How Often to Water Your Lawn in the Summer for Lush, Thriving Grass

Watering your lawn is paramount for rich, healthy grass, especially during the hot summer months. However, there's a right and wrong way to go about it, whether it's watering too much, not enough, or watering at the wrong time of day.

Thankfully, there are ways to tell if your lawn has been overwatered or underwatered. Here, we consulted the experts and got the best tips for a perfectly watered summer lawn.

Warm- and Cool-Season Grasses

Warm- and cool-season grasses differ in several ways. “It’s important for homeowners to know which type of grass they have in their lawn, so they can understand how to best care for it,” says Jill Pierce, senior director of consumer care at DoMyOwn.

“Cool-season grasses, like fescue and bluegrass, thrive between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit," says Garrett Lang, turf management specialist with Lex Lawns & Irrigation. “Over 85 degrees, they go dormant and try to survive. They look best in spring and fall.” 

On the other hand, warm-season grasses look best during the summer months when temperatures range from 80 to 95 degrees. 

How Much Water Is Best?

There's no exact number that works perfectly.

“Different soil types, slopes, and other variables can require more or less water,” Lang says. “You just need to keep an eye on your lawn to notice the signs. Give it the foot test. If your footprints stay in the grass when it's hot and dry, it’s time to water.”

When to Water During the Summer

Timing is everything when it comes to watering your lawn.

“Watering in the heat of the afternoon can result in up to 30 percent of moisture being lost to evaporation before it even reaches the roots,” says Allison Koenig, lawn and garden associate at Tractor Supply. “The best time to water in hot weather is early in the morning, while temperatures are still cool. Evening watering might seem like an option, but it can leave moisture sitting on the grass overnight, creating the perfect conditions for fungal diseases.”

How to Do It

First, you’ll need to determine how long to run your sprinklers. This will ensure your lawn gets the proper amount of water each week.

“Place several shallow containers, like empty tuna cans, around your yard,” says Koenig. “Run your sprinklers and track how long it takes for most cans to collect 2 inches of water—and that’s your ideal watering time.” 

On average, 30 to 35 minutes per session is usually sufficient. “But during hot, dry spells, you may need to double the duration,” she says. “Watering deeply every three to four days—rather than daily—helps promote stronger, more drought-resistant roots.” 

Pierce suggests keeping your lawn at the right height. “I usually recommend keeping it a little taller in the summer to help shade the soil and retain moisture,” she says. “You can also check the soil by hand before watering. If it’s still moist a few inches down, it’s usually okay to wait another day.” 

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Risks of Underwatering

The right amount of water is essential for green, healthy grass. “Underwatering leads to many possible issues, from yellow or brown discoloration and shallow roots to a dry or crispy feel and appearance," says Troy Hake, owner of Outsidepride,

However, dormancy doesn't mean the grass is dead. “It's just dormant and waiting for cooler weather to happen,” explains Matt Cline, COO of HillSide Lawn Service. “That's actually a better situation to be in than too much water.” 

Risks of Overwatering

While deep watering helps grass seed and turf stay hydrated during hot seasons, being mindful of frequency is key.

“If deep watering your soil, don't water grass every day during summer,” Hake warns. “Too much water can cause shallow root systems, which make the lawn more susceptible to drought and grub damage.”

Excess water can also increase your chances for diseases, which are brought on by humidity, heat, and moisture.