Summer Lawn Care: Keeping Your Turf Thriving in Sydney Heat

But don’t sweat it – with a little care and the right know-how, your lawn can survive the summer onslaught and still be the envy of the street. Whether you’re in the suburbs of Sydney, the rolling greens of the Southern Highlands, the breezy South Coast, or Goulburn’s more rugged conditions, these summer lawn care tips are your go-to guide to keep your turf lush and healthy all season long.

Watering… Do It Early, Do It Deep

Let’s start with the obvious – water. A deep drink is your lawn’s best mate during summer, but timing matters. Water your lawn early in the morning, before the heat ramps up. If you wait until the sun’s blazing, most of that precious water will evaporate before it even gets to the roots.

How often? Once a week is usually plenty for warm-season grasses like Buffalo, Couch, and Kikuyu – especially if you water deeply. A good soak encourages the roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Shallow watering every day? That’s a no-go – it’ll just create a needy lawn that won’t handle heat stress.

Pro Tip: If your soil isn’t soaking up water like it should (hello, hydrophobic soil!), a wetting agent can work wonders. It breaks down that waxy barrier so water can penetrate deeper. Trust me, your lawn will thank you for it.

Pro Tip 2: Check for water restrictions before splashing the water on your lawn.

Mowing… Timing and Height Are Everything

If you’re reaching for the mower, timing is key. Stick to early mornings or late afternoons when it’s cooler – mowing during the midday heat can fry those freshly cut blades.

Now, don’t go scalping your lawn. Cutting it too short exposes the soil to the sun, dries it out faster, and stresses the roots. Keep your lawn at a comfy height:

• Buffalo and Couch/Bermuda: Around 2-4cm is ideal.
• Kikuyu: Same deal – a bit longer gives shade to the soil and helps retain moisture.

The golden rule? Never cut off more than one-third of the leaf at a time.

Pro Tip: Make sure your mower blades are sharp. Blunt blades tear the grass instead of slicing it cleanly, leaving it more vulnerable to disease and heat stress. If it’s been a while since you checked, give those blades a sharpen or swap them out.

Fertilising… Steady Wins the Race

Your lawn needs fuel to thrive in the heat, but you’ve got to play it smart. Avoid fertilising during a heatwave or when temps hit over 30°C – you’ll just burn your grass. Instead, pick a cooler morning or after some rain when the lawn’s moist.

A slow-release fertiliser is your best bet for summer. It feeds your lawn steadily, encouraging strong, healthy roots without sending it into a growth frenzy (which means less mowing for you). If you’ve got Buffalo grass, make sure to use a fertiliser that’s specifically formulated for it.

For an extra boost, a seaweed-based solution can work wonders. It strengthens the blades, improves stress resistance, and helps your lawn stay green even when the mercury soars.

Top-Dressing… A Summer Pick-Me-Up

If your lawn’s looking a bit uneven or patchy, a thin layer of top-dressing can give it the lift it needs. Top-dress is a mix of soil, sand, and organic matter that improves soil quality and encourages deeper root growth – exactly what you want during dry spells.

Here’s the trick: don’t smother your lawn. Spread a layer no thicker than 5-10mm and rub it in so the grass tips are still poking through.

Give Your Lawn Some TLC to Deal with Summer Stress

Summer can be tough on lawns, especially when the kids (and dogs) are treating it like their personal cricket pitch. If your grass is looking tired, heat-stressed, or just plain sad, a seaweed-based product like a root regenerator will give it some serious relief. It strengthens roots, improves water uptake, and helps your lawn bounce back faster.

Stop Weeds in Their Tracks

Summer is a sneaky time for weeds. Creeping Oxalis, Clover, and other stubborn nuisances can pop up, so keep an eye out. Use a herbicide that’s safe for your grass type – especially if you’ve got Buffalo turf, as not all products are compatible.

And remember, a healthy, well-watered lawn is your first line of defence against weeds – they struggle to take hold in thick, thriving grass.

Finally, Check Your Lawn Care Toolkit

Before you dive into your summer lawn care routine, give your equipment a once-over. Are your mower blades sharp? Is your sprinkler working properly? The start of summer is a great time to sort it out – trust me, a dodgy mower can turn your lawn into a patchy mess faster than you can say “barbecue season.”

Choose the Right Turf for Aussie Summers

If you’re planning a new lawn or considering a replacement, go for warm-season varieties that can handle the heat. Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda are top choices – tough, drought-tolerant, and perfect for Sydney’s harsh summers.

Enjoy Your Lawn This Summer

At the end of the day, your lawn isn’t just for looking at – it’s for enjoying. Whether you’re hosting backyard cricket matches, barbecues, or simply lounging with a cold drink in hand, a well-cared-for lawn is worth the effort.

So water smart, mow regularly, feed it the good stuff, and show it a little love. Your lawn will reward you with a lush, green carpet that’ll have your neighbours peeking over the fence in envy.

Now, get out there and enjoy the great outdoors – summer’s here, and your lawn’s ready for action!