Summer in Southeast Queensland is all about backyard cricket, BBQs, long warm evenings and plenty of time spent outdoors on your lawn. With hotter days, higher evaporation and the occasional storm, knowing how to water your lawn properly in summer can make the difference between a thirsty, stressed patch and a lush green lawn the whole family can enjoy.
At Jimboomba Turf, we grow premium Queensland-bred turf varieties that thrive in our subtropical climate — from Sir Walter DNA Certified to TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Zoysia Australis, Sir Grange Zoysia and Nullarbor Couch. Each variety handles heat and water differently, but the fundamentals of smart, efficient watering remain the same.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your lawn healthy and happy all summer long, from watering frequency and timing to deep-watering techniques and storm season tips.
We are here to help your lawn thrive this summer.
Why Watering Matters More in a Queensland Summer
Southeast Queensland summers are hot, humid, and can be unpredictable. We can go from weeks of dry heat to sudden downpours, and our warm-season grasses respond quickly to both extremes.
With this season comes some challenges. We experience higher evaporation rates, afternoon storms that run off rather than soaking in, heat stress, and, of course, extra foot traffic as families spend more time outside together.
Our warm-season varieties such as Sir Walter DNA Certified, Nullabor Couch, Zoysia Australis and TifTuf Bermuda are naturally more drought-tolerant, but even these beauties need smart watering to stay green and resilient throughout summer!
How Often Should You Water Your Lawn in Summer?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because watering depends on you soil type, your lawn variety, the revent weather, shade levels in your backyard, and how established your lawn is.
At Jimboomba, we recommend following one simple rule: water deeply and less often, rather than lightly and frequently.
Most established lawns only need watering once or twice a week in summer, unless you’re experiencing extreme heat or dry periods, or you have sandy, fast-draining soil. A deep soak encourages the roots of your lawn to grow further into the soil, making the turf naturally more drought-tolerant, which is a huge advantage in a Queensland summer.
The Best Time of Day to Water in Summer
Always water in the early morning, ideally between 4am and 8am. Watering between these hours means less evaportaion, cooler air for better absorption, and allows the leaves to dry after sunrise, reducing fungal risk. We suggest to avoid watering at night, as prolonged warm, wet conditions can encourage some lawn diseases.
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Actually Need?
Most lawns need about 20–30mm of water per week during summer.
A simple way to measure is the “tuna can test”. Place a few shallow containers around your lawn and run your sprinklers until they collect around 10–15mm. That’s roughly how long you should water per session. If your grass is still wilting, your soil may be hydrophobic (repelling water), compacted or lacking organic matter, all of which can be fixed.
How to Tell When Your Lawn Needs Water
Your lawn will tell you if it is thirsty, long before permanent damage sets in. Keep an eye out for lead blades folding or wilting, grass that takes on a greyish or blueish hue, footprints that linger after walking on your lawn, of dry, crunchy patches. If you notice these signs, give your lawn some extra love, in the form of a deep soak.
Maximising Water Efficiency During Queensland Summer
Here are simple tips to make every drop count.
1. Water Early in the Morning
You’ll reduce evaporation and give your lawn the full day to dry, preventing fungus and disease.
2. Use a Wetting Agent
Hydrophobic soil is incredibly common in Queensland.
A wetting agent helps water soak deeper into the soil instead of running off during storms or watering. Using a wetting agent every 6–8 weeks in summer can dramatically improve your lawn’s drought tolerance.
3. Check Your Irrigation System
A quick check of your sprinkler heads and hoses before summer starts can save thousands of litres.
Look out for things like blocked sprinkler nozzles, dry spots indicating poor coverage, leaking or cracked fittings, and overspray that hits your fence or driveway.
4. Mow at the Right Height
Longer leaf blades shade and cool the soil, reducing evaporation.
Recommended summer mowing heights:
· Sir Walter DNA Certified: 20–50mm
· TifTuf: 8–25mm
· Zoysia Australis: 15–40mm
· Sir Grange: 10mm to unmown
· Nullarbor Couch: 8–36mm
If in doubt, mow slightly higher in summer.
5. Improve Your Soil
Healthy soil holds water better. A layer of quality organic top dressing, aeration or regular wetting agents can make a big difference.
6. Use Lawn Fertilisers Wisely
Feeding your lawn in early summer helps the grass grow deeper roots, making it more tolerant of heat and dry spells.
Managing Summer Storms
Summer storms are a Queensland classic! Heavy rain, fast runoff, and often not enough penetration into the soil. Here’s some simple tips for caring for your lawn through this season.
Before a storm:
· Avoid fertilising — storms wash nutrients away
· Skip watering if rain is forecast
· Ensure your lawn drains well — aerate if needed
After a storm:
· Check for pooling water
· Use a wetting agent if water is running off instead of sinking in
· Avoid mowing wet grass to prevent disease outbreaks
Create a Summer Lawn You’ll Love
A healthy, well-watered lawn doesn’t just stay green. It stays soft, safe, and family-friendly, ready for weekend play, backyard gatherings and everything we love about a Queensland summer.
If you ever need personalised advice on watering, fertilising or choosing the right turf variety, our friendly Jimboomba Turf team are here to help. We grow turf for Queenslanders, right here in Queensland, so you get expert guidance you can trust.
Visit jimboombaturf.com.au or give us a call on (07) 3114 8281. We’ll help you keep your lawn thriving all summer long.
