If water is scarce, how do some lawns stay greener than others?
The truth: it’s not luck, and it’s not just about throwing more litres at the problem. A well-kept South African lawn survives summer because of smarter habits, not just heavier watering. At Evergro Landscapers, we’ve seen it time and time again — the greener lawns aren’t the ones being drowned, they’re the ones being managed with intent.
Here’s the insider’s playbook:
Water smarter, not more
Most people think that a few sprinkles here and there will keep grass alive, but this only encourages shallow roots that wilt at the first sign of heat. Deep, infrequent watering — about 25–30 litres per m² per week in summer — pushes roots down, where the soil holds moisture longer. This creates resilience, not dependency.
In winter, the game changes. Growth slows, frost cools the soil, and lawns need only half the summer amount — about 10–15 litres per m² per week. If you’re still watering like it’s January, you’re not helping your lawn, you’re wasting water.
💡 Think of it like training for a marathon: shallow roots = couch potato; deep roots = athlete.
Choose the grass that works for you (not against you)
Kikuyu is South Africa’s lawn champion for good reason. It’s tough, cost-effective, and bounces back fast after heavy use. That makes it perfect for family yards, pets, and even large estates. But it’s not just about affordability — Kikuyu thrives in hot, dry summers, making it a sustainable choice for most regions.
Evergreen grasses, on the other hand, are the show ponies. They look lush and stay green longer, but they’re thirstier, more sensitive, and demand higher upkeep. They’re not “wrong,” but unless you’re in a wetter area or love garden maintenance, Kikuyu usually wins. Choosing the wrong grass is like buying a sports car for off-road — looks great until reality sets in.
💡 Pro Tip: Always choose grass for your climate and lifestyle, not just for how it looks on day one.
Mow like you mean it
Scalping is one of the fastest ways to ruin a summer lawn. Cutting the blades too short strips away their natural shade cover, exposing soil to harsh sun and drying it out. Instead, raise your mower blade in summer so grass stays slightly longer. Taller grass shades the soil, holds water better, and protects root systems.
The golden rule? Never cut more than a third of the blade at once. Mowing is stress for grass — trimming gently keeps it healthy, while scalping forces it into recovery mode. Think of mowing less like a haircut and more like health care — consistent, not extreme.
💡 Pro Tip: For that lush, striped “bowling green” look, mow in alternating directions each week.
Soil first, lawn second
Lawns live or die by their soil. Compacted clay suffocates roots, while sandy coastal soils drain too fast, leaving nothing to hold water. The fix? Prep before planting: compost for nutrients, topsoil to even out levels, and aeration to keep oxygen flowing. Good soil isn’t glamorous, but it’s what separates a lasting lawn from one that fails within months.
Drainage is our non-negotiable. If water pools in certain spots, it won’t just drown grass — it creates disease and pest problems that cost far more to fix later. At Evergro, we insist on correcting soil and drainage from the start, even when clients want to rush. Because once your lawn becomes a swamp, it’s too late.
💡 Pro Tip: Spend one rand on soil prep today, save ten rand in repairs tomorrow.
Irrigation = insurance
Sure, you can water by hand. But will you, every week, forever? That’s where irrigation systems prove their worth. A properly zoned setup — costing about R65–R100 per m² — delivers water where and when it’s needed, without waste. Drip irrigation, in particular, is the MVP: precise, efficient, and nearly impossible to overdo.
Think of irrigation not as a luxury but as insurance. It buys you consistency. You don’t need to panic about heatwaves, holidays, or forgetting a watering session. It also saves water long-term, because unlike hose pipes or sprinklers, it avoids evaporation and overspray.
💡 Pro Tip: Automate your irrigation to run early morning — less evaporation, stronger grass.
Final Takeaway
Summer doesn’t have to spell doom for your lawn. With the right grass, deep watering, smarter mowing, proper soil prep, and reliable irrigation, you can enjoy a green, thriving space even in South Africa’s toughest conditions.
At Evergro Landscapers, we don’t just cut grass — we help clients design sustainable outdoor spaces they’re proud of. From irrigation to full transformations, we’ve got you covered.
💚 Your Lawn, Our Passion. Reliable care, all year round.