How Often Should You Water Your Lawn in Georgia

The One-Inch Rule

Most warm-season grasses in Middle Georgia need about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season. That includes rainfall. Many homeowners water on autopilot without accounting for natural precipitation, which leads to overwatering. A simple rain gauge in your yard tells you exactly how much nature is providing so you can supplement the rest.

• Place a rain gauge in an open area of your yard.
• Subtract weekly rainfall from your 1-inch target to determine supplemental irrigation needs.
• Sandy soils may need slightly more water. Clay soils hold moisture longer.

Frequency and Depth Matter

Water deeply and infrequently rather than lightly every day. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, which makes the lawn more drought-tolerant. Shallow daily watering keeps roots near the surface where they dry out fast. Two to three watering sessions per week, delivering about a third of an inch each time, beats daily sprinkles every time.

Best Time of Day to Water

Water between 5 AM and 9 AM. Morning watering gives the lawn time to absorb moisture before afternoon heat increases evaporation. It also allows grass blades to dry before nightfall. Wet grass overnight creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases like large patch and dollar spot. Evening watering is the number-one cultural cause of lawn disease in Middle Georgia.

• Set your irrigation timer for early morning.
• Evening watering promotes fungal disease.
• Midday watering wastes water to evaporation.

Seasonal Adjustments

Your watering schedule should change with the seasons. Spring and fall typically need less supplemental water because of cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Summer in Middle Georgia often requires the full irrigation effort. Winter dormant lawns need minimal water — one deep soaking every 2 to 3 weeks during dry spells keeps roots alive without encouraging disease.