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In our area, it’s normal for lawns to slow down, lose color, or go dormant during hot, dry periods if you are not watering or irrigating properly when rainfall is inconsistent. Turf dormancy in summer is a natural survival response, if the dry spell is only a few weeks, most lawns will recover when cooler weather and regular rainfall return.
If rainfall is sparse and you want to keep your lawn healthy and green all summer, watering consistency is key. Lawns benefit most from deep, infrequent watering that soaks the soil and encourages strong root growth. The goal is to soak the soil to a depth of about 5-7 inches by watering three or four days in a row and then waiting three or four days until the next watering, which signals the roots to grow downward, following the water.
Light, daily watering should be avoided, as it only wets the surface, leading to weak roots that stay too close to the top of the soil. This makes them more vulnerable to disease, stress, heat, and drought, yielding a weaker lawn overall.
If you prefer not to irrigate or add supplemental watering, it’s best to allow the lawn to rest rather than watering sporadically. Inconsistent watering can stress the grass by forcing it in and out of dormancy. Also cutting the grass a little higher, at a height of 4 inches, lets the grass focus on root development rather than leaf regrowth.
However, during extended dry periods, watering every few days can help keep the plant’s crown hydrated and improve recovery later. Whether irrigated or not, a consistent approach to watering will deliver the best long-term results. Please let your consultant know if you need any additional information or detailed watering instructions
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