Avoiding Water Restriction Predicament for Lawns: Understand the Exemptions and Regulations for Your Garden this Summer
In light of the hosepipe bans that have been announced across England, garden enthusiasts might wonder about the rules surrounding watering newly laid turf or freshly sown grass seed. Here's a breakdown of the specific hosepipe ban rules for watering new turf and fresh grass seed in the Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, and South East Water regions.
**Yorkshire Water**
For newly laid turf, you can water it with a hosepipe for the first 28 days after installation. However, there is no specific mention of grass seed in the available information, but it generally follows similar rules to new turf.
**Thames Water**
You can use a hose or sprinkler for newly laid turf or sown grass seed for the first 28 days if the work was done by a business as a service. The hose can only be used on the new planting, not elsewhere in the garden.
**South East Water**
Residents can water new lawns at domestic premises for 4 weeks using a hosepipe if the turf was laid before the ban, and watering cannot reasonably be done with a watering can. This must be done outside peak hours (8am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm). Unfortunately, there are no specific rules mentioned for grass seed under South East Water’s current guidelines.
It's crucial to note that these rules vary slightly by region, so it's important to check the specific terms and conditions of your local water authority for any additional details or updates.
Water companies are encouraging the use of alternatives to hosepipes wherever possible during a hosepipe ban. Other alternatives for watering the garden during a hosepipe ban, besides using a hosepipe, include a watering can or correctly configured drip watering system.
Sophie King, our Gardens Editor, shares growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to balconies, as she always keeps an eye out for the latest garden trends. Sophie joined our platform team in June 2024, after studying English at Royal Holloway, University of London and writing for Grow Your Own.
Stay informed and water wisely when taking advantage of the hosepipe ban loophole for new lawns or fresh grass seed. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a healthy garden while conserving water during these challenging times.
In the Yorkshire Water region, while there is no specific rule for watering fresh grass seed, newly laid turf can be watered with a hosepipe for the first 28 days after installation. In the Thames Water region, hoses or sprinklers can be used for both newly laid turf and freshly sown grass seed for the first 28 days, but only if the work was done by a business as a service.
