Keep your lawn alive while saving water

By following a few simple tips and using alternative water sources, you can still maintain your lawn during the drought.

• Most lawns will tolerate a period of dying-back (browning) during a drought or dry season and will return to health when normal rain patterns return.
     
• Watering your lawn during winter is generally not necessary at all, unless it is an abnormally dry season.
      
• Under water restrictions you may not be able to water your lawn with the town water supply, and will need to use an alternate water source.
     
• Alternative sources include rainwater tanks, bore water or grey water re-use systems. However you can only use a rainwater tank if it is not connected to the town water supply.
     
• Both Gosford and Wyong Councils provide a rebate for installation of rainwater tanks, for further information contact your local Council.

Rainwater tanks
Read how a tank can help you save town water.

Establishing new lawns
As new lawns require frequent watering until they are established (check timeframes when purchasing), you will need to ensure your turf supplier can provide an exemption through ‘water banking’ arrangements with your local Council.

Mowing
The higher you mow the grass, the deeper and more extensive the roots. This will make your grass more drought tolerant and it will require less watering.

Your grass should be cut according to the type of grass. Mow Couch between 20-30mm and mow Buffalo or Kikuyu between 20-50mm. Each time you mow, try and remove only a third of the height of the grass. Don’t mow if hot weather is expected, or cut the grass shorter than 25mm, as the grass needs enough leaf area to protect itself from the burning effects of the sun.

Fertilising
You should fertilise all year round to ensure a healthy lawn and deter weeds. This is especially important during water restriction periods to help make lawns stronger and assist in their recovery when it rains.
Use a balanced plant food that contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

De-thatching and aerating
Thatch is the organic cushion that builds up above the soil level. De-thatching is required periodically in older lawns to promote deeper root growth and allow water penetration. De-thatching machines can be hired from your local machinery hire outlet.
Older lawns with compacted soil will also benefit from aeration to help water reach the roots. This is best done in spring through summer with a pitchfork or mechanical aerator.
Soil wetting agents can also assist water to penetrate think thatch, highly organic soils or water repellent soils that prevent water from getting to the root zone.

Getting expert advice
With many traditional plants or lawn types not suited to the Aussie climate, drought tolerant species make great sense, as they need less watering and quickly adapt to drier conditions. Your local turf supplier can assist you in choosing a hardy type of grass.

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Page last updated: 16/10/2006