When should you water your lawn?

Morning is the useful window

Early watering reduces evaporation compared with the hottest part of the day and gives leaf surfaces time to dry. Evening irrigation can leave turf wet for longer, which may favour disease in some conditions.

Measure the soil, not the minutes

Sprinklers apply water at different rates. Use a simple catch container and inspect the soil afterward. Compacted or sloped areas may need shorter cycles with pauses so water can infiltrate rather than run away.

Know the signs of stress

Footprints that remain visible, a blue-grey cast and folded blades can indicate water stress. Yellow turf can have several causes, so do not assume more water is always the answer.

How much water is enough

A common starting target during active growth is roughly 2.5 centimetres of total weekly water, including rain, but soil, exposure and turf condition change the requirement. A tuna can or rain gauge offers better information than guessing from runtime.

Clay-heavy soil may accept water slowly; sandy soil drains faster. Split irrigation into cycles when runoff begins before the target depth is reached.

New seed is the exception

Germinating seed needs the surface kept consistently moist with lighter, more frequent watering. Once established, transition gradually toward deeper and less frequent irrigation. Letting the surface dry completely during germination can reduce the result.

Respect restrictions and dormancy

Check City of Ottawa requirements and temporary restrictions before irrigating. Established cool-season turf can enter dormancy during drought, but dormant grass still needs monitoring and should receive minimal water if an extended dry period threatens crown survival.