What is the best time to water a lawn to maximize retention?

Watering a lawn in the morning is the best practice for maximizing water retention. This timing takes advantage of cooler temperatures and typically lower wind speeds, which helps minimize evaporation. During the early hours of the day, the sun is not yet at its peak intensity, allowing the grass to absorb the moisture before it evaporates.

Additionally, watering in the morning ensures that the grass blades dry out throughout the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that can occur in moist conditions. Early watering allows the roots to access the water they need during the heat of the day and promotes deeper root growth, making the lawn more resilient overall.

Watering in the evening or at night is less effective because it can leave the grass damp for extended periods, which increases the risk of diseases due to prolonged moisture. Midday watering is not ideal due to high evaporation rates, and though evening watering may seem convenient, it doesn't provide the same benefits as the morning approach.