Winter Watering for Your Lawn. How, When, and is it Really Necessary?

Lawn care during the winter months often feels like a guessing game. In the cooler months, when the grass stops growing, it’s easy to assume your lawn doesn’t need much attention. But depending on where you live, winter watering goes a long way in keeping your lawn healthy. So, how do you know if watering during winter is necessary? Let’s break it down so you can feel prepared—even when the colder months roll around.

How Winter Affects Your Lawn’s Water Needs

Grass may go dormant in the winter season, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead or invincible. Dormant grass still requires adequate moisture to survive, especially in regions where winters have dry periods. Without the additional water in the soil, the roots can weaken, which sets your lawn up for problems when spring rolls around.

In areas that experience consistent snowfall, nature typically takes care of this for you. Snow provides a slow, steady release of water to maintain soil moisture. It's when you live in a dry winter climate—think high-altitude or arid regions—that your lawn might need some occasional water.

Here’s the catch: the ground has to be thawed for water to soak in. If the soil is frozen, watering even in dry climates is a waste of time. It can even cause ice damage to the grass. This is all to say that timing's important. Winter watering isn’t about following a rigid schedule but responding to the weather and soil temperatures.

When and How to Water in the Winter.

Watering your lawn in winter isn’t an every-weekend affair like it might be in summer months. Instead, look to water the lawn during times when conditions are right:

• Above-Freezing Temperatures: Water during the warmest part of the day, typically late morning or early afternoon, when air temperatures are above 40°F.
• Dry Soil: Check the soil’s moisture level by pushing a screwdriver into the ground. If it’s hard to push, it’s time to water.
• Calm Weather: Avoid watering on windy days to minimize water loss through evaporation.

When watering, use a hose or sprinkler systems, applying about a half-inch of water each session. This amount is enough to hydrate the root zone without overdoing it. Be mindful of your local water restrictions and adjust accordingly.

Can I water if my grass is covered in frost?

No, watering over frost can create an icy layer. It'll suffocate the grass and damage the blades. Bye-bye green lawn, hello frost damage. It may seem obvious, but a good rule of thumb is to wait for frost to melt before watering.