HOW TO WATER YOUR LAWN CORRECTLY IN SUMMER
DECEMBER GUIDE
December marks the beginning of serious summer heat in Adelaide. Many lawns begin to struggle at this time of year – not always because of a lack of water, but often because of how they are being watered.
Light, frequent watering might seem helpful, but it works against the long-term health of the lawn. It encourages shallow root growth, making the grass more vulnerable to heat and dry conditions.
Water Deeply and Infrequently
The most effective way to water during summer is to apply water deeply but less often. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, improving the lawn’s ability to access moisture during hot, dry periods.
A good approach is to water thoroughly, so the soil is wet to the depth of the root zone, then allow the lawn to dry out before watering again. This method helps the grass develop a stronger, more resilient root system.
Best Time of Day to Water
Watering early in the morning (ideally between 4am and 9am) is the most efficient time. At this time of day, evaporation is lower, and the water has a better chance of reaching the root zone before the heat of the day.
Watering during the middle of the day should be avoided, as a large portion of the water is lost to evaporation. Watering late in the evening is also not ideal, as it can keep the foliage wet overnight and increase the risk of fungal disease.
Mow Higher During Summer
Raising your mower height during the hotter months helps the lawn in several ways. Longer grass shades the soil, reduces moisture loss, and helps protect the crown of the plant from heat stress. It also encourages deeper root growth, which improves the lawn’s ability to handle dry conditions.
Fertilising in Early Summer
December is one of the key times we apply fertiliser as part of our 12-month lawn care programs. At this stage of the year, the focus is on supporting the lawn through the heat rather than pushing excessive top growth.
A well-balanced application at the right time helps replenish energy reserves and improves the lawn’s ability to handle stress. Applying too much nitrogen too late in the season can encourage soft growth that struggles in the heat, so timing and formulation are important.
Renovation Work in Early Summer
While many people think of spring as the main time for aeration and scarification, these services can still be carried out effectively into early summer. In fact, lawns that are watered correctly often recover faster from renovations done during the warmer months compared to those carried out in early spring.
High traffic lawns can benefit from aeration at this time of year to relieve compaction and improve root development before the peak of summer.
Professional Lawn Care Through Summer
Managing a lawn through Adelaide’s hot, dry summers takes consistency and good timing. Correct mowing heights, smart watering practices, and properly timed nutrition all contribute to a lawn that stays healthier and more resilient when temperatures rise.
Our 12-month lawn care programs include regular mowing, fertilising, and weed control – all scheduled at the right times for Adelaide conditions. This removes the guesswork and helps your lawn stay in better condition throughout the toughest months of the year.
Want Your Lawn to Handle Summer Better?
Our programs start from just $199 per month and include expert mowing, fertilising, and weed control on a scheduled basis.
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