How to Prepare Your Garden and Lawn After a Dry Summer

How to Prepare Your Garden and Lawn After a Dry Summer

April is when Adelaide finally starts to get a break from the heat. After a long, dry summer, cooler days and softer light bring some much needed relief for both homeowners and their gardens. But with the shift in season comes a new set of tasks to help your landscape recover and prepare for the months ahead. If your garden and lawn have taken a hit from the drought, April is the perfect time to step in, repair the damage and get everything looking fresh again before winter sets in.

It is understandable that many people ease off garden and lawn care as soon as the weather cools. But in our climate, autumn is actually one of the best times to get stuck into landscaping, lawn renovations and planting. And with the right care now, your outdoor space will not only recover from summer stress, it’ll be in great shape to thrive through winter and bounce back stronger in spring.

Garden care in April: Refreshing after the heat

Adelaide’s gardens often come out of summer looking a bit worn out. Extended dry spells, high UV and water restrictions mean soil becomes depleted, mulch breaks down and many plants just hang on. Autumn is the time to reverse that.

Start by refreshing mulch. Over summer, mulch breaks down or gets disturbed, which means it’s no longer doing its job of protecting soil moisture, regulating temperature and suppressing weeds. Top up to a depth of 7–10cm with a coarse mulch like pine bark or pea straw. It helps keep soil moisture locked in and gives your plants a better buffer as we head into cooler nights.

Next, turn your attention to the soil. Dry weather can cause compaction and nutrient loss, especially in garden beds. Add compost or organic matter to improve structure and feed your plants naturally. It’s also a great time to fertilise with a slow-release option that supports strong root growth, rather than fast leaf development.

If you’re looking to introduce new plants or restructure a tired garden layout, April offers ideal planting conditions. The soil is still warm, which helps root establishment, but the milder weather means new plants won’t be hit by heat stress. Native varieties, ornamental grasses and hardy perennials are all good choices for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens.

Lawn care and installation in the cooler months

Like the rest of your garden, your lawn also feels the effects of drought. Summer stress leaves many lawns patchy, dry or compacted. April is the best time to give your lawn a proper recovery plan.

Deep watering is important, especially after dry conditions. A thorough soak once a week encourages deep root growth and helps lawns rebuild strength. Aeration can also make a big difference. Compacted soil stops water and nutrients from reaching the roots. A simple garden fork or mechanical aerator can loosen things up and allow better airflow.

Feeding your lawn is just as important. Choose a fertiliser with balanced nutrients to support both root development and plant health through the cooler months. Raising your mower height a notch or two also helps. Longer grass blades provide better coverage and insulation, reducing moisture loss and protecting the crown from colder weather.

Now is also an excellent time to install or renovate a lawn. Many people assume lawn work should wait until spring, but in Adelaide, autumn and early winter offer ideal conditions for new turf to establish. Cooler weather and better moisture retention mean less stress on fresh installations, and our team works all through the cooler months to keep these projects moving without delay.

We often recommend turf varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified or TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, which are known for their drought tolerance and year-round performance. Whether you’re starting from scratch or repairing a patchy lawn, getting the timing right makes a big difference.

Landscaping through autumn and winter

Autumn is one of the best times to tackle new landscape designs, outdoor renovations and structural work. The soil is easier to work with, and you’re not battling intense heat. Whether you’re planning a retaining wall, garden bed redesign, new turf, paving or a full backyard overhaul, now’s the time to get it underway. By starting in autumn, you’re giving new plants and lawns time to settle in and establish before the next burst of hot weather returns.

Now is the time to book ahead for winter landscaping work too. Our team stays busy year-round, and working through the cooler months means you’re ahead of the game when spring arrives.

A smart approach to ongoing maintenance

For those who prefer to enjoy their garden without constantly working in it, our landscape and lawn maintenance programs take the guesswork out of care. We offer tailored seasonal plans that include fertilising, weed control, mowing guidance, pruning and plant health checks. It’s an easy way to keep your garden and lawn looking sharp without the stress.

No matter the size of your outdoor space, good care now will pay off in the months to come. Autumn is a season of opportunity and a bit of attention now will carry your lawn and garden through winter in strong shape.

Let’s get your garden and lawn back on track

If your garden’s looking tired after summer or your lawn needs a fresh start, Instant Lawn Adelaide is here to help. From full installations and renovations to simple refreshes and seasonal maintenance, we’re working right through autumn and winter to keep Adelaide landscapes looking their best.

Get in touch today to book a quote or chat with our team about your outdoor plans. Let’s bring your garden back to life and keep it thriving all year round.