Summer Lawn Care Tips: How to Keep Your Lawn Lush in the Heat

Summer in Australia can be brutal on lawns, with scorching temperatures, dry winds, and prolonged sun exposure putting grass under serious stress. Without proper care, your lawn can quickly turn from lush green to dry and patchy. The good news? With the right approach, you can keep your lawn healthy and resilient throughout summer. Here’s how.

1. Watering Wisely: Timing and Techniques

Many lawns struggle in summer because they’re either watered too little or at the wrong time. Here’s how to do it right:

• Water early in the morning – Ideally, water between 5–9 AM when temperatures are lower, reducing evaporation and allowing moisture to soak into the soil.
• Deep and infrequent watering – Instead of daily light watering, aim for deeper irrigation 2–3 times a week. This encourages deeper root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant.
• Use wetting agents – Some soils repel water, leading to dry patches. Wetting agents help moisture penetrate evenly, ensuring your lawn gets the hydration it needs.
• Check moisture levels – Push a screwdriver into the soil; if it goes in easily, the moisture level is sufficient. If it struggles, it’s time to water.

2. Mowing in the Heat: Best Practices

Mowing too short or too often can stress your lawn, especially during peak summer heat. Follow these tips:

• Raise your mower height – Taller grass provides shade to the soil, helping retain moisture and prevent heat stress. Aim to keep your lawn at least 5–7cm high.
• Sharpen mower blades – Blunt blades tear rather than cut, leaving grass vulnerable to disease and moisture loss.
• Mow less frequently – In extreme heat, grass grows slower. If necessary, cut only a third of the blade length at a time to avoid shock.
• Leave the clippings – Mulching your clippings can help retain moisture and add nutrients back into the soil.

3. Feeding Your Lawn: Summer Fertilisation Tips

Just like us, lawns need the right nutrients to stay healthy in summer. The key is choosing the right fertiliser and applying it correctly:

• Opt for slow-release fertilisers – These provide steady nutrients without overwhelming your lawn. Avoid low-quality high-nitrogen fertilisers in extreme heat as they can burn the grass.
• Increase potassium levels – Potassium strengthens cell walls, helping grass withstand drought, disease, and stress.
• Use seaweed-based products – Liquid seaweed extracts help lawns cope with heat stress and improve root resilience.
• Fertilise wisely – Apply fertiliser in the cooler parts of the day, preferably before rain or watering, to help nutrients soak into the soil.

4. Weed and Pest Control in Summer

Warmer temperatures create the perfect conditions for weeds and lawn pests. Stay ahead with these strategies:

• Tackle weeds early – Common summer lawn weeds like bindii, clover, and dandelion spread fast. Spot-treat with selective herbicides or remove them manually before they set seed.
• Watch out for lawn pests – Lawn grubs and armyworms can cause severe damage overnight. Look for patches of brown or wilting grass and take action with a suitable insecticide like Acelepryn if needed.
• Use pre-emergent herbicides – These prevent weeds from germinating in the first place, reducing the need for excessive spraying later.
• Prevent fungal diseases – Hot, humid conditions can lead to lawn diseases like dollar spot and brown patch. Avoid overwatering and improve airflow by keeping the lawn aerated.

5. Protecting Your Lawn from Extreme Heat

During prolonged heatwaves, even the best-kept lawns can struggle. Here’s how to help yours cope:

• Monitor for heat stress – If footprints remain visible on your lawn after walking on it, your grass is likely dehydrated and needs water.
• Create shade where possible – Use temporary shade covers during extreme heat to protect delicate areas.
• Adjust watering for heatwaves – Increase watering slightly but stick to deep, infrequent watering rather than light daily sprinkles.
• Improve soil health – Aerating compacted soil and adding organic matter can help roots grow deeper, making your lawn more resilient to heat and drought.

6. Preparing for Autumn Recovery

Lawn care doesn’t stop when summer ends. The efforts you put in now will determine how well your lawn bounces back in autumn.

• Plan for aeration – If your lawn suffered from heat stress, aerating in early autumn will improve oxygen flow and nutrient absorption.
• Overseed if necessary – If your lawn has developed bare patches, reseeding in late summer or early autumn can help restore it.
• Fertilise at the right time – Consider a post-summer fertiliser application to replenish lost nutrients and prepare your lawn for the cooler months ahead.

Final Thoughts

With the right approach, your lawn can survive even the toughest summer conditions. Prioritise deep watering, mindful mowing, seasonal fertilisation, and proactive pest control to keep it looking its best.

Need quality lawn care products? Explore The Garden Superstore’s range of fertilisers, wetting agents, and pest control solutions to give your lawn the best care this summer. Let’s grow!