Does watering one's lawn in the middle of the day "burn" the grass?

Question

I'm no pro at lawn care, but I've never understood this: if you live in a warm, dry area, and there hasn't been rain for awhile, will watering the lawn mid-day BURN the lawn? I've been brought up believing this, whether true or false, yet some of my south Texas neighbors are out from time to time watering their lawns mid day.
Is there any grounds to the idea that a midday watering will burn the grass?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Nonsense. If you water in the late night, you MIGHT cause a fungus or mold to develop....but this is more common on roses and other plants than on grass of any type.

You don't mention what type of grass you have, but if it's not an annual grass (the kind that has to be planted every year), the perinneal grasses will come back even IF they burn (because of drought) once the water supply is more plentiful.

This means you can actually forego much of the watering you may have been doing....it's just going to grow back later, and you are in effect wasting natural resources and your water bill....Grass rebounds, which is why it's used on fields of play everywhere.

Answer 2

If you are in TX, I am sure you have some kind of water restriction that doesn't permit watering from say 10am to 2pm. It is not good to water during that time of day because you do not get the most benefit from it, and are essentially wasting the water.

You have a greater chance of burning plants with larger leaves, like landscape plants because they have a larger surface area. Not much of a concern for turfgrass.

Watering in the early morning hours is better because you allow the turf to dry out during the day, so there is less chance of infecting your grass with a disease... in hot and humid areas, this can be a major problem!

Answer 3

Don't think so; but it's less likely to benefit, since the heat and wind will help evaporate the water. It's better to water in the morning, before the heat of the day. Watering in the evening leaves the grass blades damp too long--encourages diseases.

Answer 4

I've heard this, too, and can't tell whether it's true or no. But logic dictates that you water in early morning or in the evening when evaporation doesn't occur like it does in the heat of the day. I really doubt it burns it--but it's just not very effecient.

The following attachement has a nice blurb on measuring whether your lawn is getting enough water. (#6)

Answer 5

I water my lawn in the middle of the day. Michigan State did a study to see the most effective watering time. They hypothsize watering in the middle of the day helps the grass avoid a "dormant" phase and stay green.

I'm not sure if this would work in Texas, but my front lawn looks better this year than it ever has. I changed from watering at 4 am to watering at noon this year.

Answer 6

Watering at mid day doesn't allow much water to get to the grass because it evaporates faster. Deep watering once per week early morning or early evening is best.

Answer 7

I live in Arizona, and people water at whatever time they want. I think it's just a myth. It's not like it gets hot enought to boil the grass.

Answer 8

watering mid day does burn your grass if thats the term you want to use because the water dries quicker and does not get down into the soil well. Also during the summer you should raise the blade up on your lawnmower so it doesnt cut as far down as you do in the winter months this will help your grass keep in the moisture and wont burn it from the harsh sun.

Answer 9

Burning wouldnt be my 1st concern. Wasting time and water would be. Best to water between 7 and 9, either in the a.m. or p.m. Less evaporation that way. But, yes, it can cause burn. Water drops act like a magnifying glass.

Answer 10

it is not good to water any outdoor plants on a sunny day untilthe sun is starting to set. I don't know if it actually burns them(i think it does).If you water them while it is sunny and hot the plant roots don't have time to drink the water before the ground soaks it up.