G’day, it’s Nikolai here from The Lawn Firm. One of the biggest factors that affects the look and health of your lawn, especially here in Canberra, is how and when you water it. Over the years, I’ve seen many well-meaning lawn lovers overwater, underwater, or water at the wrong time, and end up with stressed or patchy grass. With the right approach, watering your lawn can be simple, effective, and cost-efficient.

Understanding Canberra’s Water Conditions

Canberra’s summers are hot and dry, with water restrictions often in place. The soil here is usually compact and clay-heavy, which affects how well water is absorbed. Efficient watering isn’t just about using less water, it’s about making sure your lawn gets what it needs, when it needs it.

Best Times of Day to Water

Early morning (before 9am) is best. It allows the water to soak in before the sun gets too strong, reducing evaporation.
Avoid evening watering, which can leave moisture sitting on the grass overnight and lead to fungal diseases.

From my experience, a deep soak a few times a week is far better than a daily sprinkle. It encourages deeper root growth and creates a stronger, more drought-tolerant lawn.

Deep Watering vs Frequent Watering

Deep watering: Soaks the soil to around 10cm deep. This builds resilience, especially in the heat of summer.
Frequent light watering: Only wets the surface and promotes shallow roots, making your lawn more vulnerable to stress and pests.

If your lawn feels spongy or dull even after watering, you might be watering too often or ineffectively. We see this all the time and know how to correct it.

Signs of Overwatering or Underwatering

Overwatering:

Soft, squishy patches
Fungal growth or thatch build-up

Underwatering:

Dry, brittle grass blades
Soil that pulls away from the edges

We’ve helped countless clients find the right balance and make their lawn care easier and more effective.

Drought-Resistant Lawn Practices

There are ways to protect your lawn during dry periods:

Use wetting agents to improve water absorption in hydrophobic soil
Apply mulch mowing to retain soil moisture
Choose grass varieties better suited to Canberra’s conditions

And of course, aeration and proper soil care go hand-in-hand with effective watering.

Why Use The Lawn Firm for Lawn Watering Advice?

We know Canberra. We know the water regulations. And we know how to keep your lawn thriving through summer and beyond without wasting time or money.

When you work with The Lawn Firm, we’ll create a lawn care plan that includes smart watering practices that suit your specific soil, grass type, and schedule.