How to rescue your grass with summer lawn fertiliser & expert tips

Is your lawn struggling to survive the summer heat? If you find yourself staring at a patchy, brown yard, it’s time for a lawn rescue. As temperatures rise, lawns often face challenges like heat stress, dryness, and uneven growth. These issues can leave your grass looking tired and worn out. Wonder Lawn & Leaf is our go-to summer lawn fertiliser. Keep reading to find out how to bring your lawn back to life with this favourite product and snag some expert tips along the way.

Why summer takes a toll on your lawn

The heat affects your lawn much like it affects you—it makes it harder to stay hydrated and healthy. When temperatures rise, water in the soil evaporates quickly, leaving the grass thirsty. Without enough moisture, the blades begin to dry out, turning yellow or brown. In extreme heat, the roots of your lawn don’t grow deep, which makes it difficult for them to reach water that’s deeper in the soil.

Hot, dry conditions also make it harder for grass to absorb nutrients, weakening the lawn and slowing its growth. And just like people, when grass is stressed by heat, it’s more vulnerable to diseases and pests.

Image of a dry grass field

It’s what’s below that shows

One of the best ways to help your lawn survive the summer heat is by encouraging deep root growth. When your grass has stronger, deeper roots, it becomes more resilient and can withstand dry spells much better.

This is where a summer lawn fertiliser, like Wonder Lawn & Leaf, shines. Its specially formulated nutrients help boost root depth and strength, so your grass can dive deeper into the soil for moisture and nourishment. The result? A healthier, greener lawn that stays strong even when the sun is blazing.

The right way to feed your lawn

The summer lawn fertiliser, Wonder Lawn & Leaf, features an NPK analysis of 7:1:3, offering a well-rounded mix of nutrients designed to support your lawn’s summer growth:

  • Nitrogen (N): With a generous amount of 95 g/kg, nitrogen helps your grass grow quickly and healthily. It encourages the development of lush, green leaves and strong stems, giving you that vibrant lawn look.
  • Phosphorus (P): Although it has less phosphorus at 14 g/kg, this nutrient is crucial for building strong roots. Healthy roots help your grass better survive the heat and dry spells.
  • Potassium (K): At 41 g/kg, potassium boosts your lawn’s defences against pests and helps it use water efficiently. This means your grass stays healthier and is better equipped to fight off diseases.
  • Calcium (Ca): Calcium plays an important role in keeping grass cells stable and helping them absorb nutrients effectively. This ensures your lawn gets the most out of the soil.

When to apply summer lawn fertiliser

To maximise the benefits of your summer lawn fertiliser, timing your application is key. The ideal windows for applying Wonder Lawn & Leaf are early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This avoids the hottest parts of the day, minimising the risk of burning your grass. By applying when temperatures are cooler, you ensure that your lawn can effectively absorb the nutrients without the added stress of heat. Be sure to water the fertiliser in well after application to help nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots effectively.

It’s best to apply Wonder Lawn & Leaf every 6-8 weeks. This schedule allows your lawn to absorb nutrients at the right pace, promoting vigorous growth and resilience against environmental stresses.

Other ways to build lawn resilience

Want to help your lawn stay green even when the weather turns dry? Here’s how you can make your lawn more drought-resistant:

Mowing the lawn in shorts

Mow high

Set your mower to a higher setting during hot weather. Taller grass shades the soil, keeping it cooler and helping it retain moisture. Also, make sure your mower blades are sharp to avoid damaging the grass.

Water early

Water your lawn early in the morning, when it’s cooler. This helps the water soak into the soil without evaporating too quickly. Avoid watering in the middle of the day when it’s hot and sunny.

Watering a garden with a hosepipe

Aerate for better water absorption

Aerating your lawn helps water, air, and nutrients get deeper into the soil. This encourages deeper roots and makes your grass more drought-tolerant. Aerate especially if your soil is compacted or gets a lot of foot traffic.

Sticking a garden fork into grass covered land

Add mulch or organic matter

Mulching helps keep moisture in the soil by protecting it from the sun’s heat. It also reduces evaporation, which means your lawn stays hydrated for longer.

FAQs about summer lawn rescue

Question: What causes big brown patches in lawns, especially during summer?

Answer: Severe infestations of lawn caterpillars can lead to large brown patches. These small, greenish-brown caterpillars hide in the grass or just below the surface during the day, coming out at night to feed. They can devastate patches of grass overnight, targeting only the grass while leaving weeds alone. To spot them, cover the damaged area with a damp sack or cloth during the day; the caterpillars will emerge in a few minutes. 

Try Wonder Lawn Pest & Green to tackle pests like lawn caterpillars while providing essential nutrients to strengthen your lawn’s resilience. Apply as directed to treat the affected area, and repeat as needed for ongoing protection.

You may also be interested in: Grass looking sad because of lawn caterpillars? Here’s how to fix it

Question: How can I tell if my lawn needs watering?

Answer: A good indicator is the colour of your grass. If it starts to turn a dull green or brown, it’s time to water. You can also test the soil by digging a small hole; if the soil feels dry several centimetres down, your lawn needs moisture.

Question: Are there specific pests I should watch out for in summer?

Answer: Yes, in addition to lawn caterpillars, keep an eye out for armyworms and mealybugs. These pests can also cause damage and lead to brown patches in your lawn, so monitoring for signs of their presence is essential.

Red outdoor table and chair

You may also be interested in: How to plant a lawn: Tips for rolling green pastures

Ready to rescue your lawn with summer lawn fertiliser? Give Wonder Lawn & Leaf a try and keep your grass green and gorgeous all summer long! Follow Wonder on Facebook and Instagram for more garden ideas and tips.

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