How long should I water my lawn with an impact sprinkler?

12 29, 2025

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1 Here are some key points to consider when deciding on watering duration:

There's no rigid rule for how long to water your lawn with an impact sprinkler, as it depends on your soil type, weather, and grass variety. However, you can determine the appropriate watering time based on a few simple principles.

Here are some key points to consider when deciding on watering duration:

≥ Observe the soil's water absorption depth

Lawns don't need a light sprinkling every day; they prefer a thorough watering every few days.
Deep watering: You can test the soil moisture by inserting your finger or a small stick into the ground. If the soil is still dry a few centimeters below the surface, the impact sprinkler hasn't been running long enough.
Root growth: Only thorough watering encourages grass roots to grow deeper, making the lawn more resilient and less prone to wilting.

≥ Pay attention to water runoff

Impact sprinklers typically deliver a large volume of water.
Observe water accumulation: If you notice water pooling on the lawn surface before it has a chance to soak in, or if water is running off onto the sidewalk, it means you're watering too quickly.
Water in stages: In this case, turn off the sprinkler, let the soil rest, and then resume watering once the water has soaked in.

≥ Consider the current weather and season

Sunny weather: In summer, water evaporates quickly, so you'll need to increase the watering time with the impact sprinkler to compensate for the water lost to evaporation.
Cooler weather: In spring or autumn, or after rain, you can significantly shorten the watering time, or even skip watering altogether.

≥ The simple "cup test" method

If you want a more precise measurement, place a few empty flat-bottomed cups or cans randomly within the impact sprinkler's coverage area.
Run the sprinkler for a while and see how much water accumulates in the cups.
This visual method will help you understand the actual amount of water the sprinkler is delivering, allowing you to adjust your daily watering time accordingly.