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How to Manage Lawn Care in Drought-Prone Areas

Droughts are a reality in many parts of Australia, and they present a significant challenge for homeowners trying to maintain healthy, green lawns. With increasing water restrictions and rising temperatures, it’s important to have strategies in place that allow you to keep your lawn looking its best, even in drought-prone areas. 

At Wirri, we believe that with the right approach, you can manage a thriving lawn even under water restrictions. Let’s explore some practical and eco-conscious ways to manage lawn care in drought-prone regions, using less water without sacrificing the beauty and health of your lawn. 

1. Choosing the Right Grass for Drought Conditions

The first step in managing lawn care during drought is to start with the right type of grass. Some grass varieties are more drought-tolerant than others, and choosing the right one can make a huge difference in how well your lawn withstands dry conditions. 

Here are some top drought-tolerant grasses for Australian lawns: 

  • Couch Grass: One of the most drought-resistant varieties, Couch grass thrives in hot, dry conditions. Its deep root system allows it to access water deep in the soil, making it an excellent choice for drought-prone areas. 
  • Kikuyu Grass: Known for its rapid growth and ability to withstand dry spells, Kikuyu is another great choice for those living in areas where water is scarce. It’s also quite hardy and can recover quickly after periods of drought. 
  • Buffalo Grass: Buffalo grass holds moisture well and is a good option for areas that get both sun and shade. It’s more drought-resistant than people realise and can remain green with less water than many other varieties. 

Selecting the right grass type sets the foundation for a lawn that can withstand extended dry periods, using less water while still maintaining a healthy appearance. 

Lawn Care Tips - Mowing your lawn during dry periods

2. Watering Smarter, Not Harder

Water restrictions are a common part of life in drought-prone areas, so it’s important to make the most of the water you’re allowed to use. Here are some tips for getting the best results from minimal watering: 

  • Water Early in the Morning: Watering in the early morning, typically between 5 am and 9 am, helps reduce water loss due to evaporation. This allows the water to soak deeper into the soil, reaching the roots where it’s needed most. 
  • Deep, Infrequent Watering: Instead of watering daily with shallow amounts, aim for deep watering sessions a couple of times a week. This encourages your lawn’s roots to grow deeper, making them more drought-resistant. 
  • Use Efficient Irrigation Systems: Drip irrigation or soaker hoses deliver water directly to the soil with minimal evaporation. Smart irrigation controllers that adjust based on weather conditions can also help conserve water. 
  • Collect Rainwater: If allowed by local regulations, install a rainwater tank to collect and store water for your lawn during dry periods. Using rainwater is an eco-friendly way to keep your lawn hydrated while adhering to water restrictions. 

3. Improving Soil Health to Retain Moisture

Healthy soil is the key to water retention. By improving the quality of your soil, you can help your lawn retain more moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. Here are some ways to improve your soil’s ability to hold water: 

  • Add Organic Matter: Incorporating organic materials like compost or manure into your soil improves its structure and water-holding capacity. Over time, organic matter helps the soil retain more moisture, reducing the amount of water your lawn needs. 
  • Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch around your lawn edges and garden beds helps reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, promoting a healthier, more resilient lawn. 
  • Soil Wetting Agents: Drought-prone areas often suffer from hydrophobic (water-repellent) soil, which prevents water from soaking into the ground. Applying a soil wetting agent helps break down this barrier and allows water to penetrate deeper into the soil. 

At Wirri, we recommend adding soil conditioners regularly as part of your lawn care routine. This helps your soil stay healthy and moisture-retentive, even in the driest conditions. 

4. Mowing Techniques for Drought-Resistant Lawns

Believe it or not, the way you mow your lawn during dry periods can have a big impact on its ability to survive a drought. Here’s how to adjust your mowing routine for drought conditions: 

  • Mow High: Keep your grass longer during droughts by setting your mower blades higher. Taller grass provides shade for the soil, reducing evaporation and helping to keep moisture in the root zone. Aim to leave your grass around 5-7 cm tall. 
  • Mow Less Frequently: Reducing the frequency of mowing during a drought can help your lawn conserve water. Less mowing reduces stress on the grass and helps the lawn recover more quickly once water becomes available. 
  • Leave Clippings: Leaving your grass clippings on the lawn after mowing helps to mulch the lawn and retain moisture. Grass clippings break down quickly and return valuable nutrients to the soil. 

These simple adjustments to your mowing routine can make a big difference in your lawn’s ability to cope with dry conditions. 

5. Weed Control in Drought-Prone Lawns

Weeds compete with your lawn for water, nutrients, and sunlight, which is especially problematic during a drought. Controlling weeds is crucial to ensuring that your lawn can access the resources it needs to survive. 

  • Spot Treatment: Use selective herbicides to target weeds without damaging your grass. Spot-treating weeds as they appear prevents them from spreading and taking over your lawn. 
  • Mulching: As mentioned earlier, mulch is a great way to suppress weed growth while retaining moisture in your soil. A layer of organic mulch around your lawn’s edges and garden beds will help keep weeds at bay. 
  • Hand Weeding: For smaller lawns or areas where herbicide use is restricted, hand weeding can be an effective way to control weeds. Removing weeds before they seed prevents future infestations. 

Staying on top of weed control during a drought will ensure that your lawn doesn’t have to compete for water and nutrients when resources are scarce. 

Lawn Care Tips - Using mulching during a drought

6. Fertilising Your Lawn in Drought Conditions

Fertilising your lawn can be tricky during a drought. While it’s important to keep your grass healthy, over-fertilising can stress your lawn, especially when water is limited. 

  • Use Slow-Release Fertilisers: A slow-release fertiliser is ideal for drought-prone lawns, as it provides a steady supply of nutrients over time without overwhelming the grass. Look for eco-friendly, organic fertilisers that support soil health while nourishing your lawn. 
  • Fertilise Before Rain: If rain is forecast, time your fertiliser application just before the rainfall. This allows the nutrients to soak into the soil and prevents the risk of burning your lawn during hot, dry conditions. 
  • Fertilise Less Frequently: During periods of drought, it’s best to fertilise less frequently. Applying too much fertiliser can cause your lawn to grow faster than its root system can support, which leads to stress when water is limited. 

By using a balanced approach to fertilising, you can support your lawn’s health without causing additional strain during drought conditions. 

Final Thoughts: Achieving a Drought-Resistant Lawn

Maintaining a healthy, green lawn in drought-prone areas can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible. By choosing drought-tolerant grass varieties, watering efficiently, improving soil health, and making small adjustments to your mowing and fertilising routines, you can reduce water usage while keeping your lawn looking great. 

At Wirri, we’re dedicated to helping you care for your lawn in the most eco-friendly and effective way possible. Our subscription service provides everything you need, from tailored fertilisers to expert advice, ensuring your lawn stays healthy no matter the weather. 

Ready to drought-proof your lawn? Explore our range of eco-conscious lawn care products and start your journey toward a resilient, beautiful lawn today! 

 Stay tuned for more lawn care tips and advice from Wirri. Follow our blog for seasonal updates and expert insights!