Watering your lawn or grass area is an important part of lawn care and maintenance. Understanding when and how much to water can help ensure your grass stays healthy and green during hot, dry periods. A common question that comes up is whether it’s okay to water your lawn on back-to-back days or if you should space out watering days more.
Quick Answer
Watering your grass two days in a row is generally not recommended. It’s best to space out lawn watering days, watering every 2-3 days on average. However, during periods of extreme heat, drought, or newly seeded lawns, watering for two consecutive days can be appropriate.
Should You Water Grass Two Days in a Row?
Watering grass or lawn areas two days in a row is not typically recommended. Instead, you’ll want to space out watering to every second or third day on average. Here’s why:
- Overwatering encourages shallow roots – When grass is watered too often, the roots don’t have to grow deep into the soil to find moisture. This results in shallow roots that are more prone to heat and drought stress.
- Increased risk of diseases – Excess moisture on grass blades or roots from frequent watering promotes fungus and lawn diseases like brown patch.
- Wastes water – Watering too often results in excess runoff and evaporation. You end up wasting water rather than the water soaking deep into the soil.
Letting the grass dry out slightly between waterings encourages deeper root growth. The roots will grow deeper into the soil seeking out moisture. This results in a more drought tolerant lawn.
When to Water Grass Two Days in a Row
There are some exceptions where watering grass two days consecutively can be appropriate:
- Extreme heat – During periods of extreme heat and drought, it may be necessary to water for two days to prevent severe stress and damage to the grass.
- New sod or seed – Newly laid sod or seeded lawns have very shallow roots initially. Frequent light watering is needed to establish new grass and encourage root development.
- Syringing greens – Golf greens and sports turf may be lightly syringed for short periods of time to help cool the grass and prevent damage.
In these situations, the frequent watering is temporary until temperatures cool, the grass establishes, or moisture levels improve. After which you would resume a normal every 2-3 day watering schedule.
How Much to Water Grass
When watering your lawn, it’s important to water deeply and infrequently. Light, frequent watering encourages shallow roots. You want to moisten the entire root zone depth each time you water. Here are some tips:
- Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation loss.
- Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per watering, which typically takes 60-90 minutes with spray irrigation.
- Use a rain gauge, tuna can, or similar container to measure sprinkler output and determine runtime.
- Manually turn on each zone and check coverage. Adjust sprinklers as needed.
- Consider using a smart irrigation controller to automatically adjust watering based on weather.
How Much Water Grass Needs
Grass water needs vary based on climate, season, and grass type. As a general guideline:
Climate | Season | Inches Per Week |
---|---|---|
Cool, Humid | Spring, Fall | 0.5 – 1.5 |
Summer | 1 – 2.5 | |
Hot, Dry | Spring, Fall | 1.5 – 2.5 |
Summer | 2.5 – 4 |
Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass have lower water needs. Bermudagrass and zoysia grass have higher water requirements.
Visually monitor your lawn and check soil moisture before watering. If grass blades start to fold up, turn blue-gray, or footprints remain visible, it’s time to water. Use a screwdriver to check soil moisture 4-6 inches down.
Signs You’re Overwatering
Overwatering grass can lead to shallow roots, fungus, and lawn diseases. Watch for these signs:
- Puddling or runoff during or after watering
- Mushy, soggy soil
- Footprints remaining in the grass long after being walked on
- Mushrooms or fungal growths
- Yellowing or thinning turf
If you notice these issues, cut back on watering frequency and amount. Aerate compacted areas and let the grass dry out between waterings.
Tips for Watering Grass
Follow these tips for when and how to water your lawn:
- Water early in the morning, ideally between 4am and 10am.
- Avoid midday watering due to evaporation and waste.
- Water only when needed based on grass, climate, and season.
- Apply 1 to 1.5 inches per watering to moisten the whole root zone depth.
- Space waterings out to every 2-3 days on average.
- Adjust sprinklers for optimal coverage – look for dry spots.
- Monitor soil moisture before watering. Grass should slightly dry between waterings.
- Water more frequently for 2-4 weeks after aerating or overseeding.
Alternative Watering Schedules
While every 2-3 days is the typical watering schedule, some alternative approaches include:
- Cycle soaking: Water in 3 shorter cycles, spaced an hour apart, to reduce runoff.
- Split watering: Apply half the water in the morning, other half in evening to reduce stress.
- Infrequent deep watering: Water once per week, applying 1.5-2 inches per watering.
These can all be effective strategies. You still want to space out watering days and avoid watering too frequently.
Smart Irrigation Controllers
Smart controllers are a great way to take the guesswork out of lawn watering. These devices automatically adjust the watering schedule and run times based on weather, season, and more. Smart controllers help prevent overwatering and waste while keeping your grass healthy.
Grass Types & Water Needs
Different grass species and varieties have different water needs:
Cool Season Grasses
- Kentucky Bluegrass – Moderate water needs.
- Tall Fescue – Lower water needs.
- Perennial Ryegrass – Higher water requirements.
- Fine Fescues – Lower water needs.
Warm Season Grasses
- Bermudagrass – High water needs.
- Zoysia – Moderate to high water requirements.
- St. Augustine – Moderate water needs.
- Centipedegrass – Lower water needs.
- Buffalograss – Very low water needs.
Know your grass type and characteristics to determine watering needs. Check with local nurseries on the best grass types for your climate.
Effects of Overwatering
Overwatering grass can lead to a number of issues, including:
- Surface compaction and muddy areas
- Shallow root development
- Increased disease and fungus
- Grass thinning
- Poor heat and drought tolerance
- Weed growth
- Wasting water
- Waterlogged soils
Allowing the grass to moderately dry out between waterings encourages deeper roots. This results in a healthier, more drought resistant lawn.
Underwatering Grass
Underwatering can also harm your lawn. Signs of underwatering include:
- Wilting, folded, bluish-gray grass blades
- Slow growth
- Dry, crunchy soil
- Footprints remaining visible
- Stressed color
- Thinning turf
- Increased weed growth
- Heat or drought damage
When grass doesn’t get sufficient moisture, the roots can’t support healthy growth and the lawn declines. Monitor soil and grass to make sure adequate water is applied.
Ways to Improve Lawn Watering
Some ways to improve lawn irrigation and avoid overwatering include:
- Water early in the morning before 10am
- Use smart irrigation controllers
- Group plants with similar water needs
- Use drip irrigation where appropriate
- Install rain shutoff devices
- Use moisture sensors to inform watering
- Improve water drainage in heavy soils
- Aerate compacted areas
- Consider xeriscaping part of the landscape
Optimizing your irrigation system and scheduling can go a long way towards creating a healthy, thriving lawn while avoiding overwatering.
Conclusion
Watering grass or lawns every day or multiple days in a row is not recommended in most cases. Letting the grass moderately dry out between deep infrequent waterings encourages deeper rooting and a healthier lawn. However, new seedlings or sod may need more frequent watering at first. During extreme heat waves or drought, occasional back to back watering may be warranted. Proper lawn irrigation technique, scheduling, and amount are key to avoid overwatering issues.