Lawn watering is one of those tasks where common sense is often wrong. Most people water too often and not deeply enough — a combination that encourages shallow roots and actually makes grass less drought-tolerant over time. Here is the correct approach.
Deep and Infrequent
The golden rule of lawn watering is deep and infrequent. A thorough watering twice a week is far more beneficial than a light sprinkle every day. Deep watering encourages grass roots to grow downward, following the moisture, which makes the lawn far more drought-resilient.
- Water deeply enough to wet soil to 10–15cm depth
- Water twice a week maximum in dry spells
- Water in the evening to minimise evaporation
- Apply approximately 20mm of water per watering session
- Check penetration by probing the soil with a screwdriver
When to Water
Evening is the best time — cooler temperatures and lower wind speeds reduce evaporation dramatically compared to midday watering. Early morning is the second best option. Avoid midday watering in hot weather entirely.
When Not to Water
Unless your lawn is newly laid turf, letting it go slightly stressed in dry spells actually improves drought tolerance over time. A healthy established lawn can survive four to six weeks without water by going dormant — it will recover fully once rain returns.
A&T Landscapes lays new turf and provides lawn aftercare advice across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029.