Highlights
Three 20-minute waterings per week are best during growth season.
Sprinkler and grass type, climate, and season all impact watering time.
You might be watering too much if your grass is yellow and soil is soggy.
You might need to water more if your grass is brown or brittle.
Lush green grass enhances your home's exterior and gives you and your family a place to relax and run free. Knowing how long to water grass ensures your lawn is as beautiful and healthy as possible without wasting water or money.
Learn how long you should water your lawn based on factors like sprinkler type, grass, and age of your lawn.
How Long Should You Water Your Lawn?
On average, you should water grass for 20 minutes three times a week, but it depends on the type of grass, type of sprinkler, age of your lawn, and the climate and season. In most cases, you want your grass to receive 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, spread across the number of times you water it.
When deciding how often to water your lawn, keep in mind that it’s best to water it two or three times a week instead of once. Watering only once a week can cause soggy soil that can lead to rot, diseases, and pests. The water also only reaches the roots, leading to a short, weak root system and dry grass.
How to Tell When You’ve Watered Your Grass Enough
If you’re unsure how long to water your grass, there are a few simple ways to figure out the perfect amount. Whatever method you choose, jot down notes, so you remember your ideal lawn watering schedule from year to year.
Conduct a Plastic Container or Tuna Can Test
Set two to six empty tuna cans or plastic containers in different areas of your lawn. The bottom half of a plastic food storage container works well.
Turn on your sprinkler and check back every five minutes to see how long it takes for the containers to accumulate 1/2 inch of water (the typical time is 30 minutes). Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the water line. In most cases, your grass needs 1 to 1.5 inches each week, and that should be spread across two to three waterings. If it takes your sprinkler 30 minutes to give you half an inch, plan for two or three waterings each week to reach your desired amount.
Set Your Sprinkler's Water Flow Timer
Set your sprinkler system to a timer or flow rate in gallons per minute. Calculate your lawn's approximate square footage, then multiply it by 0.62 gallons (this equals 1 inch of water per square foot).
Next, divide this by the sprinkler flow rate to learn how many minutes you need to get 1 inch of water on your lawn. Most types of grasses require a weekly watering of 1 to 1.5 inches, so set your sprinkler system's flow timer to the amount of water you want.
Check the Soil
During watering, insert a screwdriver into the soil every five minutes. If you can insert the screwdriver at least 6 inches, your grass has received the water it needs. Note how long it took to determine your watering schedule. If the screwdriver doesn't go into the ground at least 6 inches, wait more time and check again.
Account for Rainfall
If you have rainfall in a given week, subtract the inches of rain from your calculations. Look at a local weather report or use a rain gauge on your property to determine how much rain has fallen.
If you normally water for 30 minutes twice a week to get 1 inch, and your area got 1/2 inch of rain, you only need to water your lawn for 15 minutes each time that week.
Signs You’re Watering Too Much (or Not Enough)
Whether you have bare spots in your lawn or your grass just isn’t as green as you’d like, the amount of water might be the culprit.
Look closely at your lawn and soil to determine if you need to adjust how long you’re watering your grass. If you have trouble getting the right balance, hire a lawn care company near you to help.
Signs You’re Watering Your Grass the Right Amount
Grass is green, lush, and strong
Grass blades stand up straight
Soil is not overly dry or soggy
Submerged screwdriver sinks 6–8 inches
Solid growth during active season
Signs You’re Not Watering Your Grass Enough
Curled grass blades
Dry, brittle, or thin grass
Brown, gray, or dying patches of grass
Dry soil
Slow growth
Footprints linger in grass longer than 30 minutes
Signs You’re Watering Your Grass Too Much
Soggy or mushy soil
Water pooling in lawn
Yellow or dying patches of grass
Water runoff on driveway, sidewalk, or landscaping
Root rot (gray or brown slimy roots)
Abundance of thatch, pests, mushrooms, or weeds like crabgrass and nutsedge
Factors That Impact How Long You Should Water Grass
Not all grasses and sprinklers work the same way. The climate you live in and the type of grass you have impact how long to run your sprinklers, along with a few other variables. Adjust your watering schedule up or down depending on these factors.
Climate and Season
During hot months with lots of sun—when temps are between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit—or if you live in a warm, dry climate, consider watering your lawn three or four times per week instead of two.
You want your grass to stay hydrated throughout the week so it keeps growing strong. If the temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, it’s usually too hot to water grass. The sun’s heat evaporates the water from your grass more quickly, causing you to waste water.
In cool or moderate seasons and climates—when temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit—you only need to water once or twice per week. For example, you might water your lawn once a week during the spring, and two or three times a week during the summer. And if you have a lot of rainfall, decrease how long you water your grass.
Sprinkler Type
Sprinklers give you the best of both worlds: a healthy lawn without having to grab the hose and water it yourself. But the type of sprinkler you have can affect how long and often you should water your grass.
Oscillating Sprinklers
Oscillating sprinklers that attach to the end of your hose are great for small- and medium-sized lawns. You may need to water your lawn five to 10 minutes longer than other types of sprinklers, as the spray is more likely to get carried away by wind or evaporate in the air.
Typical run time: 20–35 minutes (3 times a week during active season)
Pulsating Sprinklers
Because these hose-end sprinklers shoot water horizontally at a high velocity, the water is less likely to evaporate or be affected by wind. The grass gets the moisture it needs quickly, reducing how long and how often you water. Pulsating sprinklers are often too intense for newly seeded lawns.
Typical run time: 20–25 minutes (3 times a week during active season)
In-Ground Sprinklers
In-ground sprinklers spread water in the most efficient pattern, allowing you to water your lawn for less time. With sprinklers that are low to the ground and use a horizontal spray, the water gets to the grass and roots more quickly and effectively.
Typical run time: 15–25 minutes (3 times a week during active season)
Smart Watering Systems
With specific control and scheduling, smart watering systems can be very efficient, allowing you to water your lawn in less time. They also integrate with real-time weather data and adjust the watering schedule based on recent rainfall.
Installing an in-ground or smart watering system with a local sprinkler company can help save on your water bills and the time you spend watering your lawn.
Typical run time: 15–20 minutes (3 times a week during active season)
Type of Soil
If your soil has a high clay content, it absorbs water slowly. Consider watering your lawn only two times per week if you have clay in your soil. If your soil has a high sand content, water your lawn three or four times a week, as sandy soil absorbs water faster and isn't able to store water as long.
Age of Lawn
If you have an established lawn (typically at least four months old), water your grass two or three times a week. For newly seeded or sodded lawns, water once or twice a day with a gentle mist. With new grass, the top inch of soil should be moist but not soggy. As your seed germinates, aim to keep the top two inches of soil moist.
Cool vs. Warm Season Grasses
Different grass types flourish with different amounts of water. Cool-season grasses, such as bluegrass, rye, and fescue grass, actively grow in the spring and fall. You should water them at least two times a week during these seasons, and once a week if needed during their dormant seasons.
Warm-season grasses, such as centipede, St. Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia grass, actively grow from mid-to-late spring through early fall. You should water them at least twice a week during this timeframe, and once a week if needed during cooler times.
Best Time of Day to Water Your Lawn
The best time of day to water your lawn is before 10 a.m. and the second best time is between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. An early morning watering allows the grass to absorb the moisture before it evaporates during the day. An afternoon watering lets the grass absorb the water without it sitting on top of the grass overnight.
Watering your grass in the peak heat (middle of the day) causes more water to evaporate instead of hydrating your grass. This leads to wasted water and higher water bills. Watering your grass late at night can cause the water to sit on top of your grass and soil, leading to fungal disease and pests.
Should You Water Grass Every Day?
You should not water your grass every day unless it is newly seeded or sodded lawn. Watering established grass every day leads to a weak root system, water runoff, soggy soil, pests, and thatch.
Instead, water your grass two to three times per week. You can hire a lawn irrigation company to install in-ground sprinklers or a smart watering system to ensure your lawn grows as lush as possible without water waste.
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