Slosh Slop, It’s Raining Non-Stop, My Lawn is a Puddle - Help!
Is your lawn looking more like a swamp than a grassy paradise? When the rain just won’t quit, it can leave your lawn waterlogged and struggling. But don’t worry, we’ve got the tips you need to keep your grass looking great, no matter how much rain comes pouring down.
How Does Prolonged Rain Affect My Lawn?
When your lawn gets waterlogged, it loses essential nutrients needed for healthy growth, leaving it stressed and vulnerable to weeds, pests, and diseases. Look out for drooping, browning, or yellowing grass blades. Other issues can include:
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Soil Compaction: Squished soil means water, air, and nutrients can’t reach the roots.
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Lawn Grubs and Insects: Pests thrive in stressed lawns.
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Nutrient Loss: Essential elements get washed away.
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Root Damage: Roots can rot in soggy soil.
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Excessive Weed Growth: Weeds love weakened lawns.
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Bacterial or Fungal Diseases: Wet conditions breed diseases.
How to Prepare Your Lawn for Heavy Rain
Your lawn’s best defence against heavy rain is good drainage and water penetration. Follow these steps to keep your grass green and happy:
1. Aerate the Lawn
Heavy rain and foot traffic can compact your lawn, making it hard for water and nutrients to penetrate. Decompress the soil by aerating it. For small lawns, use a garden fork—drive it 5cm deep and rock back and forth every 10cm. For larger areas, consider a lawn aerating roller or aerator sandals. Aerate when the soil is moist, but not too wet.
2. Build Resilience by Fertilising
A well-fed lawn is thicker, denser, and more resilient. Use Scotts Lawn Builder All Purpose to keep your lawn in top shape. This will help your lawn survive and recover from heavy rain as well as pests and diseases.
3. Mow at the Right Time and in the Right Way
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Don’t Mow in the Heat: This can stress your lawn and scorch the leaves.
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Don’t Mow Too Short: Mowing too short forces the grass to regrow quickly, stressing it further and making it more susceptible to damage.
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Don’t Mow When Wet: Wet mowing can lead to fungal problems and soil compaction.
Maintaining Your Lawn Through Heavy Rain
Even with the best preparation, heavy rain can be tough on your lawn. Keep an eye on it, and if you notice signs of stress, take action quickly. With a little planning and care, your lawn can survive and thrive, even in the face of heavy rain.
So, grab your garden fork, fertiliser, and mower, and get ready to show the rain who’s boss! Your lawn will thank you for it.
