Summer is the most demanding season for Victorian lawns. Long stretches of dry weather, hot winds, and unpredictable rainfall push grass to its limits, leaving many homeowners unsure about the right way to water, mow, fertilise, and protect their lawn in the hotter months. The good news is that with a few guiding principles, summer lawn care becomes clear, manageable, and far less stressful.
This practical guide is designed for Melbourne and wider Victoria’s unique conditions, with helpful advice for Buffalo, Kikuyu, Couch, and Tall Fescue lawns. No matter your lawn type, you’ll find simple, reliable steps to keep it looking healthy and resilient all summer.
Victorian summers are shaped by heatwaves, dry spells, bursts of high UV, and the occasional summer storm. Unlike northern states with humid summers, Melbourne’s climate tends to be hot and dry, which quickly draws moisture from both the soil and the leaf surface.
Different turf varieties respond in their own way:
• Buffalo tolerates heat well but needs consistent moisture during prolonged dry periods.
• Kikuyu thrives in hot weather but becomes thirsty during windy conditions that strip moisture from the soil.
• Couch loves full sun but can dry out quickly without deep watering.
• Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass and is the most vulnerable to summer stress, needing extra care and steady moisture to stay healthy.
Understanding these differences helps explain why summer techniques matter so much in Victoria.
Watering is the most important task in lawn care in summer heat. Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger roots and better resilience, but during heatwaves or windy days, your approach will need to adjust.
Victoria’s dry heat means lawns often need more frequent deep watering than they would in humid climates, where moisture lingers longer in the soil.
Established lawns (general guidance)
• Normal hot days (28–32°C): 2 deep waterings per week
• Very hot days (33–38°C): 3 waterings per week
• Extreme heat (38°C+): Light morning refresh plus evening deep watering if grass shows stress
By turf type:
• Buffalo: 2–3 deep waterings weekly
• Kikuyu: 2–3 times weekly, increasing during windy heat
• Couch: 3 waterings weekly for consistent colour and density
• Tall Fescue: 3–4 times weekly, as it is less heat-tolerant and dries quickly
New lawns need daily watering until roots fully establish.
Aim to moisten the top 10–15 cm of soil at each watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper instead of sitting near the surface.
Homeowner-friendly checks:
• Push a screwdriver into the soil — if it glides in smoothly, the water has reached the correct depth.
• Dig a small core of soil after watering to check penetration.
• If water runs off quickly, break watering into two short cycles.
When temperatures reach 35°C+:
• Water early in the morning to hydrate roots before heat peaks.
• Consider a light evening “cooling drink” if the lawn is wilting.
• Use a quality wetting agent monthly to help soil absorb water evenly.
• Avoid watering during the middle of the day when most moisture evaporates.
If restrictions are in effect, focus on:
• Monthly wetting agents
• Taller mowing heights to reduce evaporation
• Improving soil with compost, organic matter, or wetting agent pellets
• Reducing mowing frequency to minimise stress
Watering deeply within allowed times is always more beneficial than frequent, shallow watering.
Raising your mowing height during summer shades the soil, helps retain moisture, and reduces heat stress.
Ideal mowing heights:
• Buffalo: 40–60 mm
• Kikuyu: 30–40 mm
• Couch: 20–30 mm
• Tall Fescue: 50–70 mm
• Mow in the cooler parts of the day to avoid shocking the grass.
• Keep mower blades sharp for clean, tidy cuts.
• Leave clippings on the lawn if growth is healthy — they return moisture and nutrients.
• Remove clippings only when the lawn is stressed or overly thick.
Fertilising in summer is possible, but timing and product choice are crucial. Slow-release fertilisers are safest because they feed gradually without burning the leaf.
Only fertilise when the weather is mild or when the lawn shows signs such as fading colour or reduced growth. Avoid fertilising during heatwaves or the peak of extreme heat.
Variety guidance:
• Buffalo and Kikuyu: respond well to balanced slow-release fertilisers.
• Couch: benefits from consistent feeding for colour retention.
• Tall Fescue: prefers gentle, steady nutrition but must not be fertilised during extreme heat.
Common Victorian summer weeds include bindii, clover, summer grass, crabgrass, and creeping oxalis. Address them early before they spread through the lawn.
Pests and diseases are also more active in warm weather. Keep an eye out for:
• African black beetle
• Lawn grubs (curl grubs)
• Armyworm
• Dollar spot and brown patch (especially in Tall Fescue)
DIY treatments can handle small issues, but widespread damage or sudden browning usually needs professional intervention.
Early detection makes summer care much easier. Look for:
Heat stress
• Blue-grey leaf colour
• Wilted or folded blades
• Crunchy or brittle patches
Drought stress
• Footprints remain visible
• Soil feels dry or powdery
• Browning that spreads quickly
Over-watering
• Soft or spongy soil
• Yellowing leaves
• Fungal patches or mould
Acting early helps protect your lawn from long-term damage.
A quick weekly checklist for Melbourne homeowners:
• Deep water 2–3 times weekly (more for Tall Fescue)
• Apply wetting agents monthly
• Raise mowing height and mow in cooler parts of the day
• Monitor for weeds, pests, and disease
• Check moisture depth regularly
• Hold off fertilising during extreme heat
• Protect high-traffic areas and refresh edges
• Watch for early signs of lawn stress
With the right knowledge and a few simple habits, keeping your lawn healthy during summer becomes far easier. By focusing on smart watering, seasonal mowing adjustments, and proactive maintenance, you’ll support strong growth through even the hottest weeks. These summer lawn care practices set your lawn up for long-term health, resilience, and year-round colour — no matter what Victoria’s weather brings.
