Watering your lawn seems simple enough—turn on the sprinkler and let it run. But the truth is, watering is one of the most misunderstood parts of lawn care. Too much water can cause disease and shallow root growth, while too little water leaves grass dry, brittle, and prone to weeds. So how long should you water your lawn to keep it healthy and green?
The answer depends on your soil, grass type, weather, and season. Let’s break it down step by step so you can water wisely.
The General Rule: 1 to 1.5 Inches per Week
Most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to stay healthy. This amount includes both rainfall and irrigation. Instead of watering a little bit every day, aim to water deeply and infrequently. Deep watering encourages grassroots to grow downward, which makes your lawn more drought-resistant and resilient to stress.
How Long to Run Your Sprinklers
The actual time it takes to deliver 1 to 1.5 inches of water depends on your sprinkler system. Different sprinklers put out water at different rates. Here’s how to figure it out:
- Place a few small, flat containers (like tuna cans) around your lawn.
- Run your sprinklers for 15 minutes.
- Measure how much water is in each can.
- Multiply the result to estimate how long it takes to reach 1 inch.
For example, if your sprinklers deliver ¼ inch of water in 15 minutes, you’ll need about an hour to reach 1 inch.
Deep vs. Shallow Watering
Shallow, frequent watering might seem like a good idea, but it actually harms your lawn. When grass only gets water near the surface, roots stay shallow. This makes your lawn more vulnerable to drought, disease, and heat stress.
Deep watering—where water penetrates 6–8 inches into the soil—encourages roots to grow down, resulting in stronger, healthier grass. This is why it’s better to water deeply two or three times a week rather than lightly every day.
Adjusting for Weather
Your watering schedule should adjust with the seasons and the weather:
- Hot, dry summers: Your lawn may need closer to 1.5 inches per week. If grass starts to look dull or footprints remain visible after you walk across it, it’s time to water.
- Cool, wet seasons: Spring and fall often bring more rain. In these times, you may need to water less, or not at all, depending on rainfall.
- Dormant periods: Cool-season grasses in Connecticut may turn brown and go dormant during extreme heat or in the winter. This is natural. Dormant grass doesn’t need much water, but if dry conditions persist, an occasional deep watering helps prevent root damage.
Soil Type Matters
Your soil type plays a big role in how long you should water.
- Clay soil: Holds water longer but absorbs it slowly. Water more slowly to avoid runoff.
- Sandy soil: Drains quickly and doesn’t hold water well. Water more often in smaller amounts to keep soil moist.
- Loam soil: The ideal mix. Retains moisture but drains well, making it easier to maintain healthy watering.
Knowing your soil type helps you fine-tune your watering schedule for best results.
Watering After Seeding or Aeration
If you’ve recently overseeded or aerated your lawn, watering needs to be more frequent. New seeds require consistently moist soil to germinate. In this case, water lightly once or twice daily until seedlings appear. Once the grass is established, transition back to deep, less frequent watering.
The Best Time of Day to Water
The time of day matters just as much as the amount of water. Early morning, between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., is the best time to water. Temperatures are cooler, and the sun is low, which allows water to soak into the soil instead of evaporating.
Watering at night is not recommended because moisture can linger on grass blades, creating a breeding ground for fungus and disease. Midday watering is less effective because too much water evaporates before it reaches the soil.
Signs You’re Watering Too Much
Overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Mushy or squishy soil.
- Fungus or mushrooms appearing in the lawn.
- Increased thatch buildup.
- Shallow root growth or grass that feels weak.
If you notice these problems, scale back your watering schedule.
Tick & Turf’s Watering Advice
At Tick & Turf, we understand how to provide the best lawn care in Newtown CT. Connecticut’s climate, soil conditions, and seasonal changes all play a role in how much water your grass really needs. That’s why we provide customized watering recommendations as part of our lawn care services. We make sure your lawn isn’t just getting water—but getting the right amount, at the right time, for lasting health.
Final Word: How Long Should You Water?
The sweet spot for most lawns is 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, delivered in two or three deep sessions. By watering deeply, adjusting for weather and soil type, and sticking to early-morning schedules, you’ll keep your lawn green, strong, and beautiful all season long.
Watering isn’t just about turning on a hose—it’s about creating the right conditions for your lawn to thrive. With a little planning, you’ll give your grass exactly what it needs to grow healthy and resilient year after year.