Should You Water Your Lawn in Winter? Most Homeowners Get This Wrong
Watering your lawn in the summer is an essential task you shouldn’t skip. But do you need to water your grass in the winter? Most grasses in the United States go dormant when the temperatures drop and winter is in full swing. Whether you have warm- or cool-season grasses, the need for water is minimal or nonexistent. Understanding when your grass needs water is critical to help your lawn stay healthy in cool temperatures. Factors such as where you live, the weather conditions in your area, and the type of grass in your yard will help determine whether you need to water your yard in winter.
What Determines Whether You Should Water Your Grass in the Winter?
Physical Location
Winter hits differently across the United States. In southern Florida and California, for instance, winters are mild and watering is still necessary. If you’re in the northern United States, you’re less likely to need to water your grass in the winter. Brian Feldman, senior director of field operations at TruGreen, explains “In most regions, you should stop watering your lawn once temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or frost occurs, as grass goes dormant. Typically, in these markets, watering needs won’t resume until the spring.”
Regional Weather
Usually, in places where there’s snow in the winter, you don’t need to water your lawn at all, but in warm-weather states, grass still needs water, but at about half of the ratio it needs it in the summer. Feldman notes, “In warmer climates, you should continue to water weekly if the grass is growing, and perhaps twice during dry spells to prevent drought stress.”
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Type of Grass: Warm- vs. Cool-Season Grass
In the winter, both warm- and cool-season grasses go dormant, meaning they don’t grow at all or they grow at a very slow pace, usually once the temperature drops below 40°F. That’s normal and it’s part of the process grasses take to preserve themselves.
Warm grasses are typically found in warm-weather regions, such as Florida, the Carolinas, Southern California, and other parts of the United States that are relatively warm during winter. They have deeper roots than cool grasses, making them more resilient to sunlight and dry conditions; as a result, they require less frequent watering, about once a week. In winter, they barely grow and need little water, just half of the water they normally need in the spring and summer.
On the other hand, cool grasses can be found throughout the Northeast, as they do much better in cool temperatures. During the wintertime, they completely go dormant and can handle the snow and freezing temperatures without affecting their well-being. The last watering should be done around mid-fall.
Related: What Is Dormant Grass Seeding?
How Often Should You Water Grass in the Winter?
If you live in an area with relatively mild winters where temperatures are warm, you still need to water your lawn in the winter. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Water your lawn only when the temperatures are above 40°F and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This helps you avoid the risk of creating frost and gives your lawn enough time to absorb the water before temps drop again.
- Water your lawn about once a month, unless there are consistently warm temperatures or you’re experiencing a drought.
- Aim to water your grass for about 30-45 minutes or about an inch a month, only if needed. Feldman states that, “If you are in a warmer climate, where lawns are still growing, it’s best to water early in the morning. Watering amounts during the growing season should follow the 1-inch rule.”
Related: The No.1 Watering Mistake That’s Killing Your Lawn
Signs Your Grass Needs Water in the Winter
There are many reasons why you need to water your grass, including if your area is experiencing unusually warm weather, there’s a lack of rain in the area, or your region is going through a period of drought. These are some signs you need to water your lawn in the winter.
- You haven’t had any rainwater in a month or so and the temperatures have been steadily warm.
- Your soil is dry. Do a test to find out how moist the ground is. Stick a screwdriver into the ground at least four inches and see how moist or dry the ground is. If the first couple of inches are dry, water your grass; if not, skip watering.
- If you have had snow or rain and the temperatures have fallen below 40°F, skip watering altogether.
Signs Your Grass Has Gotten Too Much Water in Winter
Any of these signs could point to your lawn getting too much moisture.
- Moist soil
- Recent rain
- Visible puddles
- Yellowing grass
- Bare patches
- Mushrooms
- Fungi
- Extra weeds