Top Tips to Beat the Heat
With Australia’s hot summers, keeping a lush, green lawn can feel like an uphill battle. But don’t let the scorching temperatures get the best of your backyard. A bit of preparation, strategic watering, and careful mowing can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining a healthy lawn throughout summer. Here are three essential tips for dealing with the heat and keeping your lawn looking its best.
When the heat ramps up, your lawn needs more hydration, but it’s not just about watering more often – it’s about watering effectively. Lawns need around 2.5-4cm of water per week, but in dry spells or extreme heat, 10mm twice a week is a must. However, instead of a daily sprinkle, give your lawn a deep soak once or twice a week. This approach encourages roots to grow deeper, giving your grass a better chance of staying green when the surface gets scorched.
Early morning watering is your best friend here. By watering between 5–8 am, you minimise evaporation while giving your lawn the chance to absorb water before the day heats up. A good way to test if you’ve watered deeply enough is to push a screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily, your lawn is well-watered; if it struggles, you need more water.
Water Smart, Not More
When the heat ramps up, your lawn needs more hydration, but it’s not just about watering more often – it’s about watering effectively. Lawns need around 2.5-4cm of water per week, but in dry spells or extreme heat, 10mm twice a week is a must. However, instead of a daily sprinkle, give your lawn a deep soak once or twice a week. This approach encourages roots to grow deeper, giving your grass a better chance of staying green when the surface gets scorched.
Early morning watering is your best friend here. By watering between 5–8 am, you minimise evaporation while giving your lawn the chance to absorb water before the day heats up. A good way to test if you’ve watered deeply enough is to push a screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily, your lawn is well-watered; if it struggles, you need more water.
Consider using a quality soil wetter, which can help water sink further into the soil and encourage roots to grow deeper. This creates a stronger plant that is better protected against hot weather and water evaporation.
If you’re in an area with water restrictions, don’t stress! Even in limited conditions, focusing on deep, occasional watering can still help your lawn through the heat.
Raise Your Mower Height
Mowing might seem like a simple job, but in summer, the way you cut your lawn plays a big role in its resilience. One of the best tricks in the book is to raise your mower’s cutting height during hot weather. Taller grass helps shade the soil, reducing moisture loss and keeping roots cool. Generally, aiming for a height of around 5-8cm is ideal for most Australian lawns in summer.
Resist the urge to mow too frequently, and always keep your blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass rather than slicing it cleanly, which causes stress and makes your lawn more susceptible to disease and dehydration. Consider mowing every 7-10 days, depending on growth rates. This schedule gives the grass enough time to recover and keep its natural defences strong. It also encourages grass to grow laterally, which creates a denser lawn that can crowd out weeds and prevent them from sprouting.
Mulching mowers can also be a game-changer. These machines chop clippings into fine pieces that fall back onto the lawn, acting as a natural fertiliser and extra layer of insulation. Regular mulch mowing also puts nutrients back into the lawn, especially after fertilising. EGO Power Plus Mowers deliver high-efficiency blades and mulching capabilities, perfect for your lawn.
Feed Your Lawn Wisely
Fertilising in summer can be tricky, as feeding your lawn too much can lead to rapid growth that strains it under the hot sun. However, with the right approach, a balanced feeding plan can help your grass stay green and strong. In early summer, a light, slow-release fertiliser with added soil wetter can provide essential nutrients without overwhelming your lawn. Slow-release options deliver nutrients gradually, making it easier for your lawn to thrive without needing constant mowing or watering. Liquid fertilisers are a great alternative if you’re confident with a sprayer. Otherwise a good granular fertiliser will get the job done.
In addition to a summer feed, applying a liquid seaweed solution every couple of weeks can do wonders. Seaweed provides nutrients that strengthens grass roots, making it a great choice for lawns facing heat stress. Remember to water the lawn thoroughly before and after fertilising to help all that good stuff penetrate the soil.
Keep an eye on weeds, as they’ll compete for nutrients and water – two resources you want going straight to your grass! Pull out weeds by hand where possible or use a targeted weed control solution if the infestation is significant.
Keep Your Lawn Looking Sharp with EGO Power Plus
When it comes to caring for your lawn in the summer, having the right tools is essential. EGO Power Plus offers a range of products designed to make lawn care easier and more efficient, even under challenging conditions. EGO Power Plus Mowers provide great cutting and mulching options, ideal for helping your lawn cope with the heat.
Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or a weekend gardener, EGO Power Plus brings innovative technology to every lawn-care routine, making it easy to keep your lawn thriving all summer long.
