Revive and Thrive: Post-Rain Lawn Care Tips

After the recent downpours in Brisbane, our lawns are soaking up the moisture, but heavy rain can leave your grass stressed, compacted, and susceptible to weeds and disease. As we edge closer to Queensland's scorching summer months, it's the perfect time to give your lawn a little TLC to keep it thriving through the heat. Here’s how to get your lawn back into shape and ready for the summer sun.

1. Let It Dry Out

Resist the urge to jump straight onto your lawn. Walking or mowing on waterlogged grass can lead to compaction, making it harder for roots to access oxygen. Allow the lawn to dry for a couple of days before taking action.

2. Aerate for Better Breathability

Rain can cause soil compaction, especially on clay-heavy soils. Use a garden fork or aerator to poke holes across your lawn, improving airflow and drainage. This will give your grass roots the room they need to breathe and grow deeper.

3. Combat Weeds

Rain often encourages weed seeds to germinate. Act quickly by removing weeds manually or applying a targeted herbicide such as a pre-emergent herbicide to control any weed infestation. Preventative measures now will save you from a full-blown invasion later in summer.

4. Feed Your Lawn

Rain can wash away essential nutrients from the soil. Help your lawn recover by applying a slow-release fertiliser designed for Australian conditions. This will provide steady nourishment to strengthen your grass as it prepares for the hot months ahead.

5. Mow With Care

Once your lawn is dry, mow it gently—but don’t scalp it! Adjust your mower to a higher setting to leave the grass longer. Longer blades provide shade for the soil, reduce water loss, and promote healthier growth.

6. Check for Disease

Prolonged moisture can create the perfect environment for lawn diseases and pests. Keep an eye out for:

• Nut Grass: This persistent weed thrives in wet conditions and spreads quickly, outcompeting your grass for nutrients. It’s identified by its tall, shiny, triangular-shaped stems.
• Lawn Grubs: These pests love to feast on your grass roots, leaving brown, dead patches in their wake. Check for birds feeding on your lawn—a sign that grubs may be present.
• Helminthosporium (Helmo): A fungal disease that causes thinning and browning patches, particularly on couch and buffalo grass varieties. It often emerges after heavy rain and humidity.

When you spot these or any other lawn issues, act quickly to prevent the problem from spreading. Use a targeted herbicide for Nut Grass, apply a lawn grub treatment, or use a fungicide to control Helmo and other fungal infections. Early action is key to keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant.

7. Topdress Low Spots

Heavy rain can wash soil away, creating uneven surfaces. Fill low spots with a sandy loam topdressing to level out your lawn. This will also improve drainage and reduce pooling in the future.

8. Keep Watering Smart

With the soil saturated, you can ease up on watering. But as the soil dries out and summer heat kicks in, water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root systems. Aim for early morning watering to reduce evaporation.

9. Prep for Heat

Queensland summers can be brutal, so now’s the time to apply a soil wetting agent to ensure your lawn retains moisture effectively. This will help your grass stay hydrated during prolonged dry spells.

A Lush Summer Awaits!

With a little love and effort, your lawn will bounce back better than ever. Remember, a healthy lawn isn’t just about looks—it’s cooler underfoot, reduces dust, and creates a relaxing space for summer BBQs and family fun.

Visit Brookies Rural Traders for all your lawn care essentials, from fertilisers to weed control and topdressing soil. Let’s keep your lawn lush and ready for a summer that’s full of life!