If you’ve ever stood in your yard with a hose in one hand and a confused look on your face, wondering whether you’re helping or hurting your lawn, you’re not alone. Watering in the summer sounds simple enough—turn on the sprinkler and let it run, right? But then the questions start piling up: How long should I water? Am I doing it too much? Is the sun going to fry my wet grass?

Let’s talk through these concerns one by one and clear things up.

And if you’re still unsure or just want to make sure your lawn gets the best care possible, don’t hesitate to contact an expert in local lawn care and maintenance in Decatur. Sometimes a quick visit from a pro can save you from a season’s worth of guesswork.

How long should you water your lawn in the summer?

This is one of the first things people wonder, and for good reason. You don’t want to waste water, but you also don’t want to end up with crunchy brown grass by August.

Here’s the deal: your lawn typically needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, and that includes rainfall. Most sprinklers will give you that in about 20 to 30 minutes, two or three times a week. If you’re out there every day giving it a little sprinkle, that might feel like love—but it’s not doing your grass any long-term favors.

The goal is to water deeply so the moisture actually reaches the roots. Shallow watering? That just encourages your grass to develop shallow roots—and shallow roots don’t hold up well in a heatwave.

What is the general rule of thumb for watering your lawn?

It’s beautifully simple: Water less often, but more deeply.

This is the golden rule of lawn watering. Think quality over quantity. Two or three good soakings a week are way better than a daily splash. It gives your lawn a nice drink and then a chance to dry out, which helps it grow strong roots and resist stress.

Also, early morning is your best friend. Watering between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. means less evaporation, fewer pests and diseases, and more time for your lawn to absorb moisture before the sun gets intense.

Is it okay to water grass in the sun?

The short answer is: no, it’s not terrible, but it’s also not ideal. If you water when the sun is blazing, you’re going to lose a lot of water to evaporation. Plus, while that whole “sun + water = scorched grass” myth is mostly exaggerated, it’s still not great to wet your lawn during peak heat.

If morning watering isn’t an option, evening is your next best bet, but just make sure you’re not watering too late. Grass that stays wet overnight can be a magnet for fungi and disease.

Can you water grass too much?

Yes, and this is more common than people think.

A lot of folks equate green grass with more water, but there’s a tipping point. Too much water can suffocate your lawn’s roots, make the soil spongy, encourage fungus, and attract weeds. Not exactly the backyard oasis you were going for.

Some warning signs? Mushy patches, mushrooms, yellowing grass, or thatch buildup (a spongy layer just above the soil). If any of those ring a bell, your lawn might be crying out for a break.

Who provides professional lawn care & maintenance in Decatur? 

Ready for a lawn you’ll actually love this summer? Whether you’re dealing with stubborn bare patches, unsure how to prep for the heat, or just tired of trying to keep up with lawn care without making some common mistakes, Classy Grass has you covered. Our Decatur-based team knows exactly how to bring out the best in your yard, from perfecting your mowing schedule to fixing the little things that make a big difference. No matter what part of Decatur you live in, we’ll make lawn care simple—and your yard the envy of the neighborhood.