Amount of Water

• A 1/2 inch of water per watering day is optimal. Position small collection containers at several locations within the sprinkler range to determine the amount of output for a sprinkler. Run the sprinkler for approximately ten minutes, and then measure the amount of water in the containers. Continue adjusting the duration until you determine how long it takes to accumulate a 1/2 inch in each container. Average these durations, then split the time into two or three cycles for the day.
  
  

Soil and Grass

• The type of soil is an important factor when considering how long to water, as it is essential that puddles do not form during the watering cycle. Clay soils absorb water slowly, and need less duration per watering cycle. Sandy soils absorb water quickly and dry out quicker than clay soils; therefore, you should water more often during the watering day, but with shorter durations for each cycle when watering this type of soil. Different types of grass also require different amounts of water. A good indication that your grass needs water is if it does not return to an upright position when you walk on it.
  
  

Time of Day

• The best times to water are prior to 10:00 a.m. in the morning, and after 6:00 p.m. in the evening. Watering during these times insures that the water has a chance to soak into the soil instead of evaporating, and makes the best use of the amount of water needed to prevent vegetation from dying. However, the soil may dry out too much during the day if the temperatures are very high, and it may be necessary to briefly water in the middle of the day to prevent excessive drying.
  
  

Temperature

• High temperatures evaporate water quickly. This creates the need to water more frequently during the watering day, or more often during the week. Cool temperatures allow the soil to retain water longer, giving the vegetation more time to absorb moisture. Adjust your sprinkler duration, the cycles per day, and days of the week accordingly. Do not neglect to water at least once per month during the winter, especially if you do not receive regular snowfall.