What Temperature Is Too Cold to Water Your Grass?

When temperatures drop during the winter months, you may feel concerned about your grass getting enough water. But what temperature is too cold to water the grass?

Luckily, there are some helpful guidelines to follow for winter watering. Most of the time, it’s safe to water when the temperature is above 40 degrees without damaging your grass or your hose. Whether you water your lawn yourself or with the help of a local lawn care professional, here’s what you need to know about cold temperatures and watering.

Is Watering in the Winter Good for Your Grass?

Watering properly in winter is good for your lawn. Since healthy roots will help your grass survive freezing temperatures, ensuring that roots are well watered before freezing temperatures hit helps keep your lawn from dying during a freezing event. 

Since water loses heat more slowly than air, watering your grass one to two days before a freeze can keep the more delicate parts of the plant safe. Establishing a regular watering schedule where you water your lawn about half as much during winter as in summer will keep your grass alive and ready to sprout new blades when the weather warms up.

Guidelines for Watering the Grass During Winter

Follow these guidelines for keeping your lawn well-nourished despite chilly temperatures. For best results, consult a local lawn treatment professional before watering your lawn in the winter.

1. Check the Forecast

Your grass needs to be able to absorb the water you’re giving it, so make sure that air temperature is above 40 degrees before watering. Not only can ice damage your grass, but freezing temperatures can cause splitting and cracking in your hose if it’s full of water when the temperature drops. In addition to the current temperature, check how cold it’s forecasted to be over the next few days after you water. For example, if the temperature drops below freezing overnight and you water in the evening, the water won’t get to the roots of your grass before it freezes. You should avoid watering for 24 hours before a predicted freeze to keep your grass healthy.

2. Water in the Morning

Since temperatures at night might fall below freezing, while sunshine will warm things up during the day, watering in the morning can set you up for success during the winter. In addition to avoiding the lowest temperatures of the day, watering in the morning can help your grass stay healthy by creating less opportunity for mold and other pathogens to grow.

3. Water For Less Time

In summer, when water on your lawn evaporates more quickly, you might water your lawn for longer periods, allowing the grass to soak up as much as it can get from the sprinkler. In the winter, surface evaporation is slower, so watering for a shorter period avoids causing a swampy situation for your lawn. Watering for about half the time as you ordinarily would is usually sufficient.

When Not to Water the Grass In Winter

Now that we know the best time and temperature to water the lawn in the winter, let’s review when to keep the hose in the garage.

Don’t Water If the Ground Is Frozen Over

We don’t recommend watering the grass if there is a layer of ice on the ground because your grass won’t absorb the water. In addition, ice will cause an influx of moisture when it melts, creating muddy, soggy conditions. Instead, wait for ice to melt before watering, and allow the ground to rebound from excess moisture. If you notice the grass is spongy or soggy, wait a few days to one week before returning to your regular watering schedule.

Don’t Water If There’s Snow on the Ground

Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial / Moment / Getty Images

If your area experiences a snow storm, you can count that as precipitation. While snow doesn’t immediately lead to more water for your grass, it will melt and absorb into the soil, making its way to your grass’ roots. You likely don’t need to water for at least a week after snowy conditions or until your grass feels firm underfoot and not muddy.