1. Roots are still developing
   When turf is first laid, the grass relies on a thin layer of soil within the turf itself. The roots have not yet grown down into the underlying soil, so the turf cannot access deeper reserves of moisture. In hot, dry conditions, the shallow soil quickly dries out, leaving the turf stressed. Established lawns, on the other hand, have deep, well-developed root systems that can draw water from lower levels, making them more resilient.
2. Lack of reserves
   Mature grass plants have built up carbohydrate and energy reserves over time, which help them withstand periods of drought. Newly laid turf has been recently harvested and transplanted, which can cause a degree of stress. Without established reserves, new turf is less able to cope with water shortages and temperature extremes.
3. Greater risk of gaps and shrinkage
   If new turf dries out, the edges of the rolls can shrink and curl, creating gaps in your lawn. Once this happens, weeds may take hold, and the lawn’s appearance can be permanently affected. Regular watering in the first few weeks is essential to keep the turf plump and the seams tight. You can water new turf even during a hosepipe ban, for the first 28 days after installation.
4. Heat stress is more damaging
   Dry weather is often accompanied by intense sunlight. Without an established root system, new turf cannot replace water lost through evaporation quickly enough, and the grass blades can scorch. Brown patches can develop rapidly, and recovery can be slow.

How to care for new turf in dry weather

• Water thoroughly and consistently: for the first two to three weeks after laying, water every day in the early morning or evening to minimise evaporation. Use a sprinkler or hose with a fine spray to ensure even coverage. The goal is to soak the soil beneath the turf so roots grow downwards.
• Check moisture levels: lift a corner of the turf occasionally to check the soil underneath. If it’s dry, it needs more water.
• Avoid heavy use: keep foot traffic to a minimum until the turf has rooted in, as this prevents damage to fragile roots.
• Mow carefully: Wait until the turf is well rooted before mowing for the first time. Set the mower blade high to avoid stressing the grass.

While the extra care may feel like hard work, especially during a dry spell, the effort will pay off. After around six to eight weeks, your new turf should have developed a strong root system and will be far better equipped to cope with dry conditions, much like an established lawn. With the right start, you’ll enjoy a healthy, resilient lawn for years to come.

If you would like further advice on looking after new turf, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com

Therefore it is one of the most challenging seasons too.  Your lawn will require a level of commitment to keep it healthy and strong, but don’t let that deter you, it’s very simple and we’ve got some advice to ensure you and your family enjoy your lawn all summer long.

Grass is an extraordinarily resilient plant and with just a few tips can survive both ice and drought within weeks of each other.

NEW TURF

For those emergency gardening situations, when only new turf will do, it’s transformative effect will give your garden an instant wow factor. However, it also means additional care will be necessary, when laying turf during July and August, when higher temperatures and drought are more likely, ensure you water thoroughly. The danger of just a light watering is that roots are attracted up to the surface rather than down into the soil. For a large area sophisticated irrigation may be needed to deliver enough water. Please do ask us for advice on this as we sometimes hear of new lawns completely dying off without enough water.

If you are having turf delivered during the summer it is best to lay it on the day of delivery, but if this is not possible, unroll the turf in a holding area and water it regularly to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

Read more about laying turf here

ESTABLISHED LAWNS – 2 or 3 years or older

Watering

Prolonged periods of heat and dry spells are the biggest problems for your lawn during the summer, and lawns can quickly appear ‘dead’. But don’t be alarmed: the roots will still be alive and colour should be restored after a good down pour or watering. The turf we grow and supply is hard-wearing and has some drought tolerance. Read more about our turf here

This is the season when you really need to be on hand to quench your lawn’s thirst.

To avoid scorching and evaporation the best time for watering the lawn is early morning or evening, ideally allowing the moisture to sink a good 10cm into the soil. A couple of times a week should be enough to hydrate tired lawns. 

Weeding & Moss Removal

It’s very common to have weeds in your lawn during the summer: weeds love sunshine and warmth, so keep up the weeding.  It’s a good idea to hand weed before they get out of control and set seed.

If you want to apply a weed killer, do so when they are actively growing between April and September, avoiding drought periods. Cool evenings are the best time to do this.

Feeding

Continuing to feed your lawn helps support and protect it through the summer months, ensuring it remains a vibrant shade of green, enabling vital nutrients to nurture and condition it, keeping it healthy and strong throughout the entire season. A well-fed lawn enables recovery after any extended periods of drought. You can feed your lawn after mowing every 3-4 weeks between May and August, though in most gardens twice a year (Spring and Autumn) will give good results. Apply fertilisers when the soil is moist, or when rain is expected. We recommend visiting your local garden centre for advice on a suitable product

If your garden has features which are challenging for healthy grass growth such as deep shade, poor soil quality or poor drainage, the stronger you can make the grass growth with the use of lawn feed the better its chances.

Mowing

Your lawn will be at its strongest during the summer months and will grow fast if it rains. So it’s a good idea to cut it regularly to keep it healthy, leaving it around 5cm long is recommended. It’s best not to cut too short each time as this will cause damage and dry out in hot spells. So never cut more than one third of its current length.

In dry spells grass growth can slow right down so you can mow less often. It’s easy when it’s very dry to inadvertently cut it a little short giving a straw-coloured lawn. But as above (see “Watering”) an established lawn will recover quickly when it gets a drink.

Summary

• New turf will need rigorous watering
• Established lawns are much more resilient but can lose their greenness. This is easily reversed.
• Weeds thrive in sunshine so try to remove them before they spread too much seed
• Feeding – particularly useful if your garden is shady or poorly drained
• Mow cautiously in the warmest weather to keep grass greener.

If you would like further advice on lawn care this summer or would like to talk to us about ordering turf, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com