because if you give the lawn too much water, the water sit there and not absorb, which can causes root rot.
Check out this video on how to properly water your lawn.
4 Lawn-Watering Tips
To successfully water your lawn, follow these tips every time:
1. Water at the Right Time
Always water at the right time of day, meaning early in the morning or late in the afternoon. When it turns cold outside, you can water less frequently and water in the middle of the day to give the lawn more time to absorb the water.
2. Water in the Right Amount
Keep in mind that your lawn needs 1-1.5 inches of water per week to survive, and this includes both the water you spray on the lawn and rainfall. You should aim to water your lawn once or twice a week most of the year.
3. Don’t Use Your Sprinkler After It Freezes
A sprinkler is an efficient and thorough way to water your lawn, and you can use it up to the fall. Before the first freeze, go ahead and fertilize the lawn and give it a good watering, then drain the sprinkler and store it away for the winter. Using it after it freezes can cause it to break and even burst.
4. Water Long Enough to Wet the Soil
You should water your lawn for 15-20 minutes at first, then check the soil. If it isn’t wet down to around 4 inches, you’ll need to start the sprinklers again. Keep checking the soil until you notice that it is wet down to 3.5-4 inches underground, then you can put your hose or sprinkler away.
Is It Better to Water Your Lawn at Night or Early in the Morning?
The early morning hours are the best for watering your lawn. Watering at night or in the early evening hours may cause too much water to build up in your lawn which can cause fungal root rot. You should definitely never see “puddles” of water on your lawn.
Is It OK to Water Your Lawn at Night?
While watering the lawn at night isn’t bad you have to be careful that you don’t give it too much water. At night, the sun isn’t up and less evaporation of the water will likely occur. If you choose to water your lawn this way, be careful not to overwater
If you wake up the next morning and the ground is too wet, you’ve watered your lawn too much.
Should I Water the Lawn Every Day in Hot Weather?
It’s generally not good to water the lawn every day, even when it’s hot. Water the lawn deeply every other day in hot weather or every 2-3 days in cooler weather.
What Temperature Is Too Hot to Water Grass?
Most experts agree that if the temperature gets above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, you shouldn’t water your lawn. Water plus extreme heat can mean an increase in fungal or bacterial infections, so it’s best to wait until the temperature gets below 95 degrees.
How Do You Water Grass in Extreme Heat?
In extreme heat avoid watering your lawn every day. It’s best to water deeply and only 3 days per week when there’s extreme heat outside.
When it’s hot, you’ll want to make sure the lawn gets 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, but never over-water your lawn even if it’s very hot.
Conclusion
The worst time to water your lawn is the middle of the day, which is the hottest time of the day. The best times to water your lawn are either early morning or late afternoon. You’ll have to decide for yourself if watering at night will work for your lawn.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.