How to Water Your Lawn

🌱 How to Water Your Lawn Deep in a Hot Mildura Summer

A practical guide for keeping grass alive when the Sunraysia heat hits hard

Mildura summers aren’t gentle. When the mercury pushes past 40°C and the hot northerlies roll in, lawns can go from green to crispy in a matter of days. The good news is that with the right watering strategy — and a bit of smart timing — you can keep your lawn healthy, resilient, and looking great all season long.

This guide breaks down how to water deeply, efficiently, and sustainably in our unique climate.

☀️ Why Deep Watering Matters in Mildura

Shallow watering only wets the top few centimetres of soil. In extreme heat, that moisture evaporates almost instantly, leaving roots stressed and vulnerable.

Deep watering, on the other hand:

• Encourages roots to grow 20–30 cm down, where soil stays cooler

• Helps lawns survive heatwaves and water restrictions

• Reduces the need for constant watering

• Improves drought tolerance and overall lawn health

Think of it as training your lawn to be tougher.

🕓 The Best Time to Water in Summer

Timing is everything in Mildura’s dry heat.

• Early morning (4–8 am) is ideal.

Cooler air + low wind = less evaporation and better soil penetration.

• Avoid evenings. Warm nights can encourage fungal issues.

• Avoid midday at all costs. You’ll lose up to 50% of your water to evaporation.

If you’re using a sprinkler or irrigation system, set it to run before sunrise for maximum efficiency.

💧 How Much Water Does Your Lawn Actually Need?

In peak Mildura summer, most lawns need 25–30 mm of water per session, applied once or twice per week depending on soil type.

A simple way to measure this is the tuna‑can test:

1. Place a few empty cans around the lawn.

2. Run your sprinkler.

3. Stop when the cans reach 25–30 mm.

This ensures you’re watering deeply rather than lightly and often.

🧱 Soil Type Matters

Different soils behave differently in the heat:

Sandy soils (common in Mildura)

• Drain quickly

• Need slower, longer watering sessions

• Benefit from adding wetting agents and organic matter

Clay or compacted soils

• Absorb water slowly

• Water in short bursts to avoid runoff

Improving soil structure with compost or a wetting agent can dramatically increase water efficiency.

🌿 Mulch, Mow, and Maintain

Deep watering works best when paired with smart lawn care:

• Raise your mower height to 40–50 mm. Longer blades shade the soil.

• Leave clippings on the lawn to act as natural mulch.

• Use a wetting agent every 6–8 weeks to help water soak in.

• Aerate compacted areas so water can reach the root zone.

These small steps make a huge difference in summer survival.

🚰 Water Restrictions & Smart Usage

Mildura often faces water restrictions during summer. Deep watering helps you stay compliant because you’re watering less often, but more effectively.

If restrictions tighten, prioritise:

• High‑traffic areas

• Newly laid turf

• Spots exposed to full afternoon sun

You can also rotate watering zones to spread usage across the week.

🔧 Need the Right Gear?

DIY Equipment Hire Mildura has everything you need to water efficiently and keep your lawn thriving:

• High‑output sprinklers

• Hose reels and connectors

• Aerators

• Wetting agent applicators

• Pressure washers for post‑watering clean‑ups

If you’re not sure what setup suits your lawn, we’re always happy to help.

🌞 Final Thoughts

A Mildura summer is tough — but your lawn doesn’t have to suffer. With deep, strategic watering and a few smart habits, you can maintain a green, healthy lawn even through the hottest months.

follow a water guide aeration and dethatch to assist with absorption , at DIY Equipment Hire Mildura we have the equipment to get the job done.