The Right Way to Water Your Lawn in Saskatoon

Most Saskatoon lawns do best with about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week in total, including both rainfall and irrigation. How and when that water is applied matters as much as the amount.

How much water your lawn needs

Most local lawn and municipal guidance recommends targeting roughly 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week for established cool‑season turf in Prairie cities. Placing a small, straight‑sided container (like a tuna can) on the lawn while sprinklers run shows how long it takes your system to deliver that depth of water so you can set realistic run times.

Deep, infrequent watering vs. daily sprinkling

Watering deeply but less often encourages roots to grow further down into the soil, which improves drought tolerance and helps grass handle short hot or dry spells. In contrast, frequent light watering keeps moisture near the surface, leading to shallow roots and creating conditions that favor weeds and certain lawn diseases.

Best time of day to water

Early morning is widely recommended because cooler temperatures and lighter winds reduce evaporation, and the grass has time to dry during the day. Evening watering tends to leave blades wet overnight, which can increase the risk of fungal problems and other moisture‑related diseases.