How to Help Your Lawn Recover After Heavy Rainfall

Excessive rainfall can take a toll on your lawn. From waterlogged soil to fungal growth and patchy grass, wet conditions can create the perfect storm for turf damage. But with a few simple steps, your lawn can bounce back greener and healthier than ever.

1. Let the Lawn Dry Out

After a bout of heavy rain, your first instinct might be to get outside and start fixing things immediately—but patience is key. Walking on soggy grass compacts the soil and damages roots, so hold off until the surface is no longer squishy underfoot. Depending on the drainage, this could take a few days.

2. Remove Debris and Watch for Pests

Once things have dried out a bit, remove any fallen branches, leaves or plant matter. These can block sunlight and trap moisture against the grass, encouraging fungal growth. This is also the time to watch for pests like lawn grubs or beetles, which thrive in wet soil conditions.

3. Aerate the Soil

Waterlogged lawns often suffer from compacted soil, which limits oxygen and root development. Aerating helps relieve this compaction and allows your grass to breathe again. You can use a garden fork for smaller areas or hire a core aerator for larger spaces. Aim to pull small plugs of soil out across the worst-affected areas.

4. Apply a Wetting Agent if Needed

Sometimes water can sit on the surface without penetrating deep into the soil. If your turf is still showing signs of stress after drying, a wetting agent can help. These products break down surface tension and allow moisture to move more freely into the root zone.

5. Trim Back Overgrowth

Excess rain can cause rapid plant growth around the edges of your lawn or garden beds. Trim these areas to increase airflow and sunlight exposure. It’s especially important to keep lawn edges neat if you’ve noticed signs of fungal disease.

6. Treat for Fungal Issues Early

Excess moisture can trigger lawn diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, or Pythium blight. If you notice discoloured patches, fuzzy white growth, or areas that smell musty, act quickly. Use a fungicide appropriate for your grass type, and always follow label directions carefully.

7. Overseed Bare Patches

Once the lawn is stable and free of standing water, fill in any bare or thinning patches with a grass seed mix suited to your region. Gently rake the surface to help the seeds settle, then water lightly and consistently to encourage germination.

8. Feed with a Balanced Fertiliser

After heavy rain, nutrients often leach from the soil. Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support recovery and encourage strong root growth. Avoid over-fertilising, which can stress your turf even more.

9. Monitor Drainage for the Future

If parts of your lawn regularly flood or take longer to dry, it might be time to look into a more permanent solution. French drains, rain gardens, or regrading the soil can dramatically improve drainage and reduce future damage.

Looking after your turf after excessive rain doesn’t require major work—just the right timing and a bit of care. With good lawn habits and a watchful eye, your backyard will bounce back beautifully.