Watering Tips

Watering with ProLawnsAu

Water is the backbone of any lawn care plan, but it doesn’t mean you need to drown your grass to keep it green. With the right approach you can cut down how often you water, save money on the water bill, and still keep your lawn lush and healthy.

Long Term Watering

How much water your lawn needs depends on a few key things – your climate, the season, water restrictions, your soil type, and the variety of grass you’ve got. Lawns with good drought tolerance need less, while lighter soils that don’t hold moisture may need a bit more.

The golden rule is less frequent but deeper soaks. Giving the lawn a big drink encourages deeper roots, which makes your grass more resilient. Shallow, frequent watering just encourages weak roots and thirsty grass.

When to Water

The best time to water is early in the morning before the heat kicks in. This cuts down evaporation and gives the soil time to absorb the moisture. Avoid watering in the evening in humid conditions – that’s when fungus loves to move in.

A good test is to push a screwdriver into the soil. If it slides in easily, the lawn is holding enough water. If it’s tough to get in, it’s time for a drink.

Measuring Water

It helps to know how much water your system is delivering. One simple way is the bucket test – place a few containers around the yard, run your sprinkler for 30 minutes, then measure how much water has collected. You’re aiming for around 10 to 15mm per session.

Water Sources

Rainwater tanks, bore water and recycled grey water are all good options to reduce reliance on town supply. Just make sure detergents in grey water are low in phosphorus and sodium, and check your council’s rules on use.

If you’re dealing with salty water, some grasses like buffalo varieties will tolerate it, while others like couch or kikuyu will struggle. Adding gypsum or lime can help manage salt build-up in soils.

Water Retention

Making the most of every drop is key. Wetting agents are a great tool to help water soak deep into the soil instead of running off. Products like Turf Tukka fertiliser also improve soil health, which means your lawn holds water better over time.

Keep your mowing height on the longer side during dry spells. Taller grass shades the soil, slows evaporation and gives weeds less of a chance to settle in.

Overwatering Warning

More water is not better. Too much will starve the roots of oxygen, waste money and cause fungal problems. Your lawn will tell you when it’s thirsty – if it’s wilting, going bluish-grey, or not springing back after you walk on it, it’s time to turn on the tap.