When Should You Water the Lawn? A Guide for New Zealand Homeowners
Knowing when to water your lawn can make the difference between a good lawn and an exceptional one. But keeping it green and thriving requires more than just occasional watering —timing, frequency, and technique all play key roles.
As an expert provider of lawn mowing services in New Zealand, we are here to help you understand the best practices for watering your lawn throughout the year. Whether you’re unsure about the best time to water, how much water your lawn needs, or how to tell when it’s thirsty, we’ve got you covered.
What time of day should I water the lawn?
The best time to water your lawn is early morning, ideally between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Watering during this time allows the grass to absorb moisture before the day warms up, giving it enough time to soak deep into the soil and reach the roots. This helps reduce water loss due to evaporation and ensures your lawn stays hydrated throughout the day.
Avoid watering in the evening, as the lingering moisture can encourage soil diseases and fungal growth. Similarly, watering in the midday sun is inefficient because heat causes rapid evaporation, wasting water and risking damage to the grass.
Stick to an early morning watering routine to ensure your lawn gets the hydration it needs without unnecessary waste.
How much water does a healthy lawn need?
Every lawn is unique, and understanding its specific water needs is essential for maintaining its health, appearance, and resilience to drought. These factors are closely connected, and the key to success lies in regular monitoring rather than frequent watering.
Overwatering is one of the most common lawn care mistakes in New Zealand. While it might make your lawn feel soft, frequent, shallow watering prevents roots from growing deep into the soil. Strong, deep roots are vital for a lawn’s ability to withstand dry conditions.
To promote healthy root growth, focus on watering less frequently but more deeply, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. You can measure how much water your lawn is getting by placing a container—such as a bucket or tuna can—on the grass. This method provides a rough estimate; aim for 1 to 2 cm of water per session, adjusting based on weather conditions and soil type.
Finally, be sure to check your local council’s watering restrictions before you start. Each region has specific guidelines to help ensure efficient water use for everyone.
How to check if your lawn needs watering
Stick your finger in the soil to check whether your lawn needs watering. If it feels damp about 1 to 2 cm deep, your lawn is adequately hydrated and doesn’t need immediate watering.
However, if the soil feels dry or you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to water your lawn:
• Brown patches: Yellow or brown patches of grass can indicate dehydration or even dead grass. Regular watering and proper lawn care practices, such as aeration and fertilisation, can help revive affected areas.
• Sluggish growth: If your lawn hasn’t grown much since your last trim or it’s struggling to grow, it might need more water.
• Dry soil: Pick up the soil with your hands. If the soil is dusty and crumbly, your lawn is likely thirsty.
• Footprints: Healthy, hydrated grass will spring back after being walked on. If footprints remain visible, the grass may be lacking moisture and elasticity.
Bonus tips for watering the grass from lawn mowing professionals
• Adapt your watering routine to the weather, such as recent rainfall or windy conditions (wind can disrupt even coverage).
• Mow your lawn at a height of around 2 to 3cm to create shade for the soil, improving moisture retention.
• Irrigate deeply to help the roots grow deeper; shallow watering doesn’t promote growth.
Keep your lawn looking its best with Express Lawnmowing
Knowing when to water the lawn can seem tricky, but getting to know your lawn is all it takes. If your lawn has been struggling this summer, it might be time to rethink your watering plan and perhaps change your lawn mowing patterns, too. Our online gardening services can also help keep your outdoor living spaces tidy and organised while giving your lawn a trim. Whether you need a one-off service or ongoing lawn care, we have the expertise to keep your lawn looking its best. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.