Summer is the best time to make memories with family and friends – spending time in your yard, lying around your lush, green expanse. Australian summer, however, can take a toll on your lawn. The dry and hot conditions can make your turf turn brown and patchy. It’s not exactly the most suitable setting for a lovely garden get-together. That’s why it’s important to take proactive steps in preparing your lawn for the summer months, not just to survive but to thrive. With proper lawn preparation, you can help ensure your outdoor space remains vibrant. In this article, we’ll share expert advice on how to prepare your lawn area for summer, including tips on lawn mowing, fertilisation, watering, and more.
Why Setting Up Your Lawn Matters
Preparing a lawn for summer is essential for its health and longevity. Typically starting in December and lasting until February, the sweltering conditions in Australia can add significant stress to grass. With the right lawn care routine and careful planning, you’ll be equipped to handle the extreme climates and possible drought conditions that accompany the season.
1. Start Early: Spring is for Preparing
Springtime is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the hot, sultry months. Caring for your lawn during this period ensures that it will have enough time to recover from being dormant during winter and acclimatise before summer arrives.
One of the first things to consider is assessing your existing grass and the condition of your turf. Look for signs of damage from winter, such as brown patches or bare spots. This is also the best time to rake up any debris, such as fallen leaves or thatch, which can hinder water absorption and cause diseases.
2. Mow Your Lawn Regularly
Mowing is one of the most important aspects of a summer-ready lawn. Regular mowing helps keep your turf healthy and looking neat. However, remember to adjust the mowing height of your mower. Setting the mower blades to a higher setting (around 3-4cm) is recommended to allow the grass to grow a bit longer.
Longer grass provides shade for the soil, helping to hydrate and protect the roots from the intense rays of the sun. Moreover, taller grass means deeper roots, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Be sure to mow regularly, but avoid cutting the grass too short. This can cause stress on the plant and leave it vulnerable to weeds and heat.
3. Fertilising Your Lawn
A key component of lawn care is ensuring that your turf receives the nourishment it needs to thrive. As part of your lawn care, it’s essential to fertilise in spring using a slow-release fertiliser. This type of fertiliser will gradually release sustenance over time, providing a steady food source for your grass throughout the arid months.
Look for a fertiliser that’s high in nitrogen which encourages healthy growth. Consider using organic matter or compost to enrich the soil and improve its structure. For lawns in areas with acidic soils, you may want to add lime to balance the pH level and promote deeper, healthier roots. And don’t forget to choose a fertiliser that’s suitable for your turf.
4. Aerate the Soil for Better Root Health
Aerating the ground is another important step in preparing your lawn. Over time, soil can become compacted, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic or where thatch has built up. Compacted soil restricts the movement of water, air, and nutrients, which can lead to weaker grassroots.
Aerating your lawn creates small holes in the soil, allowing essential moisture and nourishment to penetrate deep into the ground. You can use a spike aerator or rent a powered aerator from your local garden centre. A garden fork with two to four tines can also be used to replace an aerator as an inexpensive option for smaller plots of land.
5. Watering: How Much and When
It’s also vital to ensure that your lawn has access to enough water to survive. However, it’s important to water correctly—deeply and infrequently—avoiding shallow watering, which negatively affects the growth of roots.
Water your lawn in the early morning or late evening when it’s much cooler to minimise evaporation and ensure the water is absorbed. Around 2.5 cm of water is recommended per week, which can be adjusted depending on rainfall and climate. Another option is applying wetting agents to help the soil retain optimal dampness, especially in areas with sandy or water-repellent soil.
An effective indicator of how much water you should use when watering grass turf is the soil moisture level. A simple method is to walk across your lawn. If your footprints remain visible, it means the soil is dry and the grass needs watering.
6. Dealing with Weeds and Pests
Pesky weeds, such as crabgrass, clover, or dandelions, also compete with most grasses for nutrients, water, and sunlight. To stay on top of weed control, remove weeds early, either by hand or with a selective herbicide that targets weeds without harming your grass.
In addition, pests such as grubs, ants, or lawn beetles rely greatly on the temperature of their environment. With warmer weather, the more active pests can be. Using organic pest control methods can manage these threats of infestations. You can also consult with our team for expert advice on the best treatments for specific pests such as Acelepryn..
7. Consider Laying New Turf
If your lawn has suffered damage during winter or has bare spots, now may be the time to lay new turf to establish a fresh, healthy lawn. Choose a turf variety suitable for your local climate, or choose ones that thrive in warmer temperatures.
Before laying new turf, prepare the area by clearing debris, raking the surface, and ensuring the existing soil is well-prepared for the new grass. Water the newly laid turf regularly to help them establish roots and stay hydrated during the warmer months.
8. Maintain Garden Edges and Surrounding Areas
While focusing on your lawn, don’t forget the surrounding areas. Trim the edges of your garden to give your lawn a neat, well-maintained appearance. This also reduces the risk of pests and ensures your lawn area looks its best. Additionally, ensure your garden irrigation system is distributing water evenly across your lawn and plants.
Final reminders
Just like the many challenges you face when setting up your new lawn, consistency is key in keeping your outdoor space green, vibrant, and healthy whenever seasons change. Summer, in particular, demands that you create a regular lawn care schedule for mowing, watering, and monitoring your lawn’s health. The weather can be unpredictable, but consistent care routines help build your lawn’s resilience against heat and dry spells.
Keep an eye on your lawn’s appearance. Look for signs of heat stress like browning or wilting, and act immediately. If these signs appear despite proper care, it might be time to adjust your watering schedule or implement additional shade solutions.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek the support of an expert to help you prepare lawn care strategies with all the information you need to keep your grass thriving.