Hot, dry Tassie summers can really take it out on your lawn. You water it one day and only to find it looking tired and thirsty the next. Between the heat and barely a drop of rain this summer, your grass doesn’t stand much of a chance unless it gets the right care.
But there’s a way to work with the weather instead of against it. With a few adjustments to your lawn care routine, you can protect your grass through the hottest weeks. That is why in this guide, we’ll walk you through ways to keep your lawn green looking its best through summer.
Why Do Lawns Struggle During Heatwaves?
Before our summer lawn care tips, you may want to know why heatwaves hit lawns so hard. During heatwaves, the high heat dries out the soil fast and this makes it harder for roots to take in water. If the hot weather lasts too long, parts of your yard stop growing or even die off.
But lawn maintenance during a heatwave is about more than just sun exposure. For instance, warm winds and dry air also pull moisture out of the ground. Some Tassie lawns bounce back on their own, but most need a bit of support to get through hot spells.
The Best Time to Water Your Lawn in Summer
The best time to water your lawn in summer is early in the morning (5 am to 9 am). This is so the water sinks in before the sun gets too strong. If you try watering your lawn during summer in the middle of the day, most of the water disappears before your grass can use it. Watering in the evening can lead to wet grass overnight, causing fungal problems. Aside from that, deep roots help to keep your lawn green in summer and make your grass tougher during hot spells.
Soil Care That Helps Lawns Survive Extreme Heat
Healthy soil is the base of smart Tasmanian summer lawn maintenance. If the soil is too hard or compacted, water will simply run off and cannot reach the roots. This is why aerating the soil in early summer helps water and nutrients reach the roots better. Dealing with lawn care in Hobart during heatwaves can be challenging, especially with the wide range of Tasmanian soil types. Because of this, you might need to adjust based on your local soil. Adding compost also helps the soil retain more moisture.
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Mulching Tips for Hot Weather
Another smart way to protect your lawn from the sun is through mulching. You can leave grass clippings from mowing behind as a light layer of mulch to break down and feed the soil. Moreover, you can also place bark chips, pea straw, or sugarcane mulch around the borders of your yard to help your lawn handle summer heat and maintain your yard through the hotter months.
Mowing the Right Way in Extreme Heat
Caring for your lawn during a heatwave also means changing up your mowing habits. Keeping the blades higher helps your grass stay shaded and keeps moisture in the soil. The best mowing height for summer allows the blades to shade the soil and hold onto moisture longer. It’s also best to avoid mowing when the sun’s beating down.
Shade and Sun Protection for Your Lawn
Another summer lawn care tip is to give your grass some temporary shade in extreme heat. These spots dry out quicker and can become brown patches fast. Even a beach umbrella or garden furniture moved over for a few hours can give your lawn a break from the harsh sun. In the long term, you might consider adding some shade plants or lightweight structures to ease the heat. Little adjustments like this help in protecting your lawn from sun damage.
Simple Lawn Care Wins for Busy Homeowners
If life’s busy and you can’t do much grass maintenance, no need to overthink your routine. The basics still go a long way when it comes to how to keep your lawn green in summer:
- Water your lawn in the morning
- Avoid fertilising in peak heat
- Avoid foot traffic on stressed grass
- Keep an eye on dry patches or thin grass
When to Call a Lawn Care Professional
When your lawn’s been through a run of hot days and still won’t bounce back, it might need more than just water. At Lawn Squad, we can help with lawn maintenance in Hobart, or anywhere across Tassie. For tailored lawn care services in Tasmania, we’re here to help your lawn stay green through every season.
We can check for things like:
- Compacted soil that’s blocking water
- Too much thatch holding heat in
- Fixing drainage or compaction
Call Lawn Squad Today
Need some advice? Or need a hand with lawn mowing, hedge trimming, weeding, or full lawn care in Tassie? Get in touch with us at Lawn Squad today to talk with one of our lawn specialists and book your service. Your lawn will thank you.
