Best Time of Day to Water Grass
The best time to water grass, like so many things in life is dependent on circumstances. For established lawns the best time of day to water grass is in the early morning hours, preferably just before sunrise. This enables the water to soak through the soil and completely nourish the plant's root system. Watering in the morning also minimizes the loss of moisture due to the higher temperatures during daylight hours and takes advantage of the normal morning calm from wind that may cause water to drift away from the target area. Evaporation is also minimized and morning watering enables the homeowner to take advantage of the effects of morning dew that already exists on grass blades. The natural ground shade afforded by the grass will enable the soil to dry out slowly throughout the day. Without an automatic sprinkler system this early morning watering may present a challenge. The point is that the earlier one waters, the better it is for the lawn. Under all circumstances, watering in the evenings should be avoided. Evening watering causes the ground to remain moist and gives rise to a number of diseases that will weaken root systems and cause premature browning or even loss of plants. Perhaps the most prevalent example of available to most home owners of good turf maintenance is demonstrated
by the grounds keepers on golf courses throughout the country. They have immense sums of money invested in maintaining healthy turf and one can readily note that they water their established turf exclusively in the morning.
There is always an exception to the rule and certainly there is one for those that are just beginning to establish a lawn or have areas where seeding is being done. Under these circumstances it is preferable to water newly seeded areas several times a day for best results. Seedlings need to remain moist for germination to occur. It is critical to keep the seeds or early sprouts moist. One should attempt to control “puddling” as it will often cause seeds to wash away and result in bare spots. Additionally, the goal is to keep the seeds mouist and it will waste water to apply too much.
The objective of water established lawns is to insure the water is available for the root systems , while the objective of watering newly seeded areas is to keep the seed moist. Therefor a considerable less quantity of water should be used for newly seeded areas.
I just moved into a new home with a landscaped front and back yard. The lawn in the front yard has dry large patches of what looks like dead either over or under watered sections. Other parts of the lawn are perfectly green and healthy. I’ve checked the soil and it’s very moist. Since we’ve moved in, we’ve stopped watering because of the season (Fall) and the beginning of rain. I was told by my neighbor that while the previous owners were trying to sell this home, he saw the sprinklers on every day for at least 10 minute intervals. (He knows this for sure because it ended up flooding part of his yard.) I guess it’s safe to say it’s been over watered. The home was built in 2007, so it’s a fairly new lawn; however, I have no idea what kind of grass it is. My question: How do I care for these dead sections? Thanks for your help! Cristina in Southern Oregon
what if i can not water my lawn in the early morning will 7pm be ok
Patricia,
You are an idiot.
Faggit
Please remove the two’s comments on watering that posted on july 11th and july 19th!
Thank you
with all the water restrictions and stuff….does pee kill the grass?
I figure I could water my lawn at least 3-4 times a day….
i like to hump my yard as neighbors walk by with their dogs and children
That’s awsome!
I laughed so hard this morning.
Very Funny.
People are idiots.
I heard manure works well, should I have my family poop in a bucket for days- close off the bathroom- and spread it over the lawn.
I thought this was a place I could get some advice on my lawn. Apparently some people are so bored they post stupid stuff on here. I think they have chat rooms where you stupidness is appreciated.
@Patricia: Yes, absolutely. Use a watering can and mix one part bourbon to every three parts water, it will help to put the lawn at ease at what otherwise may seem like an odd watering schedule.
@Jim Bob: Anyone with a name like Jim Bob has no solid ground from which to call anyone else a faggot, no matter how it is spelled.
@Mike: You actually do deserve to be insulted. Do people with wittle potty mouths hurt your feel bads? Go suck your thumb, or anything else that suits your taste.
@Chris: Yeah bro, pee is actually good for the lawn- NITROGEN
@jsmith: That’s nice. Shoot yourself.
@andre: You gotta compost that stuff first man, but then yeah, go for it.
@Lawn Goo Roo: Awesome reply.
@Lawn Goo Roo: Every thread should have a man of reason who answers the questions posed in these forums. Thank you for being that Man/Women who did.
@You know who you are: Really…? That’s all I can say is Really? Here. Really? Don’t they have gyms, bars, and other outlets for your unimportant ranting.
Good grief, don’t you people even look at the responses on your website??? You have lost any credibility you might have had to begin with by failing to police your comments thread. When I visit a site like this I am looking for professional information, not a lot of obscene, offensive wierdness! Police your site!
There’s no set rules. I’ve watered my lawn a million times in the evening so that the water would stay a little longer. The reason being that it would evaporate in 10 minutes in the hot sun. And lack of moisture would kill the grass, and lead to crab grass moving in. It only depends on where you live and how dry it is. If you have a time of year where it’s cooler and water stays, then don’t water in the evening. If you can’t get it enough water, then water in the evening. People need more common sense.
Mary, STFU.
on topic:
the “not watering in the evening” rule only applies to people who have lawns that look like golf courses. These lawns invite fungus/molds because they usually have way too much fertilizer and way too much water to begin with.
If you are the average joe schmoe and don’t give a fuck (never fertilize, weeds everywhere) then you can water at anytime you like without getting mold.
All things considered, most people don’t give a shit what other peoples lawns look like anyways. Just keep it mowed. Having a great beautiful lawn is cool but your neighbors won’t like you more because of it. In fact, they’ll just think you’re trying to be better than them and who likes conceited pricks??