As the Australian summer approaches, lawn care becomes essential to help your grass survive the hot and dry conditions. Although warm-season turf grasses commonly used in Australia, such as Buffalo, Couch, and Kikuyu, are hardy and generally need little water, they can still experience stress during the summer heat. These grasses often enter a dormant state, losing colour and growth, but typically recover after rain or irrigation. By following a few key steps, you can ensure your lawn stays healthy and ready for the summer season.

Identifying Dormancy vs. Dead Grass

It’s important to determine whether your lawn is merely dormant or if it’s actually dead. Dormant grass may look brown and dry but is still alive at its core. You can check by inspecting the crown at the base of the grass leaves. If the crown is white or off-white, your grass is likely still alive. In contrast, dead grass will be dry and brittle throughout, including the leaves, roots, and crown.

Lawn Care Tips for Summer

One of the most important tasks is removing thatch, which is the layer of dead plant material that accumulates on the lawn. If the thatch layer is thicker than 1.3cm, it can block sunlight and water from reaching the grass roots, which is detrimental during summer. After removing thatch, aerating your lawn is another essential step. Aeration improves the penetration of water, air, and nutrients to the roots, which helps the grass develop deeper roots, making it more resilient to drought.

During dry spells, it’s important to avoid walking on your lawn to prevent further damage. Foot traffic on dry grass compacts the soil and stresses the grass, which makes recovery more difficult. Watering your lawn deeply but less frequently is another key practice. This encourages deeper root growth, allowing the grass to access moisture even during dry periods. Watering early in the morning is most effective, reducing evaporation and minimising the risk of promoting disease.

Using Wetting Agents and Mowing Tips

Over time, the soil beneath your lawn may become hydrophobic, which means it repels water. This happens due to a waxy coating formed by decomposing organic matter. Using a wetting agent like Lawn Soaker helps break down this coating, allowing water to penetrate the soil and hydrate the grass.

Mowing during summer should be done carefully. Regular mowing is necessary, but avoid cutting more than a third of the leaf at a time, as this stresses the grass roots. It’s also a good idea to mow during the cooler parts of the day and keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut. Additionally, raising your mower height can help shade the soil, which retains moisture and keeps the grass healthier.

Watering and Irrigation

Water is crucial for grass growth, as it supports nutrient transport, cell structure, and photosynthesis. Watering should be done strategically, especially during periods of limited rainfall. Follow local water restrictions and aim for deep watering once or twice a week to encourage stronger root development. New turf varieties, such as TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, have been bred for superior drought tolerance, requiring less water than older types.

Fertilising in Summer

While fertilising is best done during spring and autumn, you can still fertilise in summer if you missed those seasons or want your lawn to look lush for holiday gatherings. Choose a controlled-release fertiliser to avoid rapid growth, which could lead to more frequent mowing and increased risk of disease. Some products, like ColourGuard Plus, also contain natural pigments and nutrients to keep your lawn green even during drought conditions.

Protecting Your Lawn from Stress

Summer heat and increased foot traffic can stress your lawn, so using seaweed-based products can help your grass withstand these challenges. These products promote root development, allowing your grass to access water deeper in the soil, making it more resilient to heat stress. A product like Munns Professional Root Regenerator can be a great choice to enhance your lawn’s resilience.

Conclusion

With some preparation and mindful care, your lawn can thrive during the harsh Australian summer. Removing thatch, aerating, and watering effectively will give your grass the best chance of surviving the heat. Using wetting agents, maintaining proper mowing habits, and applying fertiliser carefully will further ensure that your lawn remains healthy and vibrant all summer long.