Ultimate guide to creating the best lawn watering schedule

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The best way to water your lawn in Australia is with deep, infrequent watering—about 15-25mm per week, ideally applied in two to three sessions rather than daily. Watering early in the morning helps reduce evaporation, encourages deep root growth, and keeps grass greener for longer. But how often you water also depends on your soil type, grass variety, and whether you’re caring for a new or established lawn. 

In this guide, you’ll learn the best watering schedule for healthy grass, the right time of day to water, and practical tips to save water while keeping your lawn lush year-round.

What is the best lawn watering schedule?

The best lawn watering schedule depends on the age of your lawn and the season. Here’s a simple guide to follow:

For new lawns in late spring and summer:

• Weeks 1–2: Water 10 minutes, three times daily (morning, noon, evening).
• Weeks 2–3: Reduce to twice daily, 10 minutes in the morning and at noon.
• Weeks 3–9: Water once daily in the morning for 20 minutes.
• After 9 weeks: Water every second morning for 40 minutes. In very hot weather, go back to 20 minutes once a day.

During milder seasons (early spring and autumn):

• Reduce watering as the weather cools. Start with twice daily in the first few weeks, then taper to every second morning after about three weeks.

In winter:

• Most lawns in Australia don’t need extra watering, unless there’s a long dry spell.

Your Home Australia recommends watering your lawn in the early morning to reduce evaporation. Early watering also reduces fungal risks. For more seasonal watering guidance, explore our watering guide and check your local water authority for water restrictions in your area.

How often should you water your lawn?

Watering frequency depends on whether your lawn is new or established. Following the right schedule will help your grass develop strong, deep roots.

For new lawns:

1. First 1–2 weeks – Water lightly three times a day to keep the soil moist.
2. Weeks 3–6 – Gradually reduce to once daily, allowing the roots to establish.
3. After 6 weeks – Shift to every second day or as needed, depending on weather and soil type.

For established lawns:

• Water once or twice a week, giving your grass a deep soak to promote resilience and drought tolerance.
• In hot weather, increase frequency slightly, but avoid daily watering, which can cause shallow root systems.

You’ll know it’s time to water when footprints remain visible after you walk across your lawn or if the soil feels dry a few centimetres below the surface.

What is the best time of day to water your lawn?

The best time to water your lawn is early morning, between 6am and 9 am. At this time, temperatures are cooler and winds are calmer, which allows the water to penetrate the soil instead of evaporating.

Why morning watering works best:

• Better absorption: Early watering allows the water to soak deeply into the soil, helping DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo lawns and other turf varieties establish stronger roots.
• Healthier grass: Keeping leaves dry during the day reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
• Water efficiency: You’ll save water since less is lost to heat and evaporation compared to watering at midday.
• Supports resilience: Consistent deep watering helps drought-tolerant grasses like TifTuf Bermuda stay green even in hot weather.

If you can’t water in the morning, the second-best time is early evening, but always allow the blades to dry before nightfall to avoid fungal problems.

For advice tailored to your grass type, explore our range of turf varieties, including Kikuyu and Sir Grange Zoysia, each with unique watering needs.

How often should you water new vs. established lawns?

Explore our lawn care tips designed for Victorian conditions for more tailored advice.

How much water does your lawn really need?

Most Australian lawns need around 15-25mm of water per week, depending on grass, soil, and season. Instead of frequent light watering, aim for deep watering that allows the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots. This strengthens the lawn and makes it more drought-tolerant.

Tips to check if your lawn is getting enough water:

• Measure with a container: Place a small container on the lawn while watering. You've delivered the right amount once it collects 25–30 mm.
• Check soil moisture: Dig a small hole. If the soil is moist 10–15 cm down, your grass roots have enough water.
• Look for signs of stress: If footprints remain visible when you walk across your lawn, it may need more water.
• Consider grass type: Warm-season varieties like TifTuf Bermuda require less water than other grasses, while Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu may need more frequent watering in summer.

By watering deeply and less often, you’ll save water and help your lawn grow thicker, greener, and healthier.

Tips for efficient lawn watering

Watering your lawn efficiently helps save water while keeping your grass healthy. Follow these practical tips:

Use a sprinkler or irrigation system – A well-calibrated irrigation system or sprinkler distributes water evenly, reducing dry patches and water waste.

Water deeply, not often – Aim for longer sessions a few times a week instead of daily watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil.

Adjust your watering – Change your schedule based on the season, soil type, and grass type. For example, TifTuf Bermuda needs less water than other turf varieties.

Check water penetration – Make sure the water soaks 10–15 cm into the soil to strengthen grass roots.

Follow water conservation rules – Always check your local water restrictions before watering.

Using the right tools and schedule helps your lawn stay greener for longer while also lowering your water usage.

Common lawn watering mistakes to avoid

Avoiding these mistakes will help your lawn stay green and reduce wasted water:

Overwatering your lawn – Giving the lawn too much water can cause shallow root growth and increase the risk of disease. Learn more about building stronger roots with proper lawn care.

Watering at the wrong time – Watering during the heat of the day leads to water loss due to evaporation. The best time to water your lawn is early morning.

Using the wrong sprinkler settings – A misaligned sprinkler can leave dry spots or flood certain areas, wasting water and stressing the turf.

Ignoring soil type – Sandy soil drains quickly, while clay soil holds water. Adjust your watering schedule depending on your soil type to avoid patches.

Not following local water rules – Victoria has permanent water use rules. Ignoring them risks fines and wastes resources.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll give your lawn the right balance of water, helping it stay healthy and resilient all year.

How to adjust your watering for different conditions

Your lawn’s water needs change depending on the weather, soil type, and growth stage. Adjusting your watering ensures the grass stays healthy and avoids stress.

1. Hot weather – In summer, lawns in Australia may need more water. To help roots grow deeper, use deep watering sessions two to three times a week.
2. Cooler months – In winter, rainfall often provides enough water. Reduce watering frequency to prevent soggy soil and fungal issues.
3. Soil type – Sandy soils drain quickly and may need more frequent watering. Clay soils retain water longer but risk compaction. To balance drainage, improve your soil with topdressing and compost.
4. New lawns – Freshly laid turf or seeded areas need consistent watering to establish.
5. Established lawns – Mature lawns require less water but benefit from deep, infrequent watering that strengthens roots.
6. Water restrictions – Always check local Victorian water rules to ensure you’re following approved schedules.

By tailoring your watering routine to conditions, you can save water, follow regulations, and keep your lawn looking vibrant year-round.

FAQs

How often should I water my lawn in Australia?

How often to water your lawn depends on soil type, grass variety, and local weather. Most established lawns in Australia need deep watering 2–3 times a week, rather than light daily watering. This ensures your lawn receives enough water to reach the roots and helps create a resilient, green lawn. Adjust your watering schedule if your lawn needs more watering in hot or dry conditions.

What’s the best time to water your lawn?

The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning. Watering allows the water to penetrate the soil while reducing evaporation and fungal risks. Avoid watering at night, as excess moisture can encourage pest problems and disease. Following this timing helps your lawn stay healthy, supporting its long-term health.

How much water does a new lawn need?

A new lawn or freshly laid turf requires more frequent watering than established lawns. In the first few weeks, water your new lawn daily so the soil stays moist and the grass roots can establish. As the turf takes hold, reduce the frequency of watering sessions but increase the amount of water applied to encourage deep root growth. This guide for watering lawns ensures strong establishment and a happy and healthy lawn.

Get expert lawn advice and tailored watering solutions

The right watering schedule is just one part of maintaining a healthy lawn. From improving your soil to choosing the best turf variety, every step helps your grass thrive in Australian conditions. At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we supply premium turf like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and TifTuf Bermuda, and our team provides expert advice to help your lawn stay green year-round.

Whether you need guidance on watering new turf or long-term lawn care tips, we’re here to help. Explore our turf range, or contact our specialists for practical solutions tailored to your lawn.