Getting a lush and healthy lawn requires you to water it at the proper time of day. Unfortunately, some times of day are worse than others when it comes to watering your lawn, so here’s a quick guide to help you know when the best time to water grass is.

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Early Morning Is The Best Time To Water

The very best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, typically between 6-10 a.m. The reason why is because at this time, temperatures are cooler and there is less wind, which allows water to soak deeply into the soil without evaporating too quickly.

This watering time allows your grass to get enough moisture to stay hydrated throughout the day, without leaving the roots soggy and waterlogged for a long period of time.

The Afternoon Is The Worst Time To Water Grass

Watering your grass during the afternoon is the worst time to water your grass. The afternoon is when the sun is at its peak, which will cause the water to evaporate faster making it impossible for your grass to get the moisture it needs to stay hydrated.

worst time to water grass is in the afternoon

Watering in the afternoon leads to stressed or dry grass, and ultimately wastes a ton of water. Watering in the afternoon is the worst time to water grass.

Evening Watering Is Risky

When the sun is going down and temperatures begin to drop, many people turn their sprinklers on; however, this can actually do more harm to your grass than good. As temperatures cool down overnight, the excess moisture may not be able to evaporate quickly enough, which can lead to rotting roots and increased disease pressure to your grass.

Evening watering creates the perfect environment for fungal growth and other diseases that can damage your lawn.

How Often Should You Water?

Most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, but it depends on the grass type. Here’s a chart of cool season grasses and how much water each type needs, along with how many times it should be watered per week:

Time of year and temperatures can affect the recommendations above, and you should adjust accordingly.

How much water is your grass actually getting? We’d recommend using some rain gauges like these:
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Water In The Morning For Best Results

If you want the healthiest lawn you can get, watering your grass in the morning maximizes absorption and reduces the risk of quick evaporation or disease. By following a consistent watering schedule based on your grass type, you can ensure a green, lush and resilient lawn all year-round.