When is the proper time to turn on your sprinkler system?

Justin Lindstrom
Feb 2, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Feb 19, 2024

The proper time to turn on your sprinkler system depends on a few factors, including your climate, the type of grass you have, and your soil conditions.

In general, you should start watering your lawn when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the roots of your grass need to be warm enough to absorb water. If you water your lawn before the soil temperature is warm enough, the water will simply evaporate before it can reach the roots.

Once the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees Fahrenheit, you can start watering your lawn. The amount of water you need to apply will depend on your climate, the type of grass you have, and your soil conditions.

In most cases, you will need to water your lawn deeply once or twice a week. Deep watering means that you apply enough water to wet the soil to a depth of 6 inches. This will help your grass roots grow deep, which will make them more drought-tolerant.

If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may need to water your lawn more frequently. And if you have a sandy soil, you may need to water your lawn more often than someone with a clay soil.

The best way to determine how much water your lawn needs is to check the soil moisture. You can do this by inserting a screwdriver into the soil. If the soil is dry to the touch at a depth of 2 inches, it's time to water your lawn.

If you're not sure when to turn on your sprinkler system, you can always consult with a local lawn care professional. They can help you determine the best watering schedule for your lawn.

Here are a few additional tips for watering your lawn:

Water early in the morning or late in the evening. This will help to minimize evaporation.
Water your lawn slowly and deeply. This will help to prevent runoff and erosion.
Avoid watering your lawn on windy days. This will help to prevent water from being blown away.