Improper watering schedules can lead to stressed lawns heading into winter, particularly in regions with dry autumns or early freezes. Cool-season grasses may suffer from drought stress if watering stops prematurely, while warm-season grasses require gradual irrigation reduction to avoid damage. In areas prone to winter drought, such as the Mountain West, occasional winter watering may be necessary to prevent turf damage. Homeowners who fail to winterize irrigation systems risk pipe damage during freezing conditions. Newly seeded lawns are especially vulnerable to insufficient moisture, which can hinder root development and growth.