Watering Your Lawn at This Time of Day Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good, Experts Say

If you’re the type who likes to keep your lawn emerald green—even during the hottest parts of summer—you know that water (and plenty of it) is necessary to give you that golf course glow. But if you’re looking to make the best use of every drop of water you’re giving your lawn, there’s a time of day that you should definitely avoid.

The Worst Time to Water Your Lawn? Mid-Afternoon

While your kids may love running through the sprinkler in the afternoon, it’s not the best time to water for the health of your lawn (and for getting the maximum out of every drop of water). The sun’s heat can evaporate a significant amount of that water before it even hits the soil, and the heat of the day can pull a lot of the moisture out of the soil before it replenishes the grass roots—which means that you need to use a lot more water than you would if you water at a different time of time.

Basically, during the peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you should skip the watering session—even if your grass is looking a little crispy. “Midday is the worst time to water your lawn,” says Teri Valenzuela, natural science manager for the lawn care company Sunday. “During the peak heat of the day, much of that water evaporates before it has a chance to soak in. When water doesn’t reach deep into the soil, grass roots stay closer to the surface, leaving your lawn more vulnerable to heat stress and drought.”

Other Not-So-Ideal Times to Water Your Lawn

Late in the day or even as the sun sets may seem like an ideal time, since the water would have all night to replenish your grass without the sun’s rays evaporating it. But while it’s ideal from a water waste perspective, doing that regularly could cause other problems for your lawn. “Evening isn’t ideal either, especially in hot, humid regions,” Valenzuela says. “Water sits on the grass for hours, creating an easy gateway for fungus and other diseases.”

Your Best Bet? An Early Morning Watering

The early bird gets more than the worm—they get the greenest grass. Watering your lawn in the wee hours will do your yard and your water bill the most good. “The sweet spot is early morning, preferably before 10 a.m., when water can soak in and blades still dry out during the day,” Valenzuela says.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Lawn Watering Routine

Beyond choosing the right time of day, there are some other tips to help you maximize every drop of water your lawn gets, according to Valenzuela.

• Check your irrigation system at least once a year. You’ll want to ensure that everything’s working properly, and fix any broken or misaligned heads.
• Get smart irrigation tools. Even something as simple as a manual timer makes a difference, but there are great Bluetooth irrigation systems if you want even more control. 
• Raise your mower’s height to its highest setting to encourage deeper root growth and increased moisture retention. 
• Don’t set it and forget it. Adjust your watering schedule as needed throughout the season, and monitor rainfall. If you’re going through a rainy patch, you may not need to water as often—or at all.