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Green Life Turf | Residential Lawns Blog

Patchy Lawn? A Sign of Heat Stress!

Posted by Patrick Muscat on 8 Feb 2017
Patrick Muscat

2017-02 Heat Stress Grass.png

The heat not letting up over the last two weeks here in Sydney has left us with a fair few lawn enquiries! Images of heat stressed lawns ("sunburnt grass") have been accompanied by questions of what has happened and how it can be fixed. Today we go you one better and additionally address how you can avoid heat stress for your lawn next heatwave!

 

What Is Heat Stress in Lawns?

Extended periods of hot days and high humidity is certainly a challenge for lawns, though some fair better depending on their type and their root condition. The heat on hot days causes soil to dry faster, starting at the top. If your lawn roots have remained closer to the surface (mostly because that’s where they need to be to get water), your lawn will quickly begin to suffer in a heatwave and start to dry out.

If your lawn is experiencing heat stress the colour will quickly start to brown and become hay-like in colour. As the problem worsens, you may notice the dried grass disappears and your lawn will appear patchy and is at risk of dying off. 

 

How to Fix a Heat Stressed or Sunburnt Lawn

Step 1: Watering your lawn deeply and consistently – lots of water each cycle – will stimulate new growth. You should see improvement within two weeks.

Step 2: If you’re not seeing improvements after two weeks, use a wetting agent to improve the penetration of water and a gentle and effective organic fertiliser. Try:

Step 3: If you find some areas of your lawn have in fact been killed off, try replanting sections of your lawn; just make sure you prepare the area properly and you’re using the same type of turf you already have. (Contact us if you need help!)

Step 4: If your lawn is beyond repair, consider returfing your area; try a drought-tolerant grass like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo.

 

How to Protect Your Lawn from Heat Stress and Sunburn
  • Consistent, deep watering. The deeper your root system, the best chances your lawn has of avoiding heat stress. Because the heat dries the soil from the top, you want your roots to have made their way deep down in the soil by the time the weather heats up.

    To keep your lawn deeply hydrated, water for longer, less frequently. For more information, head to our recent piece: How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need in Hot, Dry Weather.

  • Reduce wear. Give your lawn a little break from the traffic it normally endures.

  • Mow right. Mow at the correct height for your lawn type and ensure your blades are sharp.

  • Grasscycle. Leave your lawn clippings on your lawn after mowing to add nitrogen, a common element found in most lawn fertilisers, to your lawn.

  • Fertilise right. Use an organic fertiliser like Special Blend Organic Health Booster (NPK 10-4-12), and follow the instructions provided by the supplier.

  • Get a drought-tolerant grass type. If all else fails, consider returfing with a drought-tolerant grass like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo.

 

Need more help? Contact us here at Green Life Turf!

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