How Much Water Does Your Grass Really Need This Summer to Stay Lush and Green?

When the summer sun starts blazing and the temperatures rise, keeping your lawn looking like a lush, green carpet can feel like a full-time job. Too little water, and your grass dries out and turns yellow. Too much, and you risk shallow roots, fungus, and wasted water. So how much water does your grass actually need to stay healthy and vibrant during summer?

Let’s break it down.

1. The Magic Number: 25–40mm per Week

Most lawns need about 25–40 millimetres of water per week during the summer months.
That’s roughly the same as giving your lawn a deep watering two to three times per week, depending on your soil type and how hot it gets.

Top tip: Place an empty tuna tin or small cup in your sprinkler’s path. When it fills up to about 10–15mm after one watering session, you’re hitting the sweet spot.

2. Water Deep, Not Often

A common mistake is watering every day for a few minutes. This only wets the surface and encourages shallow roots, which dry out quickly in the heat.

Instead, water deeply but less often. Aim for:

• Two to three deep waterings per week for loamy or sandy soil

• One to two deep waterings per week for clay soil

This trains your grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, where they can find moisture even on scorching days.

3. The Best Time to Water Your Lawn

Timing matters — a lot.
The best time to water is early morning (between 5 AM and 9 AM) when the air is cool and the wind is calm. This allows the water to soak into the soil before the sun can evaporate it.

If mornings aren’t an option, late afternoon or early evening works too — but avoid watering at night, as the lingering moisture can lead to fungal problems.

4. Adjust for Heat and Rain

Every summer is different, and so is every week.

• After rain: Skip watering for a few days and let nature do the work.

• During heatwaves: You might need to water a little more frequently — just keep an eye on your lawn’s colour and bounce.

• Dry or wilting patches: Increase your watering duration slightly rather than watering more often.

5. Know Your Grass Type

Different grass varieties have different thirst levels.

• Kikuyu and Bermuda (Couch) – drought-tolerant and bounce back fast after heat stress.

• Buffalo and LM Grass – need more consistent moisture to stay green and soft.

• Fescue or Ryegrass – love cooler weather and may require extra watering in peak summer.

Knowing what’s underfoot helps you tailor your watering schedule perfectly.

6. Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Soil Health

Even the best watering routine can’t fix compacted or poor soil.
Aerate your lawn once or twice a year, and add a layer of compost or organic fertiliser before summer. Healthy soil holds water better and helps your grass grow stronger, greener, and more drought-resistant.

In Summary

To keep your lawn green and gorgeous this summer:

• Water 25–40mm per week

• Deeply, not daily

• Early mornings are best

• Adjust for weather and soil type

• Keep your soil healthy

A little consistency goes a long way. With the right routine, you’ll have the kind of green, soft lawn that turns heads — and feels amazing under bare feet.