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Hi,
Our lawn has taken a battering this summer with the drought. Also our dogs peeing on it hasn't helped.
How can we restore the lawn as we head into autumn? Re seed it? Does anyone know the species? Is there anyway of preserving the lawn so it fairs better come next summer?
Hello @philipmkeane
Thanks for sharing your questions about your lawn. Your lawn has definitely had a tough time with the summer heat and the dog's relieving themselves on it, but autumn is a great time to restore it. Based on the photo, it looks like a warm-season grass, possibly Kikuyu, Couch, or Buffalo, which tend to brown off in drought but can bounce back with care.
To restore the lawn, start by raking out dead thatch and lightly aerating any compacted areas with a garden fork. Then, topdress with a thin layer of lawn soil or compost from Bunnings to help improve soil quality and moisture retention. If your lawn is Kikuyu or Couch, it should spread back naturally with regular watering and fertilizing. However, if there are large bare patches, overseeding with Scotts Lawn Builder 1.4kg Lawn Thickener Seed & Feed will help fill in gaps over autumn and winter while the warm-season grass slows down.
For long-term drought and dog urine resistance, keep up with deep, infrequent watering to encourage deeper roots and apply a slow-release lawn fertilizer like Scotts Lawn Builder 8kg All Lawn Types Lawn Food to strengthen it before winter. Adding Richgro 5kg Natural Dolomite Lime to urine-damaged areas can help neutralize the acidity, and training your dogs to pee in a designated spot (or diluting with water after they go) will help prevent further damage.
Come spring, you can apply a lawn booster with wetting agents to improve water retention and help it withstand next summer’s heat.
I also suggest having a look at this guide - How to revive your lawn.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
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