Lawn guides
Watering new turf
Water is what turns a stack of rolls into a lawn. Get it right for the first few weeks and the rest is easy.
How much is enough?
The aim is to soak through the turf and into the top few centimetres of soil beneath it. A quick pass with a hose usually only wets the grass. A sprinkler left in one place for 20 to 30 minutes, then moved, does a much better job.
To check, peel back a corner of a roll. If the soil underneath is damp, you're doing well. If it's dry, water for longer.
A simple watering plan
| Stage | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 7 to 10 days | Every day | Skip a day after steady, soaking rain |
| Up to week 3 | Every other day | Water for longer each time |
| Week 3 onwards | Two or three times a week | Then only in dry spells |
In hot, sunny or windy weather, water more often. In cool, damp weather, you'll need less.
Signs your turf needs more water
- Gaps opening between the rolls
- Edges curling or shrinking
- A grey-blue tinge to the grass
- Footprints that stay flat instead of springing back
- Yellow or straw-coloured patches
Best time of day
Early morning or evening is best, as less water is lost to the sun and wind. Watering at midday in summer still helps a newly laid lawn that's drying out, so don't wait if it's struggling.
Edges and corners first
The edges of a new lawn dry out fastest, especially beside paths, walls and fences that hold heat. Give them a little extra.
More guides
Questions people ask
Can I water too much?
It's possible on heavy clay if water is sitting in puddles. If the ground is squelchy underfoot, ease off for a day or two.
Does rain count?
A proper, steady rain does. A light shower usually doesn't reach the soil under the turf.