How often should you water your lawn in summer?
By Service Plus Stockholm AB4 min read
Short answer
How often should you water your lawn in summer?
An established lawn in Stockholm should be watered 1–2 times a week during summer, with around 15–20 litres per square metre each time, ideally in the early morning. During prolonged drought and heat above 25 degrees, the need can increase to 2–3 times a week. It's better to water rarely and thoroughly than often and lightly, since deep watering encourages deeper roots and a more drought-resistant lawn.
Would you rather have it done for you? Read about watering in Stockholm – what is included, what affects the price and how to book.
How much water does the lawn need each time?
A mature lawn needs roughly 15–20 litres of water per square metre at each watering session so the moisture reaches down to the roots at a depth of 10–15 centimetres. Shallow watering that only wets the top few centimetres causes the roots to stay short, leaving the grass less able to cope during the next dry spell.
A simple way to check the amount is to place an empty tin can on the lawn while watering. Once there's about 2 centimetres of water in the can, you've given roughly the right amount.
- Water deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and often
- Check with a can or rain gauge
- Moisture should reach at least 10–15 centimetres down
- Avoid puddling and run-off on compacted soil
What time of day is best for watering?
Early morning, between 5 and 8 am, is best for watering in Stockholm. The ground is cool, the wind is usually light, and the water has time to soak in before the sun and heat push up evaporation.
Evening watering also works, but the grass risks staying damp overnight, which can encourage fungal problems such as snow mould and rust. Watering in the middle of the day should be avoided, as a large share of the water evaporates before it reaches the roots.
- Morning before 8 am gives the least evaporation
- Evening after 7 pm works but increases the risk of fungus
- Midday gives the poorest effect from the water
How do you know if the lawn needs watering?
The lawn shows clear signs when it starts to dry out. The grass turns a greyish or bluish tone instead of green, and if you walk on it, footprints remain visible for a while instead of the grass springing straight back up.
In Stockholm's climate, with normal summers and regular rainfall, an established lawn often manages on natural rainfall for most of the season. During July and August, when spells of heat and drought become more common, most lawns need supplementary watering.
- Grey-blue tone instead of bright green
- Footprints that don't spring back
- Grass grows noticeably more slowly
- Edges next to borders and tarmac dry out first
What affects how often you need to water?
The need varies depending on soil type, grass variety, position and weather. Sandy soil dries out faster and needs more frequent watering, while clay soil retains moisture longer but can become hard and difficult to penetrate if it dries out completely.
Newly laid lawns and fresh turf have shallower roots and need watering more often, frequently daily for the first two to three weeks, in order to establish properly.
- Sandy soil dries quickly, requires more frequent watering
- Clay soil retains moisture but hardens in drought
- Sunny and wind-exposed spots dry out faster
- New lawns need watering more often during the first month
- Mowing height affects evaporation, longer grass shades the soil
How does Service Plus help with lawn watering?
Service Plus Stockholm AB helps homeowners and housing cooperatives (BRF) set up a watering routine suited to soil type, position and grass variety, so the lawn stays green and healthy throughout summer without wasting water unnecessarily.
Droppen, our watering specialist, assesses the conditions on site and suggests a solution, such as a soaker hose, sprinkler or automatic system, and always provides a free quote with a clear price before work begins. Under maintenance agreements for housing cooperatives and property companies, watering can be included as a recurring part of the seasonal grounds care.
Common follow-up questions
Does the RUT deduction apply to lawn watering?
Yes, the labour cost for watering services carried out by Service Plus can qualify for the RUT deduction of up to 50 percent, while any materials such as hose or sprinklers are not covered.
Is summer rainfall enough in Stockholm?
During normal summers, natural rainfall is often enough for most of the season, but during spells of heat and drought in July and August, most lawns need extra watering to compensate.
Can you water too much?
Yes, constantly damp soil suffocates the roots and increases the risk of fungal diseases, so it's better to water deeply 1–2 times a week than lightly every day.
Should a freshly mown lawn be watered differently?
Freshly mown grass usually manages with the same routine, but avoid watering right after mowing in the middle of the day, as the short grass is more sensitive to strong sun and evaporation.
