Dear The Turf Doctor,
Living in the UK, I don’t know how to follow generic advice about watering my lawn. Is there ever a need to water our lawns apart from during periods of drought? What sort of watering routine would you recommend?
Thanks,
Julie
Hi Julie,
You’re right, generic watering advice for lawns doesn’t always translate well to the UK climate. Here’s what you should know.
Generally, UK lawns don’t need regular watering compared to hotter, drier climates. Rainfall in most parts of the UK is usually sufficient to keep your lawn healthy. However, there are some situations where watering becomes necessary:
During Droughts: You mentioned droughts, and you’re right; you’ll need to water your lawn during prolonged dry spells, especially in summer. Droughts can cause your lawn to show signs of stress like wilting or discoloration. This is when watering becomes important.
If You Have Sandy Soil: Sandy soil has a gritty element and doesn’t get sticky when wet, like clay. It drains water quickly, so if you have an established lawn on sandy soil, the grass might need occasional watering during hot, dry periods.
For New Lawns: Another occasion that calls for watering your lawn is if it’s newly seeded (or you have newly laid turf). New lawns need consistent moisture to establish a strong root system. It’s good practice to water the lawn two to four times a day, depending on the weather, for the first few weeks.
To Hydrate Hot and Sunny Spots: Finally, if your lawn has areas that get full sun all day, especially in the summer, they might dry out faster and need a drink occasionally.
You might also be wondering how you should water a lawn in the UK. My tips for watering are as follows:
Water your lawn deeply but less frequently. Aim to give your lawn a thorough soaking rather than shallow sprinkles every day. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making them more resilient to dry periods. This tip only applies to established lawns. Don’t soak a newly seeded lawn as this could wash the seeds away.
Early morning watering is best. Water your lawn early in the morning, ideally before sunrise. This allows the water to soak into the soil before it evaporates in the daytime heat.
Watch the weather. Keep your eye on rain forecasts. If rain is predicted soon, you can conserve your water.
Check the soil moisture. The best way to know if your lawn needs water is to stick your finger into the soil. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
Use a sprinkler or hose with a diffuser. You probably don’t need me to tell you that jet-washing your lawn will damage the grass and cause runoff. A sprinkler or hose with a diffuser attachment is a much better solution for even watering.
Remember, overwatering your lawn can be just as harmful as underwatering, leading to fungal diseases and weakening the roots. Like any plant, grass needs water to survive, but it would rather be a little dehydrated than waterlogged!
If you have any other questions about your lawn type or specific situations, feel free to ask.