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Should You Water the Yard in Winter?

The start of winter 2026 has been anything but typical. Temperatures more familiar to April have been the norm, and with only one night at or below freezing in December, we’re left with a peculiar situation. The typical dormant, brown winter lawn is not common for most people right now. So how should you manage watering a half-dormant, semi-green, winter-ish lawn?

How Often Should You Water Your Lawn?

Throughout winter, the goal of watering is to keep the soil from drying out. In winters with regular rainfall, running irrigation is unnecessary. However, dry winters—such as the one we are currently experiencing—require irrigation to maintain soil moisture. During a winter drought, watering one day per week is usually sufficient. Continue this until normal winter weather patterns return or freezing temperatures are expected, at which point you can turn your irrigation system off.

How Long Should You Run Each Zone?

How long you run each zone depends on the type of irrigation head. A good general starting point is as follows:

  • Sprays: 10–15 minutes per zone
  • Rotors: 20–30 minutes per zone
  • Beds: 5–10 minutes per zone

If a zone is located in a shady or low-lying area of the yard, selecting a duration on the lower end of the recommendation—or even slightly less—may be necessary.

When Should You Water?

Another important factor to consider is the time of day you water. Early morning, between 4 and 8 a.m., is the recommended window for irrigating your lawn. This timing allows the soil to absorb water while limiting how long the leaf blades remain wet. Prolonged periods of moisture on leaf blades and in the soil can lead to turf diseases, such as root rot, and even grass death.

That is why you should avoid watering at sundown. Watering in the evening means the grass stays wet until the sun comes out and has time to dry it. This is especially problematic in winter, when nights are longer and daytime temperatures are often lower. As a result, grass remains wet overnight and takes longer to dry in the morning—a recipe for disease. Avoid this if you want your lawn to transition smoothly into Spring. 

A Quick Recap

  • It’s important to remember that your lawn’s water requirements are currently lower, and overwatering will only set your yard back. 
  • The goal is to keep the soil from drying out.
  • During winter drought with temperatures above freezing, water no more than once per week.
  • Water in the morning—between 4 and 8am—to prevent root rot. 
  •  Keeping your soil properly hydrated throughout the winter months will lead to a healthier lawn when spring arrives. 
  • While maintenance demands are lower this time of year, it’s still important not to completely forget the needs of your lawn

If you have any questions or just want to talk about your lawn, give us a call at 281-375-5100. 

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