Lawn and Water - How Much Does your Turf Really Need?

With Summer, different areas of Queensland are suffering from extreme high temperatures and little to no rain in some regions, It’s natural to wonder how this affects your lawn. Most grass varieties are relatively hardy in drought or low-water environments, and will go into a dormant state if they don’t receive enough moisture.

But how much water does your turf really need, and when should you water? Let’s take a look.

What Happens to Grass in Hot Weather

When the heat rises and watering is restricted, most grasses protect themselves by going into dormancy. Once the turf receives adequate water again, either through rainfall or irrigation, it can typically bounce back to a healthier, greener state.

What Is Dormancy?

Dormancy in grass occurs when temperatures soar and the plant needs to conserve moisture. When dormant, grass will:

• Shut down leaf growth to reduce water loss
• Turn brown and dry as it stops most top growth
• Remain dormant until it receives enough water to sustain new growth

To tell the difference between dormant and dead lawn:

• Dormant Grass: Check the crown at the base of the leaf. If it’s white or off-white, the grass is usually alive and just dormant.
• Dead Grass: If the crown is brown and brittle, the lawn is likely dead.

Tips for Protecting Your Lawn in High Temperatures

1. Minimise Foot Traffic
   Grass is under stress in hot conditions, so try to keep off the lawn where possible.
2. Longer, Less Frequent Watering
   Watering deeply but less often encourages deep root growth. This helps the turf seek moisture further into the soil and stay hydrated for longer.
3. Remove Dead Material
   Clear away thatch or dead grass so the living components can access available water and nutrients more easily.
4. Aerate the Lawn
   By increasing airflow and improving water penetration to the roots, you give your lawn the best chance of holding onto any moisture it does receive. (Lawn Aerator Sandals)

How Much Water Does Turf Really Need?

Water is essential to a lawn for:

• Transporting nutrients
• Maintaining cell structure
• Supporting photosynthesis

In periods of normal rainfall, many turf varieties get enough moisture naturally. However, during drought conditions or times of extreme heat, supplemental watering may be needed to prevent the grass from staying in prolonged dormancy. If the roots cannot find adequate moisture, the leaves close their stomata (see Resources), limiting growth and the overall health of the grass.

What About Irrigation?

If rainfall isn’t meeting your lawn’s needs, proper irrigation can make all the difference:

• Always follow local water restrictions to help conserve water.
• Choose irrigation times wisely (mornings and evenings) to reduce evaporation.
• Consider using timers or automated systems for consistent watering.

When Do I Need to Water My Lawn?

Watering your lawn is one of the most important things you can do to keep your turf happy, but it’s crucial to get the balance right as both under-watering and over-watering can cause problems.

1. Use Sprinklers & Soaker Hoses
   These help achieve a consistent spread of water. Hand watering can lead to missed spots and uneven distribution.
2. Morning or Early Evening is Best
   Water in the cool parts of the day so the moisture can penetrate the soil before evaporating. Avoid watering at night to prevent fungal issues.
3. Less Frequent, Deeper Watering
   Water 2–3 times a week for a longer period (e.g., one hour) rather than 5–6 short bursts. This trains your lawn to be more drought-tolerant by encouraging deeper root growth.
4. Consider Your Lawn Type
   Some lawns require less water than others. Research your specific variety’s needs.
5. Keep an Eye on Weather Conditions
   Hot spells may mean you need to increase watering; lengthy rainy periods allow you to water less.

Remember: always abide by your local water restrictions. If you choose a drought-tolerant lawn and follow the above tips, it’s more likely to remain healthy even if restrictions are enforced.

Why Does My Lawn Have Brown Patches?

Sometimes, brown patches appear even if you’re watering correctly. Here are some common reasons:

Lawn Grubs in Lawns

• Rapidly Spreading Brown Patches can be a sign of lawn grubs.
• Grub Test: Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of water and pour over the affected area at dawn or dusk. Watch for grubs or caterpillars rising to the surface over 10 minutes.
• Treatment: Use a quick knockdown product like Battle Insecticide to eliminate existing pests, then apply a preventative insecticide like Grub Guard Ultimate or Acelepryn GR to stop future infestations for up to six months.

How to Stop Fungal Diseases in Lawns

• Signs of Fungal Disease: Discolouration, brown or yellow patches, mushrooms, and other fungal growth.
• Common Causes: Poor drainage, soil compaction, too much shade, overwatering, overfertilising, incorrect mowing height, and certain weather conditions (high humidity or temperature).
• Prevention:
  • Aerate to improve drainage and reduce compaction.
  • Increase sunlight exposure by pruning trees and shrubs.
  • Water in the morning rather than late in the day or at night.
  • Mow regularly, removing only one-third of the leaf each time.
• Treatment: If issues persist, consider a fungicide like Edict Disease Control, specifically designed for your grass variety.

How to Stop Urine Burn

• High Nitrogen Content: Dog urine often burns the lawn because of the concentrated nitrogen.
• Signs:
  • Brown or yellow spots that don’t spread much.
  • Greener ring around the outer edge of the patch.
  • Occur where your dog usually urinates.
• Solutions:
  • Train dogs to use a designated area.
  • Water the spot immediately after the dog urinates to dilute nitrogen.
  • Adjust the dog’s diet if recommended by a vet.

Brown Patches from Scalping Your Lawn

• Scalping occurs if you mow your grass too short, exposing the brown stems.
• Causes: Uneven lawn levels, or waiting too long between mows.
• Solution: Topdress and level out the surface if needed, and mow regularly so you don’t remove more than one-third of the leaf each time.

Dry Spots in Lawns

• Symptoms: Patches of grass that remain dry and resist water penetration.
• Fixes:
  1. Aerate with a garden fork or aerator to relieve compaction.
  2. Apply a wetting agent (e.g., Lawn Soaker) across the entire lawn.
  3. Water heavily in the mornings until you see recovery.
  4. Once recovered, apply a quality fertiliser (e.g., Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser or a natural alternative ProPlus Natural Carbon Fertiliser ) to boost growth.

Final Thoughts

Striking the right balance with watering is one of the keys to maintaining a happy, healthy lawn. Combine good watering habits with proper mowing, fertilising, pest management, and disease prevention. If you do this—and select a turf variety suited to your local climate—your lawn will reward you with lush, green growth even when conditions get tough.

If you require any further turf assistance, give Rosemount Turf a call on (07) 5448 6398, and we will be more than happy to help you choose the right lawn variety and keep it thriving all year round.

Resources

• Stomata (singular: stoma) are tiny pores typically found on the surfaces of leaves and stems in plants. They are bordered by specialised guard cells that open and close the pore to regulate gas exchange (taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen) and control water loss through transpiration.

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