A Guide to Watering for New Lawns

18 Oct A Guide to Watering for New Lawns

When you’re establishing a brand new lawn, there’s a secret to success: proper watering. Understanding how much water your turf needs, based on the weather and its growth stage, can make all the difference.

The key is to water consistently and efficiently to give your lawn the best chance to thrive. In this blog, we’ll give you the ultimate guide to watering your new lawn.

Watering Schedule to Establish a New Lawn

One of the most important aspects of successful lawn establishment is a well-planned watering schedule that adapts to changing weather conditions. Your watering plan should take into account the weather and time of year to provide your lawn with the ideal amount of hydration during its early growth stages.

Your watering schedule should be carefully planned. Whether it’s hot, mild, or cool, your lawn requires the right amount of water during its early stages of growth to encourage deep root development.

Late Spring/Summer

Hot weather can quickly dry out your new turf, so frequent watering is necessary:

• 1 to 2 weeks: Water for 10 minutes (5mm) three times a day (morning, noon, and evening). If temperatures exceed 35°C, add an extra watering session.
• 2 to 3 weeks: Reduce watering to twice a day. 10 minutes in the morning and at noon.
• 3 to 9 weeks: Water once daily for 20 minutes (10mm) in the morning.
• Over 9 weeks: Once your lawn is established, water every second morning for 40 minutes (20mm). In exceptionally hot weather, revert to 20 minutes of watering once per day in the morning.

Early Spring/Autumn

During these milder months, your lawn still needs consistent watering, though less frequently:

• 1 to 2 weeks: Water for 10 minutes (5mm) twice a day (morning and noon).
• 2 to 3 weeks: Water once per day for 20 minutes (10mm) in the morning.
• 3 to 9 weeks: Water every second morning for 40 minutes (20mm). If hot weather hits, adjust to 20 minutes once daily.

Winter

With cooler temperatures and more moisture in the air, your lawn requires less frequent watering:

• 1 to 2 weeks: Water for 10 minutes (5mm) once daily in the morning.
• 2 to 3 weeks: Water every second day for 10 minutes in the morning.
• 3 to 9 weeks: Water once every third day for 10 minutes.

More Watering Tips for New Lawns

1. Keep track of rainfall. If it rains, turn off your irrigation system. Overwatering can harm your lawn, leading to root rot, especially if it’s not getting enough sunlight.
2. Adjust watering according to the weather, especially during extreme heat or cold.

Long-Term Lawn Care

After 9 weeks (about 60 days), your lawn should be fully established! Now your lawn will be able to handle watering less often, so you can relax and transition to a regular watering schedule.

By following these tips and adjusting your watering to the seasons, you’ll set your new lawn up for long-term success, ensuring it stays healthy, lush, and green all year round. Contact Seed and Turf for more expert advice and lawn care tips!