How Can You Keep a New Lawn Healthy Through a Hot Summer?
Seeding out for a new lawn is hard work, and keeping it green through the height of summer can be tough — particularly in hot, dry areas such as Western Australia. High heat, strong sunlight and minimal rain can easily stress out young turf, so it needs looking after. Fortunately, with expert guidance from turf suppliers in Perth and a little know-how in the maintenance department, you can give your lawn the best chance of survival even in the midst of a sizzling summer.
Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf Varieties
The first step to maintaining a healthy lawn in summer begins long before the heat sets in—it starts with choosing the right turf variety. Local Perth turf suppliers often recommend warm-season grasses such as buffalo, kikuyu, or couch for their superior drought resistance and ability to recover quickly from stress. These varieties are well adapted to Perth’s dry climate and intense sunlight, maintaining color and texture even when water is scarce.
You can be sure that you’ll be choosing the best Perth turf for your garden when you consult with specialized Perth turf suppliers as they will give you advice relevant to your specific conditions, based on things such as your soil type, shade levels and amount of foot traffic. A turf type that is heat tolerant by nature will need less maintenance and water over summer and help your new lawn get the best possible start.
Watering Deeply and Consistently
Watering is the most important thing for keeping a new lawn alive during summer. New turf takes a battering, particularly as the roots are shallow and can dry out very quickly. Perth turf suppliers recommend watering early in the morning when the temperature is cooler, so the moisture can penetrate into the soil before it dries up.
Instead of light, frequent watering, give it a deep, thorough watering and water consistently to get roots to grow down. It makes the turf more hardwearing and enables the turf to draw on water from deeper soil. Lawn water needs may be as high as two to three times a week during hot summer days; daily watering may be appropriate for the first few weeks when the lawn is very young and vulnerable to growing under extreme heat. When established: Water less often but longer as this lets the grass get used to Perth’s summer climate and water more efficiently.
Mowing Correctly for Heat Protection
Too short mowing, particularly in summer, is a standard misstep that damages new lawns and that can also damage older lawns as well. Grass cut too low exposes the soil, allowing direct sunlight to hit the soil, which makes it dry faster and this stresses the young turf. Perth Turf Suppliers said it was recommended to leave grass a little longer during the warmer months. Longer blades cast shade on the soil, which helps to slow the loss of moisture and keeps the soil more evenly moist.
Be sure your mower blade(s) are sharp so you aren’t tearing the grass, which causes it to turn brown and demands more water. Only cut it when you have to, and never clip more than one-third of the grass blades at once. This kinder, gentler mowing routine is the reason your lawn can stay cool and green as the temperature rises.
Feeding and Fertilising for Strength
Hot, dry weather can exhaust soil nutrients, making your grass weak and susceptible to stress. Perth turf suppliers say a slow release fertiliser is the best way to provide balanced nutrition for turf over a number of weeks. Fertilising in early summer also encourages the grass to develop deep roots and maintain its lush green appearance.
But the timing is important. Do not fertilize in the heat wave, the lawn will burn. Instead, apply fertiliser in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. A nutrient-dense lawn will be more resilient to the rigors of summer, and better able to bounce back in the aftermath of drought or heavy foot traffic.
Managing Heat Stress and Dry Spots
Even when you care for your lawn properly, there will always be areas that dry out more quickly than others, especially close to driveways, fences, or at exposed corners. Perth Turf suppliers often recommend watching your lawn carefully during heatwaves and modifying your once‐a week watering schedule to compensate for these trouble spots. Doing a little hand watering in specific spots will help isolate dry patches from spreading.
Using a wetting agent can also contribute to an enhanced moisture retention in the soil, as well as by promoting an uniform penetration of the water. This little bit of extra work makes sure that your new lawn soaks up every drop of water, minimizing waste and letting the roots stay hydrated longer.”
Trusting Local Expertise for Long-Term Success
Looking after a new lawn over a summer in Perth is a mixture of preparation, consistency and knowing a thing or two. Working with established Perth turf suppliers then ensures that the homeowner is provided with solutions that are customized to the local soil conditions, type of turf, and seasonal challenges. They provide realistic advice on when to water, how to improve the soil and on the best fertiliser — three of the most important elements of long-term success.
With the proper turf selection, correct watering, and regular care, your lawn can not only survive but thrive during even the most blistering summer days. After receiving advice from the reliable Perth turf suppliers, you can be assured of a lush and strong lawn, that will stay green and welcoming whatever the temperature might be.
