Lawn Watering Guide
Everything you need to know about watering your North Texas lawn
More water is being wasted in lawns than any other place. A lot of people simply don't realize how much water they are using and most times, it's too much.
Over-watering leads to weed infestation, fungal diseases like gray leaf spot, brown patch, and take-all root rot. This guide will help you water smarter — saving money while keeping your lawn healthy.
Simple Watering Tips for Texas Heat
Water at Dawn
The best time to water is early morning when temperatures are cooler. This means low evaporation and minimal water waste — your lawn absorbs more of what you put down.
Avoid Midday Watering
High sun causes excessive evaporation. Most of the water you apply is lost before it can soak into the soil.
Avoid Night Watering
Night watering creates stagnant water pools and encourages fungal growth. This is hazardous regardless of climate type — skip it entirely.
Don't Over-Water
Watering over 1 inch per week might be too much. Over-watering promotes fungal diseases, weed growth, and wasteful run-off. Stop watering when run-off occurs and allow soaking before resuming.
Pro tip: Place a coffee can in your yard while watering. Time how long it takes to collect 1 inch — that's your ideal run time per zone.
Watering by Season
Spring
Mar - MayGrass is waking up and needs water to green up and establish strong roots for the season ahead.
Summer
Jun - AugPeak growing season with the highest water demands. Early morning watering is critical during this period.
Fall
Sep - NovGrass is preparing for dormancy but still needs moisture. Gradually reduce watering as temperatures cool.
Winter
Dec - FebGrass is dormant but roots still need occasional water. Only water during warm spells if there's no rain.
Soil Type & Sprinkler Setup
Water soaks into soil at different speeds depending on composition. Clay-heavy North Texas soil absorbs water much slower than sandy soil — if you water too fast, it runs off instead of soaking in. Adjust your irrigation run times to match your soil's absorption rate.
Measure Your Sprinkler Output
Place several cans across your yard and run your sprinklers. Measure how long it takes to accumulate 1 inch in each can. Record the time — that's your target run time per zone.
Smart Controllers
Digital sprinkler timers are the most popular option. Smart WiFi controllers like Rachio let you manage watering from your smartphone and auto-adjust based on weather data.
Automated Notifications
Texas A&M's WaterMyYard.org sends automated emails or texts with watering recommendations based on your local weather conditions.
Texas A&M ET Calculator
Use the Texas ET data tool to calculate precise sprinkler run times for your specific setup:
- Visit texaset.tamu.edu
- Select your nearest weather station
- Choose "Home Watering" and enter your lawn details
- Get your recommended run time, irrigations per week, and run time per irrigation
Watering for Popular Texas Grasses
Zoysia Grass
Considered an excellent all-around grass for North Texas. Grows spring through late fall with moderate water needs.
St. Augustine Grass
Well-suited for shade tree areas. Requires trimmed tree canopy for adequate sunlight and slightly more water than other types.
Bermuda Grass
Drought-tolerant and thrives in warm climates. Can survive on less water during rationing periods — a resilient choice for Texas.
Watering New Sod & Seed
New Sod
Begin watering within 30 minutes of installation. Apply at least 1 inch — soil 3-4 inches below the surface should be moist.
New Seed
Proper moisture is critical — germination stops completely if the soil dries out. Avoid pooling water on the soil surface.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Water
Footprint Test
Walk across your lawn. If footprints stay visible for more than a few seconds, it needs water.
Color Change
Bright green turning dull, bluish-gray indicates early drought stress.
Curling Blades
Grass blades folding or curling lengthwise are conserving moisture.
Screwdriver Test
Push a screwdriver into the soil. If it's hard to push in, the soil is too dry.
Need Help With Your Lawn Irrigation?
Our team can set up proper watering schedules and sprinkler systems to keep your lawn healthy year-round.
