Watering Calculator
Know Exactly How Much to Water Your Lawn
Overwatering wastes money and causes disease. Underwatering kills your grass. This calculator tells you exactly how many inches per week your lawn needs based on your grass type, soil, sun exposure, and current season -- plus how long to run each type of sprinkler.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what soil type I have?
Grab a handful of moist soil and squeeze it. Clay holds its shape and feels sticky. Sand falls apart immediately and feels gritty. Loam holds shape briefly then crumbles -- that's the sweet spot most lawns thrive in.
Should I water every day?
No. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deeper root growth and a healthier lawn. Most grasses do best with 2-3 sessions per week rather than daily light watering. Daily watering keeps roots shallow and invites fungal disease.
What time of day should I water?
Early morning (6-10am) is best. The grass has time to absorb water before the heat of the day, and leaf blades dry before evening. Watering at night keeps grass wet for hours and promotes fungal growth.
How does soil type affect watering?
Clay soil absorbs water slowly and holds it longer, so you need less total water but should apply it slowly to avoid runoff. Sandy soil drains fast and needs more water applied more frequently. Loam is the baseline -- good absorption and retention.
Does shade reduce watering needs?
Yes. Shaded areas lose less water to evaporation and transpiration. Partial shade reduces water needs by about 15%, and heavy shade by about 30%. Overwatering shaded areas is a common cause of fungal disease.