Lawn Watering

Newly laid turf

Newly laid turf needs water to survive for the first 28 days after it is put down; but if it is raining anyway, there is no need for extra water.

If it is dry then you should water to keep it damp: but see our 10 tips below to see how you can minimise wastage. After 28 days, the lawn will be established and will be able to survive without further watering.

Watering a newly laid lawn – 10 tips

• When you prepare the ground for turfing, use a soil conditioner to increase the soil’s ability to retain moisture.
• Plan ahead to prevent the turf drying out: don’t have more turf delivered in a day than you can lay.
• Finish your ground preparation well before the turf delivery. This way, you will be able to start laying the turf as soon as it has arrived. The quicker you lay the turf, the less chance it has of drying out.
When your turf is delivered, stack it in a shady place.
• Dampen the ground immediately before laying.
• Tamp the turf down lightly as you lay it, to ensure good contact with the soil underneath.
• When you have finished turfing, water straight away. The first watering should ensure that the soil is damp to a depth of 100mm. Aim to keep the turf, and the soil under it, damp – you can check this byturning up a corner of the turf.
• In the days following, water only in the early morning or in the early evening, so the sun doesn’t burn off the water you’ve added
• It’s important not to over-water your turf. Over-watering will create boggy conditions – and promote grass diseases.
• Water less and less frequently over the next 28 days. The turf should never be allowed to dry out and go brown in this period.

For more water saving advice visit www.ccwater.org.uk www.waterwise.org.uk