Watering a new lawn

Spring and autumn are the best times to sow grass seed for fast germination, as when temperatures are too hot or too cold - this can affect the establishment of your new lawn. With this in mind, here are tips for watering your lawn, whether sowing in spring or autumn.

Watering your lawn in spring

You should aim to water your lawn every day, daily, for the first six weeks after sowing your seed. If there is prolonged rainfall for 1 - 2 days, you can avoid doing this.

Watering your grass in autumn

Rain is far more likely in autumn, so on days where it doesn't rain during the six weeks after sowing - make sure to keep your seeds moist.

Watering an established lawn

Spring/summer watering 

• You should water heavily and infrequently. The aim is to develop a good root system. The grassroots will search for water by pushing down, so it’s OK to let the grass get a little thirsty.
• Light and regular watering means shallow roots, which in times of drought means more stress in the summer. It also encourages weed growth and a greater chance of disease.
• A good soak every ten days should be fine.
• You should see minor puddles on the surface.
• Aim to water late in the evening or nighttime when the sun has gone down, and it is cooler. Alternatively, you can water first thing in the morning.
• In particularly hot weather or during a heatwave or drought, do not water during the day as most of it will evaporate.

While we hope to have covered every point in the above bullet points, you can also further your knowledge and read our more in-depth guide on watering your lawn in summer.

Autumn/winter watering

Grass growth slows down in the winter, and rain is more frequently forecast in the autumn months, so there is no need to water your lawn.

When to stop watering new grass seed?

Watering your new seedlings is to keep them moist - not saturated. The aim of watering an established lawn, particularly in periods of drought, is to keep it green and hydrated. A lawn that isn't watered well during a heatwave will become very obvious very quickly (yellow straw-like blades). Typically, 1-2 inches of water for new seedlings and an established lawn is enough to keep it happy. If you find that in hot periods, your soil or seedlings appear dry after watering, or your established lawn isn't improving from your watering - you may need to increase the frequency.

Our Lawn Care Seasonal Checklist is a good resource for tips on looking after your grass.We also have a guide on tackling common lawn issues that can appear throughout the year.