If your lawn still looks brown or patchy even though you're watering it regularly, the problem might not be how much water you're giving it—it could be how you're watering. From watering too often to turning on the sprinklers at the wrong time of day, a few common mistakes can leave grass struggling through the summer heat instead of thriving. Before you water again, find out which habits could be doing more harm than good—and the simple changes that can help you grow a greener, healthier lawn all while using less water.
Bad Habit 1: You’re Watering on a Schedule
Don’t! Whether or not your lawn needs watering depends on several factors: how much rainfall you've had, how hot it is, and whether it’s been windy. Your grass type also plays a big role.
Warm-season grasses—such as Bermuda grass, zoysia, and St. Augustine—generally need less water during hot, dry periods. Cool-season grasses—like bluegrass and perennial ryegrass—require more frequent watering because they have shallower root systems and aren’t as efficient at absorbing water. Also, remember that some parts of your lawn, like a south-facing hill, may need more water than shaded areas.
Here are a few ways to determine if your lawn needs watering:
- Look at other plants in your yard or garden. Are they wilted? That’s a sign the soil is dry.
- Try the poke test. Stick a screwdriver or butter knife into the soil. If it’s hard to push in, your lawn is dry.
Bad Habit 2: You’re Watering Too Often and Not Deeply Enough
You want to water less frequently, but more deeply—ideally once or twice a week. The goal is to saturate the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. How long that takes depends on your soil type and grass, but typically it ranges from 30 minutes to an hour.
To figure out how long you need to water, start with 30 minutes, then test how deep the water has penetrated. Water more if needed. Another trick: place an empty tuna can under the sprinkler—once it’s full, you’ve likely watered enough. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth and makes your lawn more resilient.
It’s also important to let your lawn dry out occasionally. This forces the roots to grow deeper in search of moisture, creating a stronger root system that’s better equipped to handle drought. As a general rule (and this applies to many plants), it’s better to underwater than overwater.
Bad Habit 3: You’re Watering at the Wrong Time of Day
Water first thing in the morning—ideally before sunrise, but definitely before 9 a.m. Watering in the heat of the day leads to more evaporation, and watering at night can cause water to sit on the grass blades, potentially encouraging fungal or bacterial diseases.
Bad Habit 4: You’re Using the Wrong Sprinkler
Now that you know how and when to water your lawn, let’s talk about sprinklers. If you have an irrigation system, use it wisely. Don’t let it run if it’s just rained, and make sure the sprinkler heads are functioning properly.
If you need a sprinkler, here are a few types and their best uses:
- Impact sprinklers are the most versatile. They’re great for both large yards and smaller areas because the spray range can be adjusted.
- Oscillating sprinklers are ideal for square or rectangular lawns.
- Rotating sprinklers work well for small, round areas.
