Watering: deeply, less often, early in the day

Lawns use water best when it soaks deep into the soil and then dries out a little. Frequent light watering grows shallow roots that suffer in heat.

How much

• Many lawns need about 1 inch of water a week in the growing season, including rain; hot, sandy sites may need more
• Water once or twice a week rather than a little every day
• Water early in the morning, when less evaporates and the grass dries during the day

Measure your sprinkler

1. Set out a few straight-sided cans or cups across the lawn
2. Run the sprinkler for 20 minutes
3. Measure the depth of water in each and average it
4. Multiply to find how long it takes to put down 1 inch
5. If water runs off before then, split it into two shorter sessions an hour apart

Dormancy is OK

Many cool-season lawns go brown and dormant in a long drought and recover when rain returns. If you let it go dormant, a little water every few weeks keeps the crowns alive. Follow any local watering restrictions.

General lawn care information. Grass, soil and climate vary; your cooperative extension office can give local advice. Reliable Service Crew isn't paid by any brand or lawn company.