Summer is a great time to enjoy your lawn, but it can also be a challenging season for lawn care. The hot and dry weather can stress your grass and make it more prone to weeds, pests and diseases. To keep your lawn healthy and green throughout the summer, here are some tips you can follow:
- Water deeply and infrequently. Watering your lawn once or twice a week for about an hour each time will help the water reach the roots and encourage them to grow deeper. This will make your lawn more drought-tolerant and resilient. Avoid watering in the evening or at night, as this can promote fungal diseases. Water in the early morning instead, when the evaporation rate is low and the water pressure is high.
- Mow regularly but not too short. Mowing your lawn helps to remove dead and damaged grass blades, stimulate new growth and prevent thatch build-up. However, mowing too short can expose the soil and the roots to the sun, which can dry them out and make them more susceptible to heat stress. Aim to keep your lawn at a height of 2-4 cm for warm season grasses (such as buffalo, couch and kikuyu) and 5 cm for cool season grasses (such as rye, fescue and Kentucky bluegrass). Use a sharp mower blade to avoid tearing the grass and causing brown tips.
- Fertilise moderately and organically. Fertilising your lawn will provide it with essential nutrients to maintain its colour, density and vigour. However, over-fertilising can burn the grass and make it more dependent on water and chemicals. Use an organic-based lawn food that contains fast-acting nutrients as well as organic matter to improve the soil health. Apply it every three months during the growing season, preferably before rain or watering.
- Aerate and apply wetting agents. Aeration is the process of making holes in the soil to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone. This will help to loosen up compacted soil, improve drainage and reduce water run-off. You can aerate your lawn by using a garden fork or a mechanical aerator or corer. Wetting agents are substances that help to break down the water-repellent layer that can form on the soil surface during dry periods. They help to improve water infiltration and retention, reducing wastage and runoff. You can apply wetting agents by using a hose-on product or a granular product that you spread over the lawn.
- Control weeds and pests. Weeds can compete with your lawn for space, light, water and nutrients, as well as harbour pests and diseases. To prevent weeds from taking over your lawn, you can use a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds without harming your grass. Apply it when the weeds are actively growing, following the label instructions carefully. Pests such as grubs, beetles, caterpillars and ants can damage your lawn by feeding on the roots or the leaves, or by creating mounds or tunnels in the soil. To control pests, you can use an insecticide that is suitable for your lawn type and pest problem. Apply it when you notice signs of infestation, such as yellow patches, bare spots or holes in the grass.
By following these tips, you can keep your lawn looking its best during the Australian summer. Remember to enjoy your lawn as well, by playing games, having picnics or just relaxing on it. Your lawn will appreciate your love and care!
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