In the summer months, water use typically doubles in urban centres. This is the season when the kids make water slides on the lawn, the swimming or paddling pool needs filling, and the pond seems to empty itself.

Summer demand places stress on water supplies. Some local authorities place restrictions on lawn and garden watering.

By applying some of the ideas here, your garden will survive the hot, dry weather and you will minimise water wastage.

Watering tips

Summer peak demand for water is largely due to lawn and garden watering. With the following tips, it’s easy to use less water and still keep your lawn and garden healthy.

Use rainwater

If you are on mains water supply, you can still collect rainwater from your roof for use on your garden. See  Collecting and using rainwater.

Avoid watering in wet/humid weather

Before watering, take into account the weather that week. Has it rained? What was the average temperature and was it windy? What was the humidity?

All of these things have an impact on how dry your garden will be and how much top-up irrigation is needed. You can check the rainfall yourself by leaving a measuring container outside (empty it each week).

Water in the morning and on calm days

Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and scorching of leaves from the sun. Water on calm days to prevent wind drift and evaporation.

Choose the right irrigation system

Irrigation systems that water into soil, rather than onto plants, are more efficient - they ensure plant roots grow deeper and are more resilient to dry conditions. A dripper irrigation system is ideal for regular watering. A soaker hose under mulch placed at the base of plants is also effective. These options are much more efficient than using a sprinkler.

Other tips

• Water at a lower rather than higher pressure to avoid runoff and ensure the soil absorbs the water.
• Regularly check your irrigation equipment or hose for leaks or blockages.
• Don’t forget to turn off automated irrigation systems if it rains.

Looking after your lawn

Plant your lawn in early autumn or spring. This gives the lawn chance to establish a good root system before summer.

Watering

Established lawns typically require about 2.5cm of water per week. Newly seeded or turf lawns will generally need more, depending on soil type and other conditions.

If you overwater your lawn, fungus and diseases can develop and clay soils can become waterlogged. Over-watering also encourages weeds and grass grub. Your lawn may develop yellow patches and die.

In dry weather your lawn may start to turn brown. This is a dormant state. Most lawns recover their lushness soon after sufficient rainfall returns.

Other tips

• Avoid mowing a very dry (or very wet lawn).
• Don't cut your lawn too short or too often in summer - if you set the mower to about 6-8cm the lawn’s roots will be shaded and the grass plants will be less stressed.
• Aerate your lawn in the early spring or autumn to improve water absorption (push a garden fork into the lawn at intervals). Afterwards, apply a thin layer of compost or other suitable organic material and rake to distribute evenly.
• If you leave grass clippings on the lawn every so often, this will return nitrogen - a vital nutrient - to the soil and the added organic matter will help prevent moisture loss.

Looking after trees, shrubs and flower gardens

Here are some water-saving tips for trees, shrubs and flower gardens:

• Direct water to the roots of plants and shrubs.
• Plants have different watering requirements at various stages of growth. Water according to their needs.
• Dig compost into the soil in the autumn or spring to improve soil. Or layer it on top and allow earthworms to do the work.
• Grass under a tree competes with the tree’s roots for water - remove grass and use a instead.

Pools and ponds

To reduce evaporation and water loss:

• cover swimming and spa pools when not in use. Throw a couple of basketballs into the pool before covering it to keep the cover afloat, and ensure children can’t get under the cover.
• check valves yearly if they automatically top up the pool. A faulty valve can waste a lot of water.
• don’t empty pools unless absolutely necessary - some pools will crack or pop out of the ground if emptied; if you have to empty a pool, check with the manufacturer first.

More information

From Smarter Homes

• Landforms & Waterways
• Planting & Landscaping
• Collecting & using rainwater
• Managing stormwater
• Reusing greywater

From ConsumerBuild

• Landscaping

From Consumer Online

Home and DIY - for information on gardening.

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