Date Posted:1 November 2022
It feels like it's been raining forever and our lawns are feeling it - Here's some tips to help combat waterlogging!
With perpetual rainclouds plaguing many parts of Australia of late, waterlogging is a major issue for lawns and gardens. But fear not, Plant Doctor has got you (and your lawn) covered!
While it can be devastating to see a lawn or garden go from lush green to a mud pit, there are a few things people can do to help combat waterlogging. Check out our top tips below. 
Tip #1: keep off the grass
The first and most important thing to remember is trying to stay off the lawn to avoid further damage, particularly in the problem areas.
Consider trimming back foliage of trees and shrubs to allow sun to reach as much lawn as possible and if there are any signs of fungal diseases, use the appropriate fungicides.
Tip #2: drain the swamp
If you’ve got excess water in your backyard after it rains, you need to look at improving drainage, fairly obvious, we know! We also recommend implementing a permanent solution for draining damp areas or areas where water collects or sits on the surface.
This could be adding a drainage system, extra drainage or removing trees, but you need to ensure as much water run-off as possible is diverted from the area.
Tip #3: keep up with your upkeep
Helping a waterlogged lawn isn’t just about the activities you do following a major rain event, it’s also about conditioning your lawn outside of the wet season.
Throughout the year continue to regularly treat your soil with organic-based fertilisers, organic matter and soil conditioners to improve the soil profile and encourage beneficial microbes.
Some of our favourite products are Seaweed Secrets, Stimulizer, Nature’s Soil Wetter and Quantum H.
We suggest that during the spring or summer, consider aerating the lawn and top-dressing with an organic material as both will help improve the soil health.
There are tools you can hire or buy to aerate your lawn, including a manual core aerator - but make sure you mow before you use it!
This also helps create less compacted soil, which enables better drainage and flow and allows your lawn to recover faster.
Tip #4: clay soils
Waterlogging is common in soil that has a high clay content. If you’re unsure whether your soil has a high content of clay, take a handful of damp soil and squash it into a ball. If the soil falls apart, you’ve most likely got sandy soil. If the soil holds its shape and you can roll it into a long log, like modelling clay, you’ve got clay soil.
Clay-based soils are great for holding water, so this can become a problem when there’s been a lot of rain, continuous improvement and using a clay busting product, such as gypsum, is recommended.
Plant Doctor’s Micronised Gypsum Liquid is a ‘clay buster’ and is ideal as a natural source of calcium and sulfur. This premium product in liquid form is easy to use and enables more precision in placement.
Hopefully the rain clears up, so we can all get back to lawn care, lawn mowing and enjoying our green lawns without having to worry about a swamp in our yards!
First time owning lawn. Gave the team at plant doctor a ring and they supplied me with a wealth of information. Products turned up quickly.
Will definitely be getting more 8 weeks difference been using stimulizer, activ8mate, soil wetter, seaweed secrets and champion fertiliser. Was super fast delivery.
Only have great things to say about Plant Doctor. Organic products and a competitive price, fast shipping and easy to contact with questions. Have had great results with the special mix for lawns, and my plants (indoor and outdoor) love the seaweed secrets. I am excited to test out some of the animal products soon!
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