Summer in Perth is prime time for backyard entertaining and long afternoons. But it’s also when many homeowners start battling dry patches, fading colour and rising water bills, even when they feel like they’re watering the garden enough.
The mistake many make is thinking that more water equals a better lawn. The truth is, timing plays a huge role. Water at the wrong time of day, and most of it never reaches the roots, leaving your lawn stressed and underperforming.
If you want a lawn that holds up through summer without wasting water, here’s what you need to know.
What is the best time to water your lawn in summer?
For Perth conditions, the best time to water your lawn in summer is early in the morning, ideally before 9 am. During this time, temperatures are lower, winds are calmer, and evaporation is minimal. This gives your lawn the best chance to absorb moisture properly.
Watering early in the morning gives the soil time to drink it all in before the sun starts blasting. The water reaches the roots where it actually matters, helping your lawn grow stronger and stay greener, even when Perth’s summer sun throws a scorcher your way.
Why timing matters so much in Perth
Perth summers are intense, with high UV levels, dry winds, and long periods of heat. When you water during the middle of the day, much of the water evaporates before it can do any good, especially on sandy soils.
Watering at the wrong time often leads to shallow root systems, patchy growth, and lawns that rely on constant watering just to survive. This not only stresses the grass but also increases water usage without delivering better results.
Correct timing helps your lawn store moisture deeper in the soil, helping to make it more resilient and less dependent on frequent watering.
Why watering at night can cause problems
While it might seem logical to water at night when it’s cooler, this can create issues for lawns in Perth. When grass stays wet overnight, particularly in warm conditions, it becomes more vulnerable to fungal diseases and root-related problems.
Buffalo lawns and shady spots tend to cop it the worst. If your lawn looks tired or patchy even though you’re watering regularly, nighttime watering could be part of the problem.
Watering in the early morning lets your lawn soak up what it needs, then dry out naturally as the day warms up. Healthier grass, fewer issues, and a lot less guesswork.
Perth watering restrictions and what to keep in mind
In Perth, most homes are on a two-day-per-week watering roster, usually based on street numbers. Sprinklers are typically allowed before 9 am or after 6 pm, but those rules can tighten during heatwaves or high-demand periods.
This is another reason early mornings work so well. You stay within local watering restrictions and give your lawn the best chance to absorb moisture before the sun ramps up.Hand watering is generally allowed at any time. But even then, cooler parts of the day are still the smartest option. And because restrictions can change, it’s always worth checking the latest Water Corporation guidelines so you’re watering wisely and legally.
How much water does my lawn need in summer?
A lot of lawns struggle not because they’re thirsty, but because they’re being watered too often, and usually too lightly. In summer, your lawn actually prefers a big drink less often, rather than a little sprinkle every day.
Here’s a simple rule of thumb: for most Perth homes, two to three deep watering sessions per week works best. Basically, the goal is to soak down about 100-150mm so the roots get a proper drink.
If you’ve got sandy soil, you might need to water a bit more often. If your soil is heavier, like clay or loam that holds water more easily, it’ll stay moist longer, so fewer sessions, but longer soak times, work better.
Here’s a simple check method—the screwdriver test. After watering, push a screwdriver into the ground. If it slides in easily, your water is reaching the root zone, and that’s exactly what you want.
Signs your water isn’t getting enough water
Your lawn is pretty good at telling you when it needs a drink. One of the clearest signs is a colour change. Instead of the usual lush green, it starts to look a bit dull or grey-green.
Other common signs your lawn is thirsty include:
- Dry, crunchy blades when you run your fingers through the grass.
- Footprints that stay visible long after you’ve walked across the lawn.
- Thin or patchy areas, especially in high-traffic zones.
- Soil that feels dry even after watering.
- A slow or weak bounce-back when you press the grass down.
- Brown spots or stressed-looking edges around garden beds or pathways.
- The lawn looks tired by midday, even if you watered early.
Tools that make summer watering easier
We’ve covered a lot so far, but don’t worry, summer watering doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. Just a few smart tools can take the guesswork out of it and help your lawn stay happy with less effort.
Smart irrigation controllers are a great example. They can adjust watering based on the weather, which means you’re not watering on cooler days or after rain. That’s a win-win for both your lawn and your water bill.
Automatic reticulation systems also make early morning watering simple and consistent. And good sprinklers matter too, because even the best watering schedule won’t help if your coverage is patchy.
In fact, poor sprinkler placement is one of the biggest reasons lawns end up with dry spots, even when you’re doing everything ‘right.’
At Luke’s Landscaping, we see a lot of lawn problems that aren’t simply about needing more water. They’re often about needing a smarter setup. By and large, fix the irrigation, and the lawn usually follows.
Ready to set up your lawn for success this summer?
Knowing the best time to water your lawn in summer makes a huge difference. But the truth is, great watering habits work best when they’re paired with the right lawn underneath them.
That’s where Luke’s Landscaping’s lawn installation expertise comes into its own. From choosing the right turf for Perth conditions to professional lawn installation that encourages deep roots and healthy growth, the team helps homeowners create lawns that thrive throughout summer.
Whether you’re laying new turf or upgrading an existing lawn, Luke’s Landscaping will guide you through every step, so your lawn looks greener, feels softer underfoot, and stays easy to maintain.
If you’re ready for a lawn that handles Perth summers without breaking a sweat, get in touch with Luke’s Landscaping and let’s build it properly from the ground up.
FAQs: Best time to water your lawn in summer
Yes. Sprinkler systems can make watering easier, but they still need correct timing and coverage. Make sure sprinklers are set for the early morning and adjusted to avoid dry patches or runoff.
Signs of overwatering include soggy soil, mushrooms, or a spongy feel underfoot. If water pools or drains away quickly, you’re likely watering too long or too often.
You can still water, but keep it early in the morning and stick to deep watering. During extreme heat, you may need to add an extra session, but only if the soil is genuinely drying out.
Hand watering is usually allowed at any time, but it still works best in the cooler parts of the day. Early morning remains the most effective and least wasteful time.
