Yes, it’s been dry!

Yes, it’s been dry!

Adelaide has been experiencing an exceptionally dry summer, with below-average rainfall making it tough for lawns to stay green and healthy. If you’ve been struggling to keep your lawn looking its best, you’re not alone. The lack of consistent rain, combined with hot temperatures and wind, has left many lawns dry, patchy, and stressed. But as we move into autumn, now is the perfect time to start repairing the damage and preparing your lawn for the cooler months ahead.

Smart Watering for a Dry Climate

With the need to conserve water, it’s important to be smart about how and when you water your lawn. Deep, infrequent watering is far more effective than frequent shallow watering. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your lawn more drought-resistant in the long run. Watering early in the morning or late in the afternoon also reduces evaporation, ensuring your lawn gets the maximum benefit from every drop.

If you have a sprinkler system, check that it’s working efficiently and not wasting water on driveways or paths. A good way to test this is to place a few small containers around your lawn while watering. This helps you see how evenly the water is distributed and whether any adjustments are needed.

Lawn Care Tips for March

March is a crucial time for lawn recovery. After months of heat stress, your lawn needs the right care to regain its strength before winter. One of the best things you can do now is aerate your lawn. This involves creating small holes in the soil to improve airflow, water penetration, and nutrient absorption. If your lawn feels hard underfoot, aeration is especially important.

Applying a quality lawn fertiliser in early autumn will also help replenish lost nutrients. Look for a slow-release formula that provides a steady supply of nutrients over the coming weeks. A balanced fertiliser with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will encourage strong root growth and help your lawn recover more quickly.

Mowing and Maintenance

Many people continue mowing their lawn the same way they did in summer, but as temperatures start to drop, it’s worth adjusting your mowing routine. Raising the mower height slightly allows the grass to grow a little longer, which helps shade the soil and retain moisture. This is particularly important after a dry summer when the roots may be weak.

It’s also a good time to remove any thatch build-up. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that sits between the soil and the green blades of grass. A thin layer is normal, but too much can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots. If your lawn feels spongy, dethatching with a rake or specialised tool can help improve its overall health.

Preparing for the Cooler Months

With autumn bringing (hopefully) more rain, getting your soil in the best possible condition will help your lawn make the most of any moisture. Adding a wetting agent can improve water absorption, especially if your soil has become hydrophobic (water-repellent) due to prolonged dryness. This allows water to penetrate the soil instead of running off, ensuring your lawn benefits from every drop.

If your lawn has bare patches, now is also the time to overseed. Spreading a thin layer of quality lawn seed over patchy areas will encourage new growth and help thicken up your lawn before winter. This is especially useful for older lawns that have started to thin out over time.

Instant Lawn Solutions

If your lawn has suffered extensive damage from the heat and drought, installing instant lawn may be the best solution. At Instant Lawn Adelaide, we specialise in high-quality instant lawn installation, giving you a fresh, green lawn without the wait. Whether you need a full lawn replacement or just a small area repaired, we have the right turf solutions to suit Adelaide’s climate.

We also offer expert lawn maintenance and care, helping you get the most out of your lawn all year round. From aeration and fertilising to professional advice on watering and soil health, we’re here to ensure your lawn stays strong, green, and healthy. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help!