The early morning hours are the recommended time to water. Night watering can increase disease problems and day watering can increase costs due to excessive evaporation. The infiltration rate is the rate at which the water percolates and drains through the soil. The precipitation rate should not exceed the infiltration rate. Raise mowing height, reduce mowing frequency, reduce nitrogen applications, remove thatch, core aerate, use pesticides carefully, use drought tolerant species, encourage deep rooting through deep, more infrequent watering, add organic matter to soils, use wetting agents, and selectively water around natural precipitation events.
Desiccation occurs because water is limited due to reduced root activity and frozen soil.
Open conditions of high light intensity and wind intensify problem. Prevention includes installation of wind breaks, mulching with organic matter, shade cloths, and winter watering when temperatures exceed 40 degrees and soil is not frozen. Ponds, rivers, streams, lakes, retaining ponds, wells, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, and municipal water lines.