Think about it: your lush green grassy lawn, under the scorching Australian summer. From Sydney, to Melbourne, Brisbane, and across the country, we spend months cultivating our spaces, only to face the challenge of surviving the sun. But it’s not that impossible. With the right tools and care, you can keep your lawn not only summer-ready but thriving! That’s why we prepared a list of essential lawn tools you can add to your wishlist and related tips that will help you ready your lawn and yourself for summer. Professional gardeners swear to these essentials so in case you’re planning to put together your personal lawn care kit, make sure to add the following.
Must Have #1: Lawn Mower
A mower with adjustable blades should be at the top of your lawn care wishlist. Regular mowing is essential for a healthy lawn in any given season. But it’s especially crucial in these warm months.
Tip: Taller for Summer
Mow at the right height to retain moisture and encourage deeper nourishment when temperatures go up. During this period, keep your grass a little taller to shade the soil and conserve moisture. Set your lawn mower to cut slightly higher than usual, around 3–4 cm for cool-season grasses and 4–5 cm for warm-season variants like buffalo.
Aside from picking the right height, pick the right time. Mowing in the early morning is also key to avoid heat from stressing both you and your lawn.
Must have #2: Lawn Aerator
Arid times also lead to compacted soil which prevents water and nutrients from reaching the roots. This can cause damage to your turf. This is also why an aerator is considered as an invaluable lawn turf tool.
Tip: Puncture to Promote Healthy Roots
Puncturing the soil and creating small holes, aerators improve air circulation, water penetration, and nutrient absorption. Aeration is particularly necessary during arid seasons when the soil tends to harden, thus resisting moisture. Regular aeration opens it up for hydration and encourages healthy root development. Just like with mowing, make sure to aerate your lawn not just in parched conditions but routinely as well.
Must Have #3: Watering System
Talking about hydration, a dependable watering system is necessary for healthy lawns all year round, and of course, especially in the summer. Water is vital to all plants. But more than water, a good watering system allows good irrigation.
Tip: Water Wisely
To ensure your turf gets the right amount of water with minimal wastage, why not consider installing a sprinkler system or using a hose with a fine mist attachment? This will make sure that watering is done evenly. Also like mowing, the key is to water your turf early in the morning. This allows them to absorb and store moisture, unlike during midday when heat causes evaporation.
Don’t forget that deep, infrequent watering is far more effective in encouraging the development of deeper roots compared to shallow watering. And establishing deeper roots should be your aim. Well-established roots are key to a thriving lawn because they make your lawn more resilient in harsh climates, which is inevitable if you’re living in Australia.
Must Have #4: Thatch Rake
Thatch, or layers of dead grass, can accumulate on your lawn and prevent essential nutrients such as oxygen and water from reaching the roots. This may lead to withered patches and weak growth, which is precisely why you need to keep a thatch rake ready. But keep in mind that although using this rake will remove hardened layers, you have to be careful about your timing and technique.
Tip: Rake the right way
Be careful not to over-rake. Raking too often can cause added stress to already tough conditions. Typically, once or twice a year is enough. Best to rake in early spring or late autumn, too. In summer, however, it’s best to limit raking to only when necessary, or only when you notice buildup causing problems.
Also, remember to rake sparingly. Use a gentle but firm motion to raise the wilted layers off the ground. You want to remove just the excess buildup rather than affect the roots. Working in sections is also ideal. Once you’re done, give the soil some post-rake care by watering it deeply and giving it some fertiliser to encourage recovery.
Must Have #5: Weed Puller
Aside from the heat, weeds are also common problems in summer as they compete with your lawn for vital resources while thriving in dry conditions. Early intervention is crucial and a handy puller offers an efficient solution.
Tip: Pull Early and Thoroughly
While hand-pulling is a decent alternative, it can be tedious, especially in larger lawns. A puller allows you to remove them from the roots with ease, which prevents these invasive plants from spreading. A weed puller is also a great alternative to spraying which is only useful for short-term control. With this simple tool, you can keep a consistent and easy weed management routine while limiting the chemicals you use.
Must Have #6: Fertiliser & Spreader
Fertilising your lawn is also a preventive strategy you can take. Done early at the beginning of both spring and summer, it helps promote strong root growth and prepares your grass for the stresses of hot weather ahead.
Tip: Feed the grass fairly
A well-fed lawn is better equipped to handle the tougher seasons. Choose a fertiliser that’s appropriate for the season and apply it evenly using a spreader. Don’t forget to follow the recommended application dosage to avoid overfeeding. With the extra pressure your lawn is getting from the heat (and sometimes weeds), regular fertilisation will ensure it gets the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Packing the Tools Together
Summer lawn care is basically equipping yourself with a lawn kit of the right tools and the right information. Aside from picking up these must-haves, take note of tools and products designed specifically for Australian conditions. The right tools will always depend on your location and your skills. Therefore consider the size of your lawn, the time you’re willing to commit, and your budget, among other things.
Investing in the right tools and following these simple yet effective lawn care practices will keep your lawn in top shape. There’s no question that you can handle your lawn during summer, as you do all year round, but don’t forget that it’s also smart to ask for help. This is a reminder to have your local experts’ contact information packed in your lawn kit, too. Australian summer, after all, can be too much. So when the seasons start to overwhelm you and your lawn, don’t be afraid or be too shy to ask for help.