How often you water your lawn in Arizona depends upon where you live. In scorching hot southern Arizona, water your lawn every three to five days in summer, every two to three weeks in winter, and somewhere in between in spring and fall. Lawns in cooler central and northern Arizona generally need water every two to three weeks in the summer and more frequently in the spring and fall.
The difference, of course, is that southern Arizona lawns are almost exclusively composed of warm-season grasses that need more water in the heat, while central and northern Arizona lawns are often composed of cool-season grasses that require less water in the summer and more in the spring and fall when they actively grow.
Each variety has its own watering needs and preferences. We will explain what they are in this article.
Watering schedule for southern Arizona lawns
In Phoenix and the low desert areas, we generally have warm-season grasses on our lawns like Bermudagrass, buffalograss, blue grama, and palmetto St. Augustine. Here, temperatures reach triple digits and we get below average rainfall, so the area isn’t hospitable to cool-season grasses like you find in wetter, colder climates.
It might be tempting to douse your lawn in water, especially during the summer, but don’t do it. A well-developed root system is grass’s best defense against drought. Overwatering grass actually slows root growth because the roots don’t have to expand in search of moisture. Instead, wait a few days between waterings depending on the season – it will give your lawn the time it needs to absorb the water it receives.
The chart below is a guide to the optimal water frequency for warm-season grasses in southern Arizona.
| Spring | 5 to 14 days |
| Summer | 3 to 5 days |
| Fall | 5 to 14 days |
| Winter | 14 to 21 days |
Watering schedule for central and northern Arizona lawns
Many yards in northern Arizona, which is a little higher in elevation and generally cooler, have cool-season grasses. This includes It goes dormant during the summer because it can’t handle the scorching summer heat, so there’s no need to water then.
The chart below is a guide to the optimal water frequency for cool-season grasses in northern Arizona. It works for warm-season grasses in northern Arizona as well. But this is just a guide. Look for signs that your lawn is thirsty, such as the grass blades turning pale or laying flat when you walk on them.
| Spring | 3 to 7 days |
| Summer | 14 to 21 days or as needed |
| Fall | 3 to 10 days |
| Winter | 7 to 14 days |
Tips for watering your lawn
Watering your lawn at the right time and the right amount is crucial to making it lush, green, and healthy.
Best time to water your lawn
Water your lawn around 5 to 6 a.m. This will give the water enough time to seep into the soil before the midday sun and humidity evaporates it.
The second best time to water your lawn is in the evening. The heat has dissipated and the temperature has dropped, meaning the water won’t evaporate. However, grass that stays wet throughout the night is more prone to diseases.
How much water your lawn needs
Your Arizona lawn needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week (about ½ to ¾ inches of water each time). Ensure you give your lawn enough water to penetrate 6 to 10 inches deep into the soil each time.
Additional lawn watering tips
- Water shaded areas 30 percent less than sunny areas.
- Reduce irrigation or watering amount if it rains.
- Make sure your sprinkler system is in good condition.
How long should I run my sprinklers in Arizona?
When watering your lawn, the goal is to get enough water on your grass to penetrate the soil around 8 inches deep.
See our Definitive Guide to Watering Your Lawn for a deeper explanation of optimal watering practices.
Overwatering or underwatering your lawn
Successful irrigation involves giving your lawn the correct amount of water. However, it can be tricky. Rather than go through trial-and-error (and risk wasting water), look for the following signs to see if you’re overwatering or underwatering your lawn:
| Overwatering | Underwatering |
| The soil is soft and mushy when you step on your lawn A musty smell coming from your lawn Small puddles on your lawn Algae and mushrooms are present Invasive weeds present | Grass is bluish-gray Grass is still warm in the evening, even when the temperature drops and the sun sets Doesn’t recover from heavy foot traffic as quickly |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I water a newly seeded lawn?
Run the sprinkler system 4 to 5 times a day until germination, irrigating in 5 to 10 minute sessions. After it grows an inch, water two to three times a day for two weeks. From there, water once a day until the grass is fully established.
When should I water newly planted sod?
Water 4 to 5 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes in the first two weeks. Afterwards, water once a day for 15 to 20 minutes. Once the root system establishes, water two to three times a week.
How does watering affect weed growth?
Watering too often or too lightly weakens your lawn and allows weeds to pop up. When that happens, use one of the best weed killers in Arizona to get rid of them.
When to Hire a Professional
Watering your Arizona grass is crucial to a green, lush, and healthy lawn. It’s a lot of work, but by sticking to a schedule and knowing how much water your lawn needs, you can obtain the lawn of your dreams.
But we know you’re busy and might not have the time to water your lawn. So get in touch with LawnStarter’s lawn care pros and have them water your lawn for you. Water you waiting for?
Main Image Credit: Safford-House-David Wickersham House | Marine 69-71 | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
