How Long to Water Grass & Lawn Watering Tips
1. How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need
Most lawns typically need about 1 – 1 ½ inches of water per week. This will vary, as hotter weeks may require more water to make up for evaporation. On average, a sprinkler can distribute an inch of water per hour, but that will vary by the model of sprinkler. You also have to account for the size of your lawn and may require multiple sprinklers or an irrigation system to properly cover it.
2. How Often Should You Water Your Grass
You can water your grass daily, or once every few days, as long as you water it enough to give your lawn about 1 – 1 ½ inches of water per week.
3. When to Water the Lawn
Water your lawn in the morning to make sure that the water has completely sunk in and evaporated any remaining moisture by the end of the day.
4. How To Check If You've Watered Enough
Use a Water Timer
Using a water timer can help you automate the process of watering and ensure you get enough water.
Screwdriver Test
If you can push a screwdriver 6 inches into your soil, you’ve watered enough. If you can’t, you need to water a bit more.
Check the Soil
If your soil is soft, you should have ample moisture. If it’s hard, you may need to water.
Different Ways to Water Your Lawn
Pulsating Sprinklers
Pulsating sprinklers distribute water over a radius, with water hitting the grass both at the end of the stream and throughout the length of it.
Hose Nozzle
Hose nozzles come in various shapes and varieties including plastic and metal and can have a multitude of spraying options like mists, fans, soakers and more to help you water your grass.
Oscillating Sprinklers
Oscillating sprinklers are the most traditional sprinkler and distribute water by rotating back and forth. Some allow you to set the start and stop points as well as the amount of water that flows out for ultimate customization.
Pop-Up Sprinklers
Pop-up sprinklers are a great way to maximize coverage when watering your lawn but must be run underneath the ground. They hide away when not in use, making them a great alternative to a traditional sprinkler.