Lawns, like gardens, perform best when managed conservatively, not pushed aggressively.
“I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains”
Dorothea Mackellar captured Australia perfectly, and nowhere is that reality felt more keenly than in our backyards. This summer has reminded many Australians that lawn care is no longer a one-size-fits-all exercise, but a matter of adapting to extremes.
Lawn care during a long, hot summer
During prolonged heat, the biggest mistake home-owners make is trying to force growth. Lawns should be mown higher than usual to shade the soil and protect roots from heat stress. Water deeply but less often, ideally early in the morning or late in the evening, to encourage deeper root systems.
Avoid heavy fertilising in peak heat, as it can burn turf and increase water demand. A resilient summer lawn is one that is managed conservatively, not pushed aggressively.
Caring for lawns after flooding
Floodwaters suffocate grass roots and often leave behind silt, debris and contaminants. Once water recedes, resist the urge to mow immediately. Allow the lawn to dry, then gently remove sediment and aerate compacted areas to restore oxygen to the soil. Expect some turf loss — recovery may take weeks — but many Australian grasses are surprisingly resilient when given time and airflow.
Managing lawns after fire
After fire, soil structure is often compromised and nutrients depleted. Ash can be beneficial in small amounts, but excessive residue should be lightly raked away. Reintroduce organic matter, avoid heavy traffic, and focus on gradual soil recovery before reseeding or returfing. Patience is critical — rushed intervention can do more harm than good.
Finally, a garden chipper or shredder can turn storm, flood or fire-damaged garden waste into valuable mulch for free, to improving soil health and helping to conserve moisture, while keeping organic material out of landfill.
