How often should an established lawn be watered?

An established lawn should be watered infrequently, evenly, and deeply to promote healthy root development and overall lawn health. This method encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, allowing the grass to become more drought-resistant and resilient to stress. Deep watering encourages the grass to access moisture stored deeper in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.

When watering deeply, it's essential to ensure that the water penetrates the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, which allows the roots to access moisture and nutrients effectively. This approach not only conserves water but also reduces the risk of fungal diseases that can thrive in overly moist conditions resulting from daily or light watering.

This watering strategy contrasts with other methods that may encourage shallow rooting or over-saturation, which can harm the grass and lead to increased maintenance issues. For example, daily heavy watering can promote shallow root systems and potentially lead to overwatering issues, while weekly light watering may not provide sufficient moisture for deep root growth.