Should you water your lawn on a sunny day?

Summer heat is in full swing, and it’s normal to be worried about lawn care. If you notice your grass is drying out, turning dull instead of green, or not growing well, you may be watering your lawn at the wrong times.

Learn how to keep your grass from wilting this summer so you can have the best looking lawn on the block.

Does watering grass in the sun burn the grass?

One of the most common questions people ask is whether they can water their lawn when it is sunny for fear of burning or scalding the lawn.

The simple answer is no – watering your lawn when it’s sunny won’t kill or prevent your grass from growing well, but there are some times that are better than others to keep your lawn looking pristine.

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When is the ideal time to water your lawn?

While watering your lawn in the sun will not harm your grass, the best time to water your lawn is not during the hottest part of the summer, mid-day. In fact, the two best times of day to water are early morning and early evening before the sun sets.

Why? Watering your lawn before temperatures are at their peak will help more water penetrate the soil.

When Not to Water Your Lawn

While watering your lawn will always keep it hydrated, there are certain times when it won’t be beneficial. If you water your lawn too late in the evening after the sun has set, your lawn will still be saturated when the temperature drops. Watering your lawn at night can also cause grass rot, increasing the likelihood of unwanted fungus and insects.

How to keep your lawn watered in the sun

The ideal time to water your lawn during the hot summer days is between 6 and 10am before the sun really shines down on the grass. If you are not a morning person like me, you can also water your lawn between 5pm and 8pm. This will ensure that the grass is completely dry before the sun sets.

Another tip is to mow early in the morning so the water can soak deep into the lawn.

How much should you water your grass?

Watering your lawn two or three days a week is enough to hydrate and replenish your thirsty lawn. Grass typically needs about an inch of water per week, which equates to about 20 minutes at a time.

Finally, remember that your lawn is finicky. You may think that overwatering will help ensure its growth and health, but overwatering can actually hinder your lawn. Overwatering will leave your lawn patchy, with brown spots or dormancy. Overwatering can also cause your lawn to grow more of those pesky weeds you hate. To make sure you don’t overwater your precious lawn, consider installing a timer on your sprinkler system.