When to Start Watering Your Lawn Again in West Michigan

After a long winter in West Michigan, your lawn is ready for a drink. But turn the water on too soon and you risk wasting water or even encouraging disease. Wait too long and the grass can stress. For homeowners in Grand Rapids, Holland, Rockford, and the surrounding area, timing matters.

Why Timing Your First Watering Matters

Grass in our region goes dormant when the ground freezes and the days stay short. Once the snow melts and the soil starts to thaw, the roots wake up slowly. Watering before the ground can absorb it does little good. Once the soil is workable and the grass begins to green up, that is when your lawn can actually use the moisture.

When to Turn the Water Back On

Watch the soil, not the calendar. In West Michigan, the right window is usually from late March into April. You want to see these signs before you start watering again:

• The ground has thawed and is no longer frozen or soggy from melt.
• Your grass has started to green up or show active growth.
• Daytime temperatures are consistently in the 50s or above.
• Rain has not already kept the soil moist.

If you water while the ground is still cold or frozen, the water runs off or sits on the surface. That can lead to standing water, weak roots, and in some cases disease. Let the lawn tell you it is ready.

How Much to Water Early in the Season

Early spring usually brings enough rain that you may not need to run the sprinklers often. When you do water, aim for a deep soak so moisture reaches the root zone. Shallow watering encourages shallow roots, which makes the lawn more vulnerable when summer heat arrives.

Practical Tips for Spring Watering

• Water in the morning so the grass blades dry before evening.
• Give the lawn about one inch of water per week from rainfall and irrigation combined once the season is underway.
• Skip watering if the soil is already damp from recent rain.
• Adjust for shade and sun; shaded areas often need less water.

How This Fits With the Rest of Your Lawn Care

Watering works best when the rest of your lawn program is on track. Aeration, fertilization, and weed control all affect how well your grass uses water. Many homeowners in Ada, Byron Center, and Caledonia pair spring watering with a lawn care program so feeding and moisture are timed together.

If you are not sure when to start or how much to run the sprinklers, a quick walk across the yard can help. If the soil feels dry a few inches down and the grass is waking up, it is usually safe to begin. For a tailored plan that fits your property and our local climate, reach out for a free estimate and we can help you get the timing right.