Managing Heat Stress
Signs that your lawn may be experiencing heat stress include:
- Wilting or discoloration.
- Footprints that remain visible after walking across the lawn. If the lawn bounces back, it is well hydrated (this is called the “footprint test”).
- A blue or grey tint to the lawn, which can worsen to die-back in extreme heat.
- Dry, crusty, light brown areas indicate a need for watering.
Dry Patches and Hydrophobic Soil
Due to uneven water retention, your lawn may develop dry patches, especially in areas where the soil is hydrophobic or compacted. Hydrophobic soil occurs when dry conditions prevent water from penetrating effectively. This can be exacerbated by fungal issues or extended dry spells.
Solution: Wetting agents can help in this case. These agents, like a detergent or surfactant, attract water to the soil surface, improving its absorption and reducing runoff. This encourages deeper root growth, which helps make your lawn more drought-tolerant.
Lawn Soaker is a specific wetting agent developed for lawns. It enhances water penetration, ensuring that it reaches the roots more effectively. Regular use can help prevent dry spots and rehydrate soil.
In addition to using a wetting agent, lawn aeration can also improve water infiltration. Aerating with a garden fork or aerator machine helps break up compacted soil, allowing moisture to reach deeper layers.
How Often Should I Water My Lawn?
The frequency of watering depends on several factors, such as:
- Your local climate and the season.
- Water restrictions and availability.
- Soil type and its water retention capacity.
- The type of grass and its drought tolerance.
- Environmental conditions (sun, shade, wind, etc.).
- The overall health of your lawn.
A good rule of thumb is to water when you notice early signs of heat stress. During extreme summer heat, this may mean watering a few times a week.
Best Time and Method for Watering
The ideal times to water your lawn are early morning or late afternoon/early evening. At these times, there is less wind, and the heat of the day won’t cause excessive water evaporation. In humid areas, avoid watering in the evening, as this can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Early morning watering is best.
Overwatering is wasteful for both your lawn and the environment, so it’s important to avoid it. Instead, water deeply and less frequently. This encourages the lawn to develop a strong root system, improving its drought tolerance and reducing water use.
The goal is to give your lawn a deep, thorough soaking, allowing water to reach deeper into the soil. Shallow, frequent watering encourages shallow roots. Deep watering trains the roots to seek moisture further below the surface.
Tip: To gauge how much water your lawn is receiving, place empty tuna cans or catch cups around the lawn while irrigating. This will help you monitor water distribution and determine how many millimeters of water your soil is receiving. Aim for about 10mm of water for optimal results.
By monitoring heat stress, watering effectively, and improving soil permeability, you can help your lawn survive and thrive, even during the hottest months.
Contact our team for expert advice email or call 1800 473 363
