Establishing new lawns

Lawns provide a beautiful landscape for our gardens, but they also use up to 30 per cent of outdoor water. But staying water savvy can keep your lawn maintained during the warmer weather.

Whether it is a functional play area or an ornamental feature, there are many ways to make your lawn more water-efficient:

Choosing a type of grass

Choose a low-maintenance, light drinker for your lawn. Ask your local nursery for advice on what grass type will suit you. Choose a low-maintenance, light drinker for your lawn. Ask your local nursery for advice on what grass type will suit you

Garden zones

Choose a low-maintenance,Try not to plant lawn on slopes or in hard to reach places that are difficult to water and maintain. Plant trees to partially shade lawn areas. This will reduce evaporation rates and slow down lawn growth, saving time on mowing.

Soil

Choosing a good soil base will help your new lawn settle in faster. After laying your new turf aerate the soil occasionally with a garden fork to help water soak in.

Maintaining your lawn

Water your lawn for longer, but less often, to encourage deeper roots and drought tolerance. A good soaking every now and then is ideal. Try not to cut your lawn too short. Mow only the top third of the leaf area, leaving it three centimetres or higher.

Choose your type of grass

Establishing new lawns

An automatic watering exemption is provided for the establishment of a new lawn or new garden. You can water the new turf or plants at any time for a period of up to two weeks using a sprinkler, irrigation system or a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle. Please keep a copy of your delivery or purchase docket to prove the date of installation.

Saving water in the laundry

Our laundries require a large amount of water to function. Here, you can find out some inexpensive ways to reduce the volume you use when operating your washing machine or taps.

Little habits make big changes

If you're thoughtful you can really make things go a long way, especially water.