Lawn Watering Tips for Summer Success: How to Train Your Turf with Help from Greg’s Grass

Let’s walk through the hows, whens, and whys of effective lawn watering so your grass looks its best—and stays that way—even when rain is scarce.

A well-watered lawn isn’t just about how green it looks today—it’s about creating strong, resilient grass that can weather dry spells and bounce back quickly after stress. The secret lies underground, in the root system.

Shallow roots make your grass dependent on constant surface moisture. These lawns struggle when the heat picks up or when rain is scarce. On the other hand, deep roots allow your grass to access water stored lower in the soil. That makes your lawn less thirsty, less prone to browning, and easier to maintain in the long run.

The good news? You can influence how deep your grass’s roots grow—and it starts with the way you water.

Many homeowners in Albert Lea water their lawns too frequently and for too short a time. It might seem logical—give the lawn a quick drink every couple of days and it’ll stay green, right? Not quite. What this does is encourage shallow root growth. The grass learns to depend on those light surface waterings, and its roots stay just beneath the soil surface.

The better strategy is to water deeply and infrequently . This means soaking the soil enough to reach 6 to 8 inches down. That encourages roots to grow deeper in search of moisture, creating a more drought-tolerant lawn.

Instead of watering every day or every other day, aim for two deep watering sessions per week , adjusting based on rainfall and temperature. Each session should last 30 to 60 minutes per zone , depending on your sprinkler system and soil type. Use a screwdriver, metal rod, or soil probe to test how deeply the water has soaked into the ground.

Timing your watering correctly is just as important as how much water you apply. The best time of day to water is early in the morning , typically between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. This allows the water to soak into the soil before the sun evaporates it.

Avoid watering in the evening. While it might be more convenient after work, evening watering increases the risk of turf diseases. Moisture that lingers on grass blades overnight can lead to fungal issues and unhealthy turf.

Right now—late spring into early summer—is the perfect time to train your lawn’s roots. Grass is actively growing, the soil has warmed up, and moisture levels are generally favorable. It’s also before the most stressful part of summer when the combination of heat and drought can put your lawn under strain.

If you start using proper watering techniques now, your lawn will be far more prepared to handle whatever July and August throw its way. Deeper roots developed during this period will help your lawn stay green with less effort later in the season.

Rather than watering based strictly on a schedule, try letting your lawn signal when it needs water. Grass shows subtle signs when it’s thirsty:

• A bluish or grayish tint to the grass

• Footprints or mower tracks that linger

• Slight wilting or curling of the grass blades

These signs mean the lawn is starting to dry out—but it hasn’t reached a damaging point yet. That’s the ideal time to water.

Remember, allowing your lawn to dry slightly between watering sessions is a good thing . It pushes roots to grow deeper in search of moisture, building that drought resistance you’re aiming for.

No two lawns are exactly alike. What works for your neighbor’s yard might not be right for yours. A variety of factors influence how often and how long you should water, including:

• Soil type – Sandy soil drains quickly and needs more frequent deep watering. Clay soil holds water longer but may require longer sessions topenetrate.

• Sun exposure – Lawns in full sun lose moisture faster than those in shade.

• Slope and elevation – Water runs off sloped lawns more quickly.

• Grass variety – Different turf species have different water needs.

• Mowing height – Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and promoting deeper roots. Aim for a mowing height of 3 inches or more.

By observing your lawn and making small adjustments, you can fine-tune your watering routine to suit your specific conditions.

It might sound strange, but watering more (at once) and less often can actually conserve water in the long run. Here’s how:

• Water penetrates deeper and stays longer in the soil

• Less runoff and evaporation

• Healthier roots mean the grass needs fewer watering sessions overall

• Less disease from constantly moist turf

By investing time into proper watering now, you’ll save water, reduce your lawn’s stress, and spend less time managing problems later in the season.

Modern irrigation systems can be a big help—if used wisely. Many offer smart controllers that connect to weather data and adjust watering automatically. If you don’t have a system like that, consider:

• Hose timers that allow you to automate when sprinklers turn on

• Soil moisture sensors to track water needs more precisely

• Rain gauges to measure how much water your lawn receives naturally

Regardless of the tools you use, always keep in mind: the goal is to encourage deep roots and healthier turf through well-timed, thorough watering.

If you’re not sure where to start, or if you just want to ensure your lawn gets the expert care it deserves, Greg’s Grass in Albert Lea, MN is here to help. From personalized watering guidance to full-service lawn care and maintenance, our team is committed to making your yard lush, green, and resilient all season long.

Whether you’re dealing with dry patches, uneven growth, or just want a better-looking yard, we can provide solutions tailored to your property’s needs. We offer:

• Weekly mowing services

• Fertilization and weed control

• Overseeding and aeration

• Seasonal lawn care planning

• Expert advice on irrigation strategies

Call us today to schedule a consultation and let’s talk about how we can help your yard thrive. At Greg’s Grass, we’re proud to serve homeowners across Albert Lea and the surrounding communities , helping them build healthier lawns—one deep root at a time.

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1. University of Minnesota Extension – Irrigation Practices for Lawns
   https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/watering-lawns

2. EPA WaterSense – Outdoor Water Use in the United States
   https://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor-water-use-united-states

3. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Lawn Watering Tips
   https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/lawncare/watering.html

4. Rain Bird – How to Water Your Lawn
   https://www.rainbird.com/homeowners/how-to/watering-tips

5. The Lawn Institute – Lawn Watering Guide
   https://www.thelawninstitute.org/pages/education/turfgrass-water-conservation/watering-your-lawn/