How to Water Your Lawn Properly?

In Central Europe, a maintained lawn typically needs 25 to 40 liters of water per square meter per week, including rainfall. Of course, that depends on soil structure, exposure to sun, and other specifics. A lawn exposed to direct sun receiving only 15 liters per square meter will likely look dry and unhealthy.

5 Tips Before You Start Watering

1. Always mow with a properly sharpened mower (ideally a reel mower). A clean cut minimizes water loss from the grass blade. A dull mower will fray the tips, increasing evaporation and the risk of disease.
2. Never cut more than one-third of the blade height. A thin lawn dries faster than a thick, lower-cut one. By following the 1/3 rule, you preserve density and reduce water loss.
3. Aerate the lawn once a year. Aeration and light sanding improve water absorption and support deeper root growth. These roots are then better able to draw water from deeper soil layers during dry periods.
4. Water the roots — not just the surface. The best time to water is early morning, between 4 and 6 a.m. At this time, evaporation is low, and the lawn will have time to dry throughout the day, minimizing the risk of fungal infections.
5. Verticut at least three times per season. By removing the layer of dead grass (thatch), you ensure better access for water, air, nutrients, and sunlight — all essential for root development.

Watering should be evenly distributed across the entire lawn. Every square meter should receive its proper share of water. The amount should be sufficient to soak deep into the soil. That’s why it’s better to water an established lawn 2–3 times a week with higher intensity rather than watering lightly every day.
 

Different sprinklers distribute water at varying intensities and distances. Use rain gauges to determine how different areas of your lawn are being watered, and adjust the position of your sprinklers accordingly. Automatic irrigation systems should be properly set up from the time of installation, but it’s still a good idea to check the amount of water delivered in, for example, 5 minutes at a specific spot using a rain gauge. Based on the results, you can adjust or reprogram the irrigation controller. This not only helps save water, but also ensures that no part of your lawn is overwatered or left dry.


A lack of water doesn’t have to be an obstacle — even in dry regions. Try to choose drought-tolerant grass varieties, such as fescues, and regularly overseed your lawn with them, ideally twice a year. Within one to two seasons, these grasses will become dominant, making your lawn more resilient during dry periods, easier to regenerate, and beautifully green and dense for the rest of the year.