Lawn guide
Signs your new turf needs water
New turf has short roots, so it relies on you for water until it's knitted into the soil. These are the signs it's getting thirsty, and how to catch it early.
What to look for
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A blue-grey tinge
Healthy turf is bright green. A dull, blue-grey colour is often the first sign it's short of water.
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Footprints that stay
Walk lightly across a corner. If the grass doesn't spring back, it's thirsty.
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Gaps between rolls
Turf shrinks as it dries, so seams open up. Edges and joints show it first.
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Curling edges
The ends of rolls lift and curl when they dry out.
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Dry soil underneath
Lift a corner. The soil below should be damp, not dusty.
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Straw-coloured patches
If it gets this far, water well every day and most turf recovers.
What to do
Give the lawn a long, thorough soak, early morning or evening, until the soil under the turf is damp. Pay extra attention to edges, corners and areas near walls or fences, which dry fastest. Then keep to a daily routine until it's rooted; our aftercare guide has a watering plan.
If gaps have opened between rolls, they'll often close up again once the turf is watered properly. Any that don't can be filled with a little topsoil and they'll grow over.
Hot, sunny or windy weather
Wind dries turf almost as fast as sun. In a warm, breezy spell, new turf may need watering twice a day. Turf laid against a south-facing wall or over a thin layer of soil also dries quickly.
Can it get too much water?
Yes. If water sits in puddles or the turf feels squelchy, ease off. Roots need air as well as water. If one area always stays wet, it may be a drainage issue; see fixing a waterlogged lawn.
Common questions
How long should I water for?
It depends on your sprinkler. Run it, then lift a corner of turf to check how far the water has soaked in. Use that as your guide.
Will brown turf recover?
Often, yes, if the roots are still alive. Keep watering well for a week or two.