In Oklahoma’s hot summers, most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, applied in 2-3 deep watering sessions rather than daily light sprinklings. Water early in the morning (before 10 AM) to minimize evaporation and disease. Bermuda grass can survive on less water than fescue, and established lawns need less than newly planted ones. Complete Lawn Care has helped Tulsa homeowners navigate Oklahoma’s challenging summers for 25 years, and proper watering is one of the most important factors in lawn survival.
The 1-Inch Rule
Most Oklahoma lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. During extreme heat (100°F+), increase to 1.5 inches. To measure, place empty tuna cans around your yard while watering. When they contain 1/2 inch, you’ve watered enough for that session. Two sessions of 1/2 inch each equal your weekly total.
Watering by Grass Type
Bermuda Grass: Highly drought-tolerant. Can survive on 1 inch per week and will go dormant (turn brown) during extreme drought but recover when water returns. Water 2-3 times per week.
Zoysia Grass: Moderately drought-tolerant. Needs about 1 inch per week. More forgiving than fescue but less than Bermuda. Water 2-3 times per week.
Fescue Grass: Least drought-tolerant of Oklahoma grasses. Needs 1-1.5 inches per week minimum in summer. May need watering every other day during heat waves. Fescue struggles in Oklahoma summers even with proper watering.
Deep and Infrequent vs. Light and Frequent
Deep watering (recommended): Applying 1/2 inch at a time encourages roots to grow deep, seeking moisture. Deep roots make grass more drought-resistant and healthier overall.
Light, frequent watering (not recommended): Daily light sprinklings keep only the top inch of soil moist. Roots stay shallow because they don’t need to grow deep. Shallow-rooted grass is more vulnerable to heat and drought.
Best Time to Water
Early morning (4 AM – 10 AM): Best time. Cooler temperatures mean less evaporation. Grass dries quickly as the day warms, reducing disease risk.
Midday (10 AM – 6 PM): Worst time. Up to 50% of water can evaporate before reaching roots. Wasteful and expensive.
Evening (6 PM – midnight): Less evaporation, but grass stays wet all night, promoting fungal diseases like brown patch.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Water
Footprint test: Walk across the lawn. If footprints remain visible for more than a few seconds, grass needs water.
Color change: Grass turns from bright green to dull blue-gray when stressed for water.
Leaf curl: Grass blades fold or curl inward to reduce surface area and conserve moisture.
Dealing with Water Restrictions
During drought restrictions, prioritize watering when allowed. Water deeply on permitted days rather than lightly. If restrictions prevent adequate watering, warm-season grasses like Bermuda can go dormant and survive. They’ll green up when water returns. Focus limited water on high-visibility areas if needed.
Complete Lawn Care: Helping Your Lawn Survive Summer
For 25 years, Complete Lawn Care has guided Tulsa homeowners through Oklahoma’s brutal summers. Our 7-step program builds healthy, deep-rooted lawns that handle heat and drought better. We also offer irrigation repair and maintenance services to ensure your system delivers water efficiently. Proper watering combined with professional lawn care is the formula for summer survival.
Contact Complete Lawn. Care:
Phone: (918) 605-4646 | Email: [email protected] | Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote