Our Tips
Australian summers can be harsh on lawns. Long days, high temperatures, dry spells, sudden storms, and increased foot traffic all place extra stress on your grass. Without proper care, a healthy lawn can quickly become patchy, scorched, or overrun with weeds and pests.
The good news? With a few smart adjustments to how you water, mow, and maintain your lawn, you can protect it through summer and keep it looking green, resilient, and healthy. Below are practical, easy-to-follow tips to help your lawn survive—and thrive—during the warmer months.
1. Water Smarter, Not More Often
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make in summer is watering too frequently but not deeply enough.
Best practice:
- Water early in the morning, ideally before 9 am. This reduces evaporation and allows moisture to soak into the soil.
- Water deeply but less often, encouraging roots to grow deeper and making your lawn more drought-resistant.
- Aim for two to three deep waterings per week, depending on rainfall and soil type.
Avoid watering during the middle of the day when heat causes rapid evaporation, and limit evening watering, which can promote fungal disease.
2. Raise Your Mowing Height
Short grass might look neat, but during summer, it exposes soil and roots to heat stress.
Summer mowing tips:
- Raise your mower height by one or two notches.
- Taller grass shades the soil, keeping it cooler and reducing moisture loss.
- Longer blades also encourage stronger root systems.
As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow. Scalping your lawn during summer is one of the fastest ways to damage it.
3. Mow Less Frequently During Extreme Heat
When temperatures soar, grass growth slows and stress increases. Mowing too often can add unnecessary strain.
- Reduce mowing frequency during heatwaves.
- If grass growth is minimal, skip a week rather than forcing a cut.
- Always ensure mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing the grass.
Clean cuts heal faster and reduce water loss compared to frayed or torn blades.
4. Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn
During summer, grass clippings can actually help your lawn—if used correctly.
- Mulch mow where possible.
- Short clippings break down quickly, returning moisture and nutrients to the soil.
- This helps retain soil moisture and improves lawn resilience.
Avoid leaving clumps of grass, as these can smother the lawn and encourage disease.
5. Watch for Pests and Lawn Damage
Summer is peak season for lawn pests such as grubs, beetles, and caterpillars.
Warning signs include:
- Brown or dying patches that don’t recover with watering
- Spongy turf that lifts easily
- Increased bird activity pecking at the lawn
Early detection is key. Treating pests early prevents widespread damage and reduces the need for harsher treatments later.
6. Control Weeds Before They Take Over
Warm weather and irrigation create perfect conditions for weeds to thrive.
- Spot-treat weeds early before they spread.
- Avoid blanket herbicide use during extreme heat, as this can stress your lawn.
- Maintain a healthy, thick lawn—strong grass is the best defence against weeds.
Consistent mowing at the right height also helps prevent weeds from establishing.
7. Fertilise Carefully (and Lightly)
Fertilising in summer requires a gentle approach.
- Use slow-release fertilisers designed for warm seasons.
- Avoid high-nitrogen products during heatwaves, as they can burn the lawn.
- Apply fertiliser during cooler periods and always water in thoroughly.
If your lawn looks stressed, it’s often better to wait until late summer or early autumn before feeding again.
8. Reduce Foot Traffic Where Possible
Lawns under heavy use—kids playing, pets running, entertaining—can struggle in summer.
- Rotate play areas where possible.
- Use stepping stones or pathways in high-traffic zones.
- Hose down compacted areas lightly to cool the turf after heavy use.
Giving stressed areas a short rest can make a big difference to recovery.
9. Improve Soil Health and Drainage
Healthy soil holds moisture better and supports stronger roots.
- Aerate compacted lawns if needed (ideally early summer or late season).
- Topdress with a light layer of quality soil or compost to improve moisture retention.
- Avoid excessive watering on poorly draining areas to prevent root rot.
Soil health is often overlooked, but it’s the foundation of a strong lawn.
10. Know When to Call in the Professionals
Sometimes, lawns need more than basic maintenance—especially after construction, prolonged heat, or pest damage.
Professional lawn and garden services can:
- Identify underlying issues quickly
- Apply the correct treatments safely
- Save time and prevent costly mistakes
Regular maintenance and seasonal care plans can also help keep your lawn consistent year-round.
Keep Your Lawn Summer-Strong
Summer doesn’t have to mean a tired, patchy lawn. By adjusting how you water, mow, and maintain your turf, you can protect your lawn through the hottest months and set it up for a strong recovery into autumn.
At Ground Control Lawn & Garden, we help homeowners, landlords, and property managers keep their outdoor spaces healthy, safe, and looking their best year-round. Whether it’s regular lawn care, seasonal maintenance, or a complete garden tidy, the proper support makes all the difference.
If your lawn is struggling this summer, now is the perfect time to take action—your grass will thank you for it. 🌿
