TGA calls for consistent 28-day exemption during water restrictions

The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA), the representative body for professional turfgrass growers in the UK, is calling on all water companies to apply a clear and consistent exemption allowing newly laid turf to be watered for at least 28 days during Temporary Use Bans.

At the time of writing, six water companies have announced or introduced Temporary Use Bans across all or part of their supply areas: Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, South East Water, Southern Water and South West Water.

The TGA fully recognises the pressures facing water supplies and supports sensible measures to reduce unnecessary water use. However, while most current restrictions include an exemption or concession allowing newly laid turf to be watered during its initial establishment period, the wording and conditions vary considerably between water companies.

Some companies allow newly laid turf to be watered for 28 days after installation, while others only permit the watering of turf that was laid before restrictions began. Some also impose conditions relating to watering times, methods or evidence of when the turf was laid.

The TGA believes this inconsistent messaging risks causing unnecessary confusion among consumers. That uncertainty can then affect the wider supply chain, leading to cancelled or postponed turf orders and landscaping projects.

The commonly used term “hosepipe ban” can add to this confusion, as it may suggest that every use of a hosepipe is prohibited. Temporary Use Bans are more accurately understood as water-use restrictions, with specific exemptions and concessions remaining in place for certain activities.

Freshly laid turf must be watered while it establishes roots into the soil beneath it. Without sufficient water during this critical period, the turf may fail, wasting the turf itself, the resources used to produce and transport it, any water already applied and the customer’s investment.

The TGA has worked with water companies, water-industry bodies and the wider landscaping sector for many years to establish a clear distinction between newly laid turf and established lawns.

In its 2011 response to a consultation on proposed changes to powers to restrict non-essential uses of water, the TGA called for newly laid turf to be watered for 28 days to ensure successful establishment, while supporting restrictions on the unnecessary watering of established lawns. The Association also warned that excessive discretion between water companies could lead to confusion, uncertainty and inconsistency.

The TGA is therefore calling on all water companies to apply and clearly communicate a consistent minimum 28-day establishment exemption for newly laid turf.

This is not a request for unrestricted water use. It is a practical and responsible measure that recognises the essential watering needs of newly laid turf and helps prevent the greater waste caused when turf fails and must be removed and replaced.

Richard Owens, Chair of the Turfgrass Growers Association, said:

“The TGA fully understands the need to protect water supplies and supports responsible action to reduce unnecessary water use.

“However, the conditions currently being applied vary considerably between water companies and are not always easy for customers to find or understand. This creates avoidable uncertainty at a time when people need clear and practical information.

“Although these restrictions are widely described as ‘hosepipe bans’, that phrase can suggest that a hosepipe cannot be used under any circumstances. In reality, a number of exemptions and concessions remain in place, including for newly laid turf in many affected areas.

“Freshly laid turf must be watered during its establishment period. During prolonged hot and dry weather, this may require frequent watering to ensure that both the turf and the soil beneath it remain adequately moist. If it is not watered sufficiently, the turf may fail, wasting the turf itself and all the water, energy and resources already used to grow, harvest and transport it.

“The TGA and the wider landscaping industry have worked with the water sector over many years to establish a responsible approach to watering newly laid turf. We now want to see that principle applied consistently, with all water companies allowing at least 28 days for establishment and communicating this clearly to their customers.

“This is not about seeking unrestricted water use. Water should be used carefully, efficiently and only for the essential establishment of newly laid turf.

“We encourage homeowners to check the specific rules published by their own water company rather than assuming that newly laid turf cannot be watered.”

Advice for landscapers, turf suppliers and customers

Before ordering or laying turf, customers and contractors should confirm which water company supplies the property and check whether restrictions apply in that area.

They should then confirm whether newly laid turf may be watered throughout its establishment period and note any conditions relating to the installation date, permitted watering times, watering methods or evidence that must be retained.

Where watering is permitted, the TGA recommends:

• applying water only to the newly laid turf;
• using no more water than the turf genuinely needs;
• avoiding runoff onto paths, roads and surrounding areas;
• comply with all local watering restrictions and, where permitted, water during the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and improve effectiveness;
• retaining evidence of the date on which the turf was laid;
• checking the turf and soil regularly during prolonged hot and dry conditions, as more frequent watering may be required while roots establish;
• reducing or suspending watering when rainfall provides sufficient moisture;
• delaying mowing until the turf has rooted into the soil and mowing is genuinely necessary;
• setting the mower to a higher cutting height when the turf is first cut, helping to reduce stress during hot and dry conditions;
• avoiding the removal of more than one-third of the grass height during any single cut; and
• stopping hosepipe use once the permitted establishment period has ended.

An exemption or concession for newly laid turf does not provide permission for the continued watering of an established lawn. Once established, lawns should generally be allowed to respond naturally to dry conditions and will usually recover when cooler and wetter weather returns.

The TGA has published a summary of the current water company guidance at: https://turfgrass.co.uk/hosepipe-bans-and-newly-laid-turf-2026/

Restrictions, exemptions and the areas covered may change at short notice. Customers should always check the complete and most recent guidance published by their own water company before ordering or laying turf.

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