Maintaining a lush, green lawn during the intense summer heat can be challenging, especially on the Sunshine Coast, where temperatures can rise quickly and remain high for extended periods. Heat stress, water restrictions, poor soil, and incorrect maintenance routines can all affect the health and appearance of your lawn.
Whether you’re managing a large property, maintaining a newly laid lawn, or simply want your front yard to look its best, understanding how to care for turf on the Sunshine Coast during summer is key. This guide provides practical, climate-relevant tips to help you protect and enhance your turf throughout the hot season.
Why Turf Needs Extra Care During Summer
Turfgrass enters a state of stress when temperatures climb and rainfall becomes less predictable. On the Sunshine Coast, the combination of high UV exposure, sporadic rainfall, and dry winds can cause turf to brown, thin out, or become more susceptible to weeds and disease.
Some common signs of heat-stressed turf include:
- Wilting or curled leaves.
- Colour fading from green to brown or straw-like.
- Patchy or thinning areas across the lawn.
- Hard, compacted soil that doesn’t absorb water well.
The Role of Soil Quality in Turf Health
A healthy lawn starts with healthy soil. Soil acts as the foundation for strong root systems and supports water retention, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity—all essential for turf to thrive.
Challenges in Poor Soil Conditions:
- Sandy soils common in coastal regions often drain too quickly, preventing adequate moisture retention.
- Compacted or clay-heavy soils may inhibit root growth and water absorption.
- Nutrient deficiencies can lead to yellowing grass and poor growth.
How to Improve Soil Health:
- Topdressing with organic material such as compost or sandy loam helps improve soil structure and moisture retention
- Aerating the lawn before summer helps relieve compaction and promotes better water infiltration
- Soil testing can help identify deficiencies so you can apply the right nutrients
- Applying a slow-release fertiliser in late spring prepares the soil for summer stress
If you’re laying new turf or renovating your lawn, sourcing from a turf farm on the Sunshine Coast can ensure your lawn starts with the healthiest foundation possible.
Proper Watering Techniques for Hot Weather
Water is the most important factor in summer turf care—but watering incorrectly can be just as damaging as not watering at all.
Best Practices for Summer Watering:
- Water deeply and infrequently: This encourages roots to grow deeper, making the lawn more drought-tolerant. Aim for 2–3 deep waterings per week, depending on restrictions.
- Water early in the morning: Avoid evaporation loss and reduce the chance of fungal growth by watering before 9 am.
- Avoid watering in the heat of the day or at night: Midday watering evaporates too quickly, and night watering increases disease risk.
- Use smart irrigation systems: Drip lines or adjustable sprinklers help apply water evenly.
Mowing Tips to Reduce Turf Stress in Summer
Many homeowners don’t realise how much impact mowing can have on turf health. During summer, poor mowing practices can weaken grass and leave it more vulnerable to heat stress.
Mowing Tips for Hot Weather:
- Raise your mower height: Leaving the grass longer provides better ground cover, protecting the soil from drying out.
- Don’t remove more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time: Sudden cutting can shock the turf.
- Sharpen mower blades regularly: Dull blades tear the grass, causing damage and browning.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn (if mulching): This returns nutrients and adds a natural moisture layer.
Summer Fertilising & Turf Nutrition
Many people assume fertilising is a spring-only task, but turf also benefits from a light application during summer—provided it’s done correctly.
Summer Fertilising Guidelines:
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser suited to warm-season grasses.
- Avoid fertilising during extreme heat or drought conditions, as this may burn the grass.
- Apply fertiliser after rain or water it in immediately to prevent root burn.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and timing.
Managing Weeds and Pests in Summer
Warm, moist conditions can also invite unwanted visitors—such as lawn grubs, beetles, and summer weeds.
Preventive Care:
- Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pests (e.g., spongy patches, holes in soil, birds pecking at turf).
- Use grub control treatments only when needed, and apply during early evening.
- Hand-pull or spot-treat weeds to prevent them from spreading.
- Avoid using broad-spectrum herbicides during hot weather unless specifically recommended, as they may damage stressed turf
Staying ahead of pest and weed issues prevents them from becoming more difficult (and costly) to manage later in the season.
Choosing the Right Turf for the Sunshine Coast Climate
Some turf varieties perform better in hot, coastal conditions than others. If you’re planning to lay new turf, selecting a heat-tolerant, drought-resistant variety is key to long-term success.
Popular choices on the Sunshine Coast include:
- Buffalo grass – Shade-tolerant, soft underfoot, and holds colour well in heat
- Couch grass – Fast-growing and resilient, but requires regular maintenance
- Zoysia – Low maintenance and highly tolerant to drought and foot traffic
A local turf farm on the Sunshine Coast can recommend the best variety for your soil, sunlight exposure, and intended use.
Final Tips to Keep Your Turf Healthy All Summer
- Don’t overwater—deep roots are key to a heat-resistant lawn
- Stay on top of pests and weeds with regular checks
- Keep mower blades sharp and mow during cooler parts of the day
- Avoid heavy foot traffic during dry periods to prevent turf damage
- Monitor weather conditions and adjust care as needed
Consistency and good timing are what make the biggest difference in summer turf health. By following these strategies, your lawn will remain green and resilient—even during extended heatwaves.
Need Help Maintaining Turf in Hot Weather? Speak with Our Team
At Sunshine Coast Turf & Landscapes, we understand the unique climate challenges homeowners face throughout the year. Whether you need help selecting the right turf or want guidance on summer care, our team is here to assist.
As a trusted turf farm on the Sunshine Coast, we offer quality turf varieties grown locally and backed by expert support. Contact us today to discuss your turf needs, get maintenance tips, or organise delivery for your next landscaping project.
