With the lack of recent rainfall and upcoming forecasts of below average rain, the Greater Sydney area is currently in drought.
Since June 1, 2019, the NSW government has introduced Level 1 water restrictions across the Sydney region, affecting both residential and commercial water usage.
However, what was raised to level 2 restrictions in December is now being brought back to level 1 due to a large downpour that replenished Sydney’s water supply.
If you have recently bought turf or are considering to purchase fresh grass, keep reading to see how you can maintain a lively lawn despite the current circumstances.
What you can do
With the new water restrictions enforced, there is no need to fear! You can still maintain a fresh new lawn while being mindful of the drought.
The first thing you can do is invest in a trigger nozzle for your hose. This will ensure minimal water is used and will stop it from being released unnecessarily.
Luckily, there are still ways to water your garden with a hose (fitted with a trigger nozzle). If you still prefer to use a hose, you can do so before 10 am or after 4 pm. However, during the water restrictions, you can’t use standard sprinklers. Fortunately, you can still water your brand-new Bermuda grass with a watering can or bucket.
Other exceptions include watering your lawn with a system that has an automated weather adjustment feature, a rain sensor or a soil moisture sensor. Alternatively, you can water your garden using a drip irrigation system, recycled water or greywater.
Exemptions
In order to allow your new grass to settle, Sydney Water has approved of a four-week watering plan for new turf owners only. This enables the grass to take immediate activation and prevent it from drying out. The watering plan is as follows:
Week 1: Lawns can be watered up to three times a day for a total of 30 minutes per session at any time of the day.
Week 2 & 3: Lawns can be watered up to two times a day for a total of 15 minutes per session either before 10 am or after 4 pm.
Week 4: Lawns must only be watered for a total of 30 minutes per day on 3 days of this week before 10 am and after 4 pm.
After the four weeks, you must water your turf following normal water restrictions. This includes watering your turf before 10 am and after 4 pm with a watering can or a hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle.
If you have new turf covering an area larger than 30 m2 and find your lawn has not yet established, you can apply for further water exemption here.
It is important you keep your receipt for proof of purchase. When you apply for the extended exemption, you will need to use details from your receipt.
For any enquiries, please call 13 20 92 or visit Sydney Water.
Take advantage
Even though there are current water restrictions, this is possibly the best time to purchase new turf for your lawn. With the cool and wet weather, you will want to buy your grass now to get it sorted for summer.
This will allow you to take advantage of the cooler season and start getting it settled and established while it isn’t hot and dry. With the further water exemption possible, this will enable your new Sir Grange turf to fully prosper to its full potential and build a solid presence on your property.
Interested in getting a head start on your new turf this season? Our friendly team at Sydney Lawn & Turf Supplies are more than happy to help get your lawn in top shape. Give us a call on 1900 458 859 or go ahead and buy instant turf from our website.
