The forecasts tell us we are in for a hot and dry period in most areas of Australia over the coming couple of years, with the Bureau of Meteorology announcing that El Niño is now underway. We’ve experienced these conditions before, and it puts a lot of stress on our lawns. In this blog, we share some tips to nurse your lawn through these drought conditions with a particular focus on soil wetters.
What is El Niño and What Does It Mean for My Lawn?
El Niño occurs when the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are significantly warmer than average, leading to a shift in rainfall – away from Australia, so we experience an increased probability of drier conditions. Surviving El Niño and drought conditions can be challenging for lawns, with decreased rainfall and increased temperatures, leading to dry, stressed grass.
Here are some tips to help your lawn survive during El Niño and drought periods:
How Often Should I Water My Lawn During El Niño?
Instead of frequent shallow watering, promote deep root growth by watering your lawn deeply but less frequently. Water your lawn early in the morning to reduce evaporation loss. We would also recommend that you consider using a rain gauge or moisture meter to monitor soil moisture levels.
What Is a Soil Wetter?
Soil wetters, also known as soil surfactants or wetting agents, are substances used to improve water penetration and distribution within the soil. They are particularly beneficial for lawns and gardens where water tends to pool or run off rather than being absorbed properly.
How Do Soil Wetters Work?
Soil wetters work by altering the surface tension of water. They will help water spread more evenly throughout the soil rather than beading up or forming puddles. This facilitates better absorption and distribution of water throughout the root zone, ensuring that moisture reaches the areas where it’s needed most.
The frequency of application depends on the specific product used, the soil conditions, and environmental factors affecting water absorption.
For soil wetters, we recommend using our Lawn Soaker. Lawn Soaker is a ready-to-use soil wetting agent specifically developed for use on lawns. This product is designed to improve the penetration of water so it can reach deep down into the roots of your lawn. Lawn Soaker comes in a hose on bottle for an easy application. Simply clip it onto your hose and spray. Apply as frequently as necessary to treat water-repellent soil and improve drought resistance. Regular use will ensure the soil re-wets and prevent further dry spots from forming.
How Should I Mow My Lawn During Drought?
Set your mower blades to a higher setting to leave grass taller. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and helping to retain moisture. A short cut lawn will require more watering, along with other inputs to be maintained and kept healthy.
Will Aerating My Soil Help During Drought?
Aerating your lawn allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. Aerating will help promote healthier root systems that can better withstand drought stress. If the water can’t penetrate compacted soil, it’s not going to be readily available for the roots of the plant when needed.
What is The Best Lawn During Drought?
If you are looking to install a new lawn, make sure you go with a drought-resistant grass species. New and improved turf varieties are bred to have superior drought tolerances than those that have come before. TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is a leading example.
TifTuf is the only grass with the Smart Approved WaterMark for its water efficiency and drought tolerance and is a great choice with the current climate.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
