Grass: How to recognize when to weed, feed and aerate.
Visual Signs Your Grass Needs Water
Grass turns a dull bluish-gray color
Healthy grass is vibrant green. A dry lawn loses its sheen and starts to look dusty or grayish.
Footprints stay visible
Walk across your lawn—if your footprints remain and the grass doesn't spring back, it's thirsty.
Grass blades are curled or folded
When water is lacking, grass tries to conserve moisture by curling or folding lengthwise.
Soil is dry and hard
Stick a screwdriver or similar object into the soil. If it's tough to push in, the soil is dry underneath.
Patchy or thinning areas appear
Some spots may dry out faster, showing early signs like yellowing or browning.
Timing Tips
Water in the early morning (before 10 AM) to reduce evaporation and fungal risks.
Avoid watering in the evening—this encourages disease due to prolonged moisture overnight.
Simple Test: The Screwdriver Test
Push a screwdriver 6 inches into the soil.
If it goes in easily, your lawn has enough moisture.
If it's difficult or only goes a few inches, time to water.
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
Most lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, from rain or irrigation.
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots (usually once or twice a week, depending on your soil and climate).