Top 5 Lawn Care Tips for Perth’s Climate
Living in Perth means enjoying a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. While this weather is great for outdoor living, it can present unique challenges for maintaining a lush, green lawn. At Joondalup Turf Farm, we understand these challenges and have compiled our top 5 lawn care tips specifically tailored for Perth’s climate.
1. Choose the Right Grass Type
Selecting a grass variety that thrives in Perth’s climate is crucial. We recommend:
- Kikuyu: Ideal for its drought tolerance and quick recovery.
- Buffalo: Perfect for areas with partial shade and high salt content in the soil.
- Wintergreen: Excellent for retaining colour during cooler months.
These varieties are well-suited to withstand Perth’s hot summers and sandy soils.
2. Water Wisely
With Perth’s water restrictions and dry summers, efficient watering is key:
- Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
- Consider installing a smart irrigation system to optimise water usage.
Remember, most lawns need about 25mm of water per week during summer.
3. Mow at the Right Height
Proper mowing height is crucial for lawn health:
- Keep your lawn slightly longer during summer (about 3-4cm) to protect roots from heat stress.
- In winter, you can mow a bit shorter to allow more sunlight to reach the grass blades.
- Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session.
4. Fertilise Strategically
Perth’s sandy soils can lack essential nutrients. Follow these fertilising tips:
- Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring and again in early autumn.
- Use iron-rich fertilisers to combat yellowing caused by iron deficiency, common in Perth’s alkaline soils.
- Always water thoroughly after fertilising to prevent burning.
5. Aerate and Top Dress
Perth’s sandy soils can become compacted over time:
- Aerate your lawn annually, preferably in spring, to improve water penetration and root growth.
- Follow aeration with top dressing using a mix of sand and organic matter to improve soil structure.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn that can withstand Perth’s unique climate challenges. Remember, every lawn is different, and you may need to adjust these practices based on your specific conditions.For personalised advice or to explore our range of climate-appropriate turf varieties, don’t hesitate to contact us at Joondalup Turf Farm. Our team is always ready to help you achieve the lawn of your dreams, no matter what Perth’s weather throws at you!
