How to Water Your Lawn in the Phoenix Summer Heat

The heat and higher evaporation make summer grass maintenance more of a challenge. But even in the hottest months, a well-watered lawn can remain verdant and lush. 

Lawn Watering Tips

Substantially watering your grass occasionally is more effective than showering it lightly every day. If you water your lawn deeply, the roots will grow deeper, making it more drought-resistant. 

This is why you should moisten the soil to a depth of approximately 6-8” when watering your lawn. At this depth, the grass's roots can soak up enough water to keep it alive all day long, regardless of how hot it gets. 

The weather can also affect how often you water your plants. Your grass might need more watering than usual on really hot or dry days due to the increased rate of evaporation.

What is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn in the Summer?

 

The best time to water your lawn throughout the summer is first thing in the morning, ideally between 6 and 10 a.m. If you water your grass at this time, it will have time to soak up the water before the heat of the day evaporates. 

Grass becomes more susceptible to illnesses and water loss when watered in the late afternoon or early evening, when temperatures are higher and evaporation rates are higher. 

You reduce the risk of fungal diseases—which thrive in moist environments—by watering your lawn first thing in the morning so it has time to dry before dark.

 

Length of Time to Water Your Lawn

Grass variety, soil conditions and weather patterns are just a few of the variables that affect how often you need to water your lawn. 

Aim to give your grass around 1” to 1.5” of water every week, whether that's from rain or sprinklers. 

Place some shallow pots around your lawn as you water it to determine the duration of the sprinkler run required to achieve this goal. To get a good idea of how long it will take to get to the target amount, measure the water level in the containers after a certain time. 

Do not water your lawn lightly every day; instead, water strongly once or twice a week to encourage deeper root growth.

Is an Irrigation System Helpful for the Lawn?

For a lush, green lawn all summer long, an irrigation system is a lifesaver. You can program these systems to water your lawn at optimal times, ensuring uniform coverage each time. 

To make sure your lawn gets the correct amount of water without wasting any, many newer irrigation systems have sensors that change the watering schedule depending on the weather. 

Weeds Compete with Water Absorption

Routine weed control treatments are essential for keeping a beautiful lawn. 

In addition to being an eyesore, weeds make it difficult for your lawn to retain moisture and nutrients throughout the summer because they compete with your grass for these resources. 

They can weaken your grass and cause brown patches by soaking up water that it would otherwise have absorbed. 

Weed control is particularly important in the hot summer months because weeds block the grass from getting the water and nutrients it needs to grow.

Conclusion

To keep your grass hydrated throughout the summer, pay close attention to when you water it, how often you do so and how you deal with competing weeds. 

Your lawn will stay lush and verdant all season long if you water it deeply first thing in the morning, use an irrigation system, and keep weeds at bay.