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Trying to fix a wet lawn too soon can cause further damage, so allow adequate time for the water or flooding to disperse before you walk on it or use tools on it. Once everything is dry and non-squelchy, you’re all good to start on Project Lawn Recovery.
When soil is compacted, water can’t drain away properly and will instead pool on the surface and at the roots, causing your grass to rot or die. Poking holes into the soil – aka aerating – helps create entry points for better air and water absorption and will also promote healthy growth. Use a garden fork or special aerator shoes for small spaces or try a spiked roller for larger patches
Once everything has dried out, mow the lawn at its usual height. This will help remove the layer of dead grass, leaves and roots that builds up between blades of grass. This layer – called thatch – can cause issues with drainage, compromise root health and increase the risk of pests and disease. You can also use a garden rake to remove this excess layer.
High rain fall and flooding can strip your lawn of important nutrients. Wait until the area has sufficiently dried out and is showing signs of recovery, then give it a healthy dose of a fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – post-aeration is a great time to do this. Different grass types need different fertilisers, so read product labels to find the right one for you. While you’re at it, test the soil’s pH levels to remedy any acid or alkaline imbalances.
Waterlogged lawns are more prone to fungal diseases, so act fast as soon as you notice any brown, slimy or matted patches or leaf spots. There are a range of fungicides to treat a host of issues. Take photos of the problem area and seek expert advice for the best course of action.
The rain may have washed in some unwanted weeds. Stop them from spreading by removing them by hand – roots and all – or with a selective weed killer if they’re more widespread.
In some cases, your lawn may have become hydrophobic. This occurs when a waxy residue from fungal activity or decomposing plant matter coats the soil particles, rendering them unable to absorb moisture. Instead, water pools on the surface, leading to muddy puddles and excess moisture. Thankfully it’s easily fixed with a wetting agent.
If you have some shallow areas in your backyard that always seem to collect water, fill them in with top dressing. Choose the right top-dressing mix for your soil type – sandy, clay or loamy – and use a shovel to scatter an ever layer of the mix over uneven patches. Use a rake to spread it evenly and work it into the soil.
There may be deeper issues contributing to your lawn’s waterlogged state, such as insufficient drainage. Short of re-laying the entire area, you may want to consider installing a French drain to redirect the water elsewhere or building a rain garden of water-loving plants in notorious wet spots.
Got more lawn problems? We’ve got plenty of helpful lawn advice.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
