Quick answer
Established warm-season lawns generally do best with deep, infrequent watering in the early morning, about an inch a week including rain during active growth. On clay soil, split that into shorter cycles so it soaks in instead of running off.
Deep and Infrequent Beats Daily
Light daily watering keeps roots near the surface, where they dry out fast. Watering deeply a couple of times a week encourages roots to grow down where the soil stays cooler.
Watering on Clay Soil
Clay takes water in slowly. If you see water running down the curb, stop the cycle, wait about 30 minutes, then run it again.
- Water between roughly 4 and 9 AM
- Use a tuna can or rain gauge to measure output
- Cut back after soaking rains
- Reduce watering as growth slows in fall
Signs Your Lawn Needs Water
Grass that turns a dull blue-gray, or footprints that stay visible after you walk across it, means it's time to water.