Summer heat can be brutal on lawns, so be sure it gets a good soaking from rain or irrigation 2-3 times a week between June and August. Your lawn needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water total each week, depending on your grass type, soil, and climate.
Don’t skimp in the summer. The difference between a lush green carpet and a crispy brown disaster is knowing exactly how much and how often your lawn needs water.
If the summer heat and lack of rain are drying out your lawn, check out our guide on “How to Maintain Your Lawn During a Drought” for some tips.
Watering frequency by grass type
There are two main types of grass: cool-season grasses, which thrive in Northern states, and warm-season grasses found in Southern states. If you live in the middle of the country, known as the transition zone, your lawn may contain either. Learn more in our “Guide to Growing Grass in the Transition Zone.”
Cool-season grasses (Northern regions)
Growing most actively in spring and fall, cool-season grasses need more water during hot weather to maintain their color and health
- Kentucky bluegrass: Thirsty KGB needs 1.5-2 inches of water per week. Water 0.5 – 0.67 inches three times a week.
- Tall fescue: Give fescue 1.25-1.5 inches of water a week and water two to three times weekly with 0.5-0.75 inches each session.
- Perennial ryegrass: Only needs 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Water twice a week with 0.5-0.75 inches each time.
- Fine fescue: Very drought-tolerant, it needs 0.5 inches once or twice weekly for a total of 1 inch a week.
Warm-season grasses (Southern regions)
Common in hot Southern states, warm-season grasses deal with heat and drought pretty well but still need a little extra water during a heat wave.
- Bermudagrass: Needs 1-1.25 inches of water weekly to stay green. Apply 0.5-0.63 inches in two sessions.
- Zoysiagrass: Water twice weekly, 0.5 inch at a time for a total of 1 inch a week, but watch for signs of drought stress.
- St Augustinegrass: Good with about 1 inch of water per week, divided into two or three watering sessions.
- Centipedegrass: Water once or twice weekly with 0.5 inches per session for 0.75-1 inch total. Overwatering can promote lawn diseases.
My tip: The best time to water your grass is early morning and early evening, as the water is less likely to evaporate.
Adjust water frequency for these factors
Soil type, climate, and lawn condition all affect how much water your lawn needs. When you nail these details, you’ll have healthy grass while conserving water.
Soil types
Soil type matters when watering your lawn. Some soils hold water better than others, while some drain faster. Here’s how to water your lawn based on what type of soil you have:
- Sandy soil drains very quickly, so you’ll need more frequent but shorter watering sessions to allow grass roots time to absorb it.
- Clay soil drains slowly, and needs less frequent but longer watering sessions to let water to soak into the dense soil structure.
- Silty soil needs water twice per week, using shorter sessions to prevent erosion while maintaining good moisture levels.
- Loamy soil holds water well but also drains properly, so just follow the normal watering schedule for your type of grass.
Start by watering once or twice weekly, then fine-tune based on your lawn’s response. To know exactly what your lawn needs to thrive, get your soil tested at your local Extension Office.
Your climate
The weather where you live affects how much you need to water your lawn. If it’s hot, windy, or very dry outside, like it is here in West Texas where I live, water evaporates quickly. Humidity and extra rain can also affect how often you water.
- Hot, Arid Regions (Southwest, Southern California): Water 3 to 4 times per week, increasing the amount by 0.5 inches a week during extreme heat. Use windbreaks like trees or fences to reduce evaporation.
- Hot, Humid Regions (Southeast, Gulf Coast): Maintain a twice-weekly schedule, reduce water on cloudy days, and watch for grass fungus from slow evaporation.
- Moderate Summer Regions (Pacific Northwest, Northeast): Typically, 1 to 1.5 inches a week is best. Add an extra day if the weather has been hot or windy. If the local forecast calls for rain, you can skip a day.
My tip: In West Texas, where the mercury hovers around 95 all summer, add an extra watering day per week to keep your turf healthy.
Lawn conditions
You may need to adjust your watering routine based on different lawn conditions:
- Established lawns: Follow the standard schedule for your grass type. Established lawns have deep, efficient root systems.
- New lawns: Water daily for 10-15 minutes for 2-3 weeks. New grass needs consistent moisture to develop strong roots.
- Recently aerated lawns: Up the amount of water by 25 percent for 7-10 days after aerating your lawn to support root development.
- Shaded areas: Reduce the amount of water on grass under trees or in shade as water won’t evaporate as quickly.
- Sloped lawns: Apply water in short but frequent sessions to allow it to absorb and prevent runoff.
How to tell if your lawn needs water
According to the Texas A&M Cooperative Extension, “Rather than watering on the same schedule each week, adjust your watering schedule according to the weather … Irrigate deeply. Then wait until the grass begins to show signs of drought stress before watering again.” This approach encourages deep root growth and a healthy lawn.
Signs your lawn needs water:
- Color changes: Grass turns dull and bluish-gray when it needs water. You’ll notice this first in areas with shallow soil or next to pavement.
- Footprint test: When you walk across a dry lawn, your footprints stay visible instead of springing back.
- Grass blades: The grass will roll up or fold when it needs water.
- Screwdriver test: Stick a screwdriver about 6 inches into the soil. If it slides in easily, your soil has enough moisture. If it’s difficult to push in, your lawn needs water.
My tip: If you see signs of drought stress in one part of your yard, go ahead and give the whole lawn a little extra water.
Adjust for watering restrictions
Watering restrictions are becoming more common across the country. You’ll need to adjust how you care for your lawn. To learn how to handle local water rules, read our article on “What to Know About Outdoor Watering Restrictions.”
- Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
- Water longer on your allowed days and apply 0.75 – 1 inch per session.
- Raise mower height by 0.5 – 1 inch as taller grass shades the soil to protect it from heat stress.
- Focus on high-priority areas like the visible parts of your lawn when full coverage isn’t possible.
- Overseed with drought-tolerant grass varieties to gradually transition to a lawn with lower water needs.
Maybe you’ve had it with watering restrictions altogether. Consider xeriscaping and installing native plants to limit water use. Check out our “Xeriscaping Guide for Your Lawn and Garden” to learn more.
Here’s to a hydrated lawn
If drought stress is taking a toll on your lawn this summer, consider getting professional help. Lawn Love can connect you with local lawn care professionals who can handle lawn mowing, aeration, and many other landscaping tasks so you can enjoy your summer rather than agonizing over a dried-out lawn.
Main Image: Lawn sprinkler waters a Central Florida yard. Photo Credit: Whitney Lehnecker / Lawn Love
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