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How to fix a stressed lawn in the summer heat

Quick tips to recover heat-stressed lawns and proactively protect them

Aussie summers can be brutal on your lawn, with scorching sun, high temps, and dry conditions causing heat stress. If your lawn’s looking patchy, dry, or losing its colour, it’s time to step in. 

In this guide, we’ll cover how to spot signs of heat stress, ways to fix a stressed lawn, and smart strategies to keep your grass healthy, even in the toughest heat. If you’d like a visual guide, check out our video on heat-stressed lawn care.

Recognising signs of heat stress in your lawn

Knowing what heat stress looks like is key to taking action quickly. Here are the most common signs:

Common heat stressed lawn symptoms

• Footprint test: If footprints linger after you walk on your lawn, it’s a clear sign your grass is thirsty. Healthy grass should bounce back straight away.
• Wilting and folding: Grass blades might wilt, curl, or fold as they try to save water, a classic sign that your lawn is under moisture stress.
• Losing colour: Heat stress can turn grass yellow, brown, or even grey due to the loss of chlorophyll as the plant tries to conserve energy.
• Patchy dryness: Soil can become unevenly moist, with some spots drying out faster than others, making your lawn look patchy.

Tips on helping your grass recover from heat stress

Mitigating lawn stress means giving your grass the targeted care it needs to bounce back. Here’s how:

Use wetting agents to improve moisture retention

Wetting agents help water soak into the soil better. They reduce water runoff and ensure moisture reaches the root system, which is critical during hot, dry weather. You’ll find some premium wetting agents in our online shop.

• Application tips: Apply wetting agents during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to prevent evaporation.
• Frequency: Use them every 4-6 weeks during hot spells to keep the soil moist.

Aerate your lawn to reduce soil compaction

Compacted soil makes it tough for water, air, and nutrients to get to the roots. Aeration can help loosen things up.

• How to aerate: Use a manual aerating device or garden fork to make holes all over your lawn, focusing on high-traffic areas.
• When to aerate: For the best results, aerate in spring or early summer when your grass is actively growing.

Water your lawn effectively

Getting your watering right is key to helping your lawn survive the heat. Here’s a simple watering guide:

• Time of day: Water early in the morning to cut down on evaporation and give your lawn the best chance to soak up moisture.
• Water deeply, not frequently: Water less often but more deeply to encourage grass roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more resilient to heat stress.
• Measure with tuna cans: Place empty tuna cans around your lawn to see how much water it’s getting. Aim for 2.5 cm of water per week, including rainfall.

Minimise foot traffic during peak heat

Too much foot traffic can stress your lawn even more by compacting the soil and damaging grass roots.

• Reduce activity: Limit play, mowing, or heavy foot traffic on your lawn when it’s stressed, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
• Create pathways: Adding stepping stones or mulch paths in high-traffic spots can protect the grass and help keep a healthy lawn.

Long-term strategies to prevent lawn heat stress

Taking good care of your lawn can go a long way in preventing heat stress and keeping it healthy year-round.

Choose the right grass type for your climate

Choosing the right grass for your climate is a game-changer. In hot areas, warm-season grasses like Bermuda and buffalo lawns handle drought and high temperatures much better.

• Sir Walter Buffalo: Great for shade tolerance and soft leaf blades, making it a top choice for Australian backyards.
• TifTuf Bermuda: A drought-tolerant grass with fine leaf blades that stays green with less water.
• Eureka Kikuyu: A tough grass that establishes quickly, perfect for full sun and high wear.
• Sir Grange Zoysia: A premium turf with lush looks and high shade tolerance, ideal for varied light conditions.

Warm-season grass thrives in full sun and needs less water than cool-season varieties, making them ideal for Aussie summers. Cool-season grasses might struggle in hot, dry conditions and usually need more water and some shade.

Implement proper lawn care practices

Keeping up with the right techniques can help prevent heat stress on the lawn.

• Mowing: Raise your mower blades during hot weather to leave grass taller, which helps shade the soil and keeps moisture in.
• Fertilising: Use a balanced fertiliser, like Exceed Liquid Fertiliser, to boost the root system. A healthy lawn is better equipped to handle stress.
• Regular aeration and dethatching: Both improve soil structure, allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots, which boosts overall lawn health.

Lawn heat stress vs. fungus: Understanding the difference

Sometimes, heat stress and fungal problems can look alike, but there are some key differences.

Distinguishing between heat stress and fungal problems

• Heat stress: This happens when your lawn faces long periods of high temperatures and not enough water. Look for dry, discoloured patches without mould or visible fungal growth. Affected areas often feel crunchy underfoot, and symptoms get worse in hot, dry weather. Hard, compacted soil is also a sign that water isn’t getting in.
• Fungal infections: Grass fungus is caused by fungal pathogens that love moist, humid conditions. Look for distinct spots, rings, or patches in white, yellow, or brown. Some fungi, like powdery mildew, look like a greyish coating on grass blades, while others, like rust, leave orange or red spots. Fungus can make grass slimy, damp, or matted, and the lawn might feel spongy. If you think it’s fungus, use a fungicide and aerate the lawn to cut down moisture on the stressed lawn.

By knowing what to look for, you can take the right steps to tackle the issue your lawn is facing, keeping your grass healthy and resilient.

FAQs on managing heat stress in lawns

How can I tell if my lawn is heat-stressed or has a disease?

Heat stress usually causes widespread yellowing and dryness, while diseases often show up as distinct patterns or spots. Monitoring your lawn’s moisture levels and looking out for specific signs of fungus can help you figure out the issue.

How often should I water my lawn during heat waves?

In extreme heat, water deeply 2-3 times a week, adjusting for any rain. This helps grow deeper roots, making your lawn more drought-resistant.

Can wetting agents be used on all grass types?

Yes, wetting agents work for all grass types. They help the soil soak up and hold onto moisture, which is especially helpful during heat stress.

What signs indicate my lawn has recovered from heat stress?

Signs of heat stressed lawn recovery include your grass getting its vibrant green back, footprints disappearing after walking, and a more evenly moist soil surface. Regular care and proper watering will help your lawn bounce back.

How can I protect my buffalo lawn from heat stress?

Buffalo lawns are pretty heat-tolerant, but regular deep watering, proper mowing, and using a wetting agent can keep them green and healthy, even in extreme temperatures.

Keep your lawn cool and thriving in the Aussie heat

Be proactive to keep your lawn cool and healthy during Aussie summers. Choose the right grass type, adjust your watering methods, and stay on top of proper lawn care. These tips will keep your lawn looking lush even in the toughest conditions. 

For more guidance, check out our lawn care guide for detailed tips on protecting your lawn from heat stress and keeping it vibrant year-round. Don’t let the summer heat take over — with the right care, your lawn can thrive all season long!