As temperatures drop and your lawn prepares for dormancy, understanding “how often water lawn in winter” becomes important for keeping your yard healthy. While your grass doesn’t need as much water in the colder months as it does in the summer, providing moisture during winter is still necessary to maintain strong roots and encourage growth when spring arrives.
Watering Cool-Season Grasses in Winter
Cool-season grasses like fescue, rye, and bluegrass tend to stay semi-active during winter, especially in regions with milder climates. These grasses may not go completely dormant, so it’s important to keep them hydrated.
If your area experiences periods of drought or limited rainfall, water your cool-season grass every two to three weeks. Make sure to water lightly, just enough to moisten the soil and prevent the grass from drying out. A deep soaking technique can help the water penetrate the sub-soil and root zone, reaching about six inches deep, which benefits cool-season varieties.
Watering Warm-Season Grasses in Dormancy
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Centipede go fully dormant when temperatures drop below freezing. During this time, their water needs decrease significantly. However, they still benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
If the soil isn’t frozen and temperatures rise above freezing, watering every two to three weeks for 15 to 20 minutes is usually sufficient to maintain the moisture balance in the roots. Covering dormant warm-season grasses with straw can also help insulate the ground during cold snaps, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Timing Your Winter Watering
Watering in winter requires a bit of timing. Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening, as moisture left on the grass blades overnight can encourage fungal growth. Instead, aim for midday watering sessions so the water has time to soak in and the grass can dry before nightfall. This minimizes the risk of disease while still providing adequate moisture for the roots.
Monitoring Water Needs Based on Climate
If you live in an area like Texas, where Bermuda and Zoysia grasses are common, winters tend to be mild, but you may still face occasional freezing temperatures. For these grasses, a combination of both warm- and cool-season varieties may result in a two-tone lawn during winter. In such climates, adjusting your watering schedule to match your lawn’s seasonal needs can help keep it healthy.
For regions experiencing prolonged periods without rain, keep a close eye on the soil moisture. If the ground looks cracked or feels dry, even in winter, it’s a sign your lawn needs water. Remember, though, to avoid overwatering, as dormant grass won’t use as much moisture as it does in the growing season.
Winter Watering and Irrigation Systems
For those with irrigation systems, setting the schedule properly is key to avoiding water waste. Use your system’s manual mode to water only when necessary, rather than on a regular automatic cycle. If you notice your grass is showing signs of stress, adjust the watering accordingly.
Many homeowners choose to winterize their irrigation systems to prevent damage, but if you choose to keep it running during mild winter months, make sure you monitor it closely.
Protecting Your Lawn During Winter Drought
In some cases, winter droughts can severely affect your lawn’s health. When rainfall is scarce, and the air is dry, winter winds can suck moisture from the grass, causing stress.
Regular watering every few weeks helps counteract this drying effect. When possible, try watering deeply but infrequently to support the root system without saturating the soil, which could lead to root rot in colder weather.
The Importance of Soil Moisture in Winter
During winter, the soil in your yard plays a major role in how often you should water. Healthy soil retains moisture longer, allowing your grass to make the most of the water it receives. Before watering, check the soil’s moisture level by sticking a screwdriver or similar tool into the ground.
If it goes in easily, the soil likely has enough moisture. However, if it’s difficult to insert, the soil is too dry, and it’s time to water. Proper soil moisture helps keep the roots alive, even if the grass above appears dormant or brown.
Preventing Winter Lawn Stress
Watering your lawn correctly in winter can prevent stress caused by extreme conditions. Grass that is stressed due to a lack of water is more susceptible to damage from cold winds, frost, and diseases. By maintaining a regular, light watering schedule based on your local climate and grass type, you give your lawn the support it needs to bounce back when temperatures warm up.
Additionally, mulching around trees and shrubs can help retain moisture and protect the root systems, further contributing to a healthy lawn and garden during winter months.
Saylee Greer, LLC tailors our landscape design and build services to meet the needs of your yard, regardless of the season. We also offer comprehensive commercial landscaping services, making sure your outdoor space thrives year-round with thoughtful planning and expert care.