Drought And Your Backyard
Drought can have a significant impact on your lawn, as the country is known for its hot and dry climate in many regions. Here are some ways drought can affect your lawn:
- Water Stress: During a drought, there is a lack of rainfall and reduced water availability. This can lead to water stress for your lawn, causing it to wilt and turn brown. Grass may go dormant as a survival mechanism, which means it stops growing and conserves energy.
- Thinning and Weakening: Extended drought conditions can lead to thinning of the grass, making it more susceptible to weeds and pests. Weakened grass is less resilient and may not recover easily when water becomes available again.
- Brown and Patchy Appearance: Drought-stressed lawns often develop brown and patchy areas as the grass dies off. These patches can be unattractive and reduce the overall aesthetic appeal of your lawn.
- Increased Susceptibility to Diseases: Drought-stressed lawns are more vulnerable to diseases, as they lack the resources to fight off pathogens. Fungal diseases, in particular, can become a problem in dry conditions.
- Compaction: As the soil dries out, it becomes more compacted, which can restrict root growth and water penetration. Compacted soil also reduces the lawn’s ability to absorb and retain moisture.
- Reduced Root Growth: During drought, grass often prioritizes root growth over top growth. While this can help the grass survive, it may result in shallower root systems, which are less effective at accessing water and nutrients.
- Increased Weeds: Weeds are often more resilient than grass in dry conditions, so a drought-stressed lawn is more likely to be invaded by weeds. These weeds can further compete for limited water resources.
To mitigate the effects of drought on your lawn in Australia, consider the following tips:
- Water Wisely: Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Use a soaker hose or irrigation system for efficient watering, and follow any water restrictions or guidelines in your area.
- Choose Drought-Tolerant Grass: Consider replacing your existing grass with a drought-resistant variety better suited to the Australian climate, such as a Zoysia variety. Zoysia grasses are deep rooted opposed to most other varieties. This means it searches for underground moisture and also protected from the harsh outdoor elements.
- Aerate the Soil: Regularly aerating the soil can prevent compaction and improve water infiltration.
- Fertilize Appropriately: Use fertilizers that are suitable for drought conditions and follow recommended application rates.
- Mow Properly: Maintain a higher mowing height to provide shade for the soil and reduce water loss through evaporation.
- Limit Foot Traffic: Minimize foot traffic on the lawn during drought to avoid additional stress on the grass.
- Use a Wetting Agent: the most underrated product on the market. Use every 4/5 weeks to extend your watering and make it more effective.
All recommended products are available to purchase through our online store.
By taking proactive measures and adapting your lawn care practices to the prevailing drought conditions, you can help your lawn better withstand the challenges of a dry climate in Australia.
