General Lawn Watering Tips

  • Spring

    Watering needs: Minimal early on if snowmelt provides enough moisture.

    Tips:

    Wait until the grass shows signs of growth before starting to water.

    If there’s no rain for 7–10 days and soil is dry, water lightly (½ inch per week).

    Morning watering is best to help prevent disease.

  • Summer

    Watering needs: 1–1.5 inches per week, including rainfall.

    Tips:

    Water deeply and infrequently — 1–2 times per week.

    Early morning (between 5–9 a.m.) is ideal.

    Raise mower height (3 to 4”) and make sure mower blades are sharp, both help to reduce evaporation and stress on the grass.

  • Fall

    Watering needs: Moderate — taper off as temps drop.

    Tips:

    Continue watering into the late fall (usually needed through early October) to make sure we maximize the growth of the grass plant which will set it up the best to overwinter.

    Gradually reduce frequency as rainfall and cooler temps increase.

    Don’t stop too early — fall watering helps the lawn overwinter better.

Watering New Grass Seed

When it comes to newly planted grass seed, proper watering is critical to encourage germination and establish a healthy root system. Here are some detailed tips:

1. Establishing a Moist Environment

  • Keep It Consistently Moist:
    Immediately after seeding, maintain a lightly moist soil surface. The top layer should remain damp at all times to promote seed germination. This may require watering several times a day in very hot or windy conditions.

  • Use a Fine Spray:
    A gentle, fine mist is best to avoid washing the seeds away or forming puddles. A sprinkler with a fine spray setting or a hose-end sprayer works well.

2. Watering Frequency and Duration

  • Initial 10-14 Days:
    For the first couple of weeks after seeding, water lightly and frequently—often 2-4 times daily, depending on the weather conditions. The aim is to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy.

  • Monitor Weather Conditions:
    In hot or dry weather, you might need to increase the frequency slightly. Conversely, if there’s rainfall, adjust your schedule accordingly to prevent overwatering.

3. Transitioning After Germination

  • Gradual Reduction:
    Once the seeds have germinated (germination happens between 7 and 21 days depending on the grass variety and soil temperatures), you can start reducing the frequency of watering. Begin to water once or twice a day rather than several times.

  • Deep Watering:
    As the seedlings start to establish roots, shift from a light mist to deeper watering sessions. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making the grass more drought-resistant. Aim for watering sessions that soak the soil to a depth of at least 4-6 inches.

  • Watering Timing:
    Early morning is the best time for watering. This allows the moisture to reach the roots and evaporate any excess from the surface during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

4. Additional Considerations

  • Soil Type:
    The type of soil can influence watering needs. Sandy soils might require more frequent watering, whereas clay soils retain moisture longer. Adjust your schedule based on how quickly your soil drains.

  • Consistency Is Key:
    New grass seedlings are particularly vulnerable, so aim for consistent moisture levels until the roots are established. Inconsistencies in moisture can stress the young plants and delay development.

Although it can be a lot of work to get seed to grow and establish, it is worth it! Seeded grass grows in your native soil, which means it adapts better and establishes a stronger root system than methods such as sodding. You also get better grass varieties, and more variety which can lead to better drought tolerance, color, and disease resistance.