With average high temperatures soaring well above 100°F and rainfall being scarce in many parts of Arizona, improper watering practices can quickly lead to drought stress, brown patches, and turf decline. On the other hand, overwatering wastes a precious resource and can even harm your lawn by encouraging disease or shallow root growth.
If you want to ensure you avoid these issues, this guide will help Arizona homeowners and property managers understand when, how often, and how much to water Arizona lawns this summer!
Arizona’s climate varies across regions, but most of the state experiences extremely hot, dry summers characterized by low humidity, intense sun exposure, and very little rain. These conditions create a high rate of evaporation, meaning any water you apply to your lawn can be lost quickly if not managed properly. The key to successful summer lawn care in Arizona lies in understanding that your grass needs less frequent but deeper watering to encourage strong root systems that can withstand the heat.
Most Arizona lawns are planted with warm-season grasses like bermudagrass or zoysiagrass, both of which are adapted to heat and can survive the summer with the right irrigation schedule. These grasses prefer infrequent deep watering over daily light applications, as deep watering trains the roots to grow downward into cooler soil, helping the lawn resist heat stress and drought. In contrast, daily shallow watering keeps roots at the surface, where they dry out quickly and become susceptible to damage.
During the summer months in Arizona, watering frequency must be adjusted to keep up with higher temperatures and faster moisture loss. A general rule for warm-season grasses is to water every 3 to 4 days deeply enough to moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 10 inches. This encourages a deep, resilient root system that can access moisture longer between waterings. However, factors such as grass type, soil type, sun exposure, and irrigation system efficiency all play a role in how often you should water.
For example, sandy soils drain faster and may require more frequent watering, while clay soils retain moisture longer but take more time to absorb water. Lawns with full sun exposure throughout the day will dry out faster than those with partial shade. The key is to monitor your lawn and adjust as needed; if the grass doesn’t spring back after you step on it or starts turning bluish-gray, it's time to water.
The best time to water your lawn in Arizona is early in the morning, between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. This allows the water to soak into the soil before the heat of the day causes rapid evaporation. Watering in the early morning also helps prevent fungal diseases by allowing blades of grass to dry out during daylight hours. Evening watering, though it might seem cooler, often leaves the lawn wet overnight, which can promote fungus and rot in humid pockets of the yard.
Midday watering should be avoided altogether during summer months, as much of the water will evaporate before it ever reaches the root zone. In addition, watering during the hottest part of the day can actually harm your grass by shocking it with the sudden temperature change between cold irrigation water and hot turf.
The goal of each watering session should be to apply enough water to penetrate the soil 6 to 10 inches deep, depending on grass type and root depth. The exact time needed to achieve this depends on your irrigation system and soil composition. Sprinklers with high output may only need to run for 20–30 minutes, while low-flow systems or drip lines may need longer. A great way to determine how long to water is by performing a soil moisture test. Use a screwdriver or soil probe after watering to check how far down the soil is moist—if it only penetrates a few inches, you need to water longer next time.
Another reliable method is the catch can test, where you place small containers (like tuna cans) around your yard and run the sprinklers. Measure how much water collects after a set time. A typical summer watering session should apply about 1 inch of water to the lawn to ensure deep soil moisture.
Arizona’s summer monsoon season typically runs from early July through mid-September, bringing sudden downpours that can temporarily reduce the need for irrigation. However, because monsoon storms are unpredictable and highly localized, it’s important not to rely solely on natural rainfall to water your lawn. If a storm drops significant rain—at least half an inch—you can skip your next scheduled irrigation and allow the soil to absorb the natural moisture.
It's also wise to install a rain sensor on your irrigation system or manually pause watering after a monsoon event. Overwatering during this season can lead to lawn fungus, nutrient leaching, and runoff problems.
A proper lawn watering schedule for Arizona summers is built on consistency, observation, and flexibility. Set your irrigation system to water in the early morning two or three times per week, depending on your grass type and soil. Be prepared to adjust during heat waves, rain events, or if you notice signs of drought stress like curling blades or patchy browning.
Always monitor your lawn’s response. If it stays soft and green with no signs of stress, you're likely watering the correct amount. If it browns or looks soggy, dial back and reassess. If you’re unsure where to begin, here’s a basic starting schedule for a typical Mesa-area lawn with bermudagrass and spray sprinklers:
Caring for your lawn during an Arizona summer takes more than just turning on the sprinklers. It’s about working with the natural climate rather than against it. Arizona’s climate is harsh on turfgrass, but it’s possible to enjoy a healthy and thriving lawn all summer long if you water wisely.
If you're unsure about your system's efficiency or your lawn’s water needs, consider scheduling a professional irrigation audit or consulting with a local lawn care expert familiar with Arizona turf types and seasonal patterns. Click here to get a free quote on irrigation services in Chandler, AZ from Little John’s Lawns!
Welcome to Little John’s Lawns! We are a family-owned company that specializes in providing professional lawn maintenance, lawn care, pest control, and irrigation services in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and Queen Creek, AZ.