Watering newly laid turf is essential for the survival and establishment. While rainfall can often meet this requirement, dry spells and limited precipitation may necessitate additional watering efforts. During the first 28 days after installation, it is crucial to keep the turf consistently damp. This period is critical for the development of a strong root system, as watering helps the roots establish themselves in the soil and promotes healthy growth.
To ensure proper watering, it is important to water the turf thoroughly, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the turf more resilient to future drought conditions. However, it’s important to avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to issues like root rot and shallow root development.
After the initial 28 days, the newly laid turf should be well established, and the root system should be adequately developed. At this point, the turf becomes more self-sufficient and typically does not require regular watering.
By understanding the watering needs of newly laid turf and providing appropriate moisture during the critical establishment period, you can ensure a successful and healthy lawn.
THE TURFGRASS GROWERS ASSOCIATION’S 10 TIPS FOR WATERING A NEWLY LAID LAWN
- 1. Enhance the ground preparation for turfing by adding a soil conditioner which will improve moisture retention in the soil.
- 2. Avoid the turf drying out by planning ahead and ensuring that you only have as much turf delivered as you can lay in a day.
- 3. Complete the ground preparation well ahead of the turf delivery, allowing you to begin laying the turf promptly upon its arrival. By minimising the time between delivery and installation, the risk of the turf drying out is significantly reduced.
- 4. When the turf is delivered keep it in a shaded area to prevent drying and help maintain its moisture until you’re ready for installation.
- 5. Dampen the ground immediately before laying the turf to improve the conditions and moisture.
- 6. Tamp the turf lightly as you lay it to ensure good contact with the soil underneath. Tamping the turf refers to lightly pressing or compacting the turf down into the soil to help root establishment and promotes growth.
- 7. When you have finished turfing, water it straight away, ensuring that the soil is damp to a depth of 100mm. Thereafter, aim to keep the turf, and the soil underneath it, damp. You can check this by turning up a corner of the turf. Care should be taken not to flood or over-water the lawn.
- 8. In the following days, only water in the early morning or early evening, so the sun doesn’t burn off the water you’ve applied.
- 9. It’s important not to over-water your turf at any stage. This creates boggy conditions which encourages the development of moss and grass diseases. It is not always necessary to water if it has rained – check first to see if the soil is moist.
- 10. 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.
If you’re considering laying turf in the summer months when the weather can be extremely hot you may be questioning what happens if we have a hosepipe ban? Don’t let this put you off, newly laid turf can be watered for 28 days after installation even during a hosepipe ban. Click here for more information.
In addition to the initial 28-day period of consistent watering, it’s crucial to establish a proper watering routine for the long-term health of your newly laid turf. After the critical establishment phase, the frequency of watering can be gradually reduced.
During warmer months, when the weather tends to be drier and hotter, it’s advisable to water the turf in the early morning or late evening to minimise water loss through evaporation. Focus on maintaining the soil dampness to a depth of at least 6 inches, but adapt the watering schedule based on the specific needs of your turf and the prevailing weather conditions.
Keep in mind that over time, as the turf matures and develops a robust root system, it will become more resilient to varying weather patterns, requiring less frequent irrigation. Observing the condition of the soil and the turf will guide you in adjusting the watering routine accordingly, ensuring a vibrant and enduring lawn.
