The key to a great lawn isn’t more water. In fact, excessive moisture can actually damage the roots of the grass. Keep your lawn healthy by watering less frequently, and keeping track of how much water your grass needs.

According to the U.S. EPA, healthy, established lawns need only about one inch of water per week. Watering once per week should be sufficient in getting to the deep roots of the grass, which frequent, lighter waterings can’t always do.

To gauge how much water your lawn is getting, place a container with a one inch indicator under the sprinkler flow on your grass. You can also determine if your grass needs watering by simply stepping on it. If the grass springs back easily, it has plenty of moisture. Another test is to push a screwdriver into your lawn. If it goes down several inches, you don’t need to water.

Watch the weather. If it has just rained, you probably won’t need to leave the sprinkler on: Mother Nature took care of the watering for you. If there’s rain in the forecast, hold off to see if the clouds will open up. Another way to take advantage of the rain is to install a rain barrel, or to reposition gutters and drains to flow onto your lawn rather than into the driveway or sidewalk.

Water in the early morning or evening. Evaporation rates are highest during the middle of the day and your lawn won’t get much. Morning watering will also reduce the load on public water supplies since peak demand is usually in the evening.

Don’t mow as often. Taller grass shades the soil surface, reduces evaporation and helps prevent the
sprouting of weeds. Taller grass with longer roots will tolerate dry
conditions better than shorter grass. Besides, you’re not putting on it, so why cut it shorter than two inches? And don’t mow during the heat of the day as newly cut grass blades lose water.

Don’t forget about the sprinkler. Perhaps the biggest waste of water is leaving the sprinkler on for too long, so don’t forget to the turn the water off. Or get a timed sprinkler that will automatically shut off for you. And make sure your sprinkler fits the shape of your yard. Adjust the flow or spray so that you’re not wasting water on decks or sidewalks.

Go native. Landscape your yard with grass species or native plants that require less water.

Learn to love brown. Brown lawns don’t necessarily mean dead lawns, especially if your lawn is normally a mean, green machine. So if your area is under temporary water restrictions, relax. It’ll be okay for a couple of weeks.

More on watering your lawn smarter:

EPA Lawn Watering Fact Sheet (PDF)
National Geographic’s The Green Guide

Related articles on lawn care from GO:

Tip o’ the Day: The New "Green" Grass
Organic Lawn & Garden Care

Eco-Effective Decisions: Install a Rain Barrel and Save Your Money for a Rainy Day
Tip o’ the Day: Go Native!

Tip o’ the Day: A "Reel" Green Lawn

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