It’s a viral trick that allows Australians to save their lawns without incurring huge fines

Australia is in the grip of its worst heat wave in six years, with temperatures soaring past 47C in some regions, and the mercury has yet to drop until the weekend.

But beyond the dire conditions, a new problem is emerging for homeowners: the very real threat of crippling fines for trying to save their dying lawns.

With strict water restrictions now a grim reality across the country, landowners are faced with a stark choice: watch their green lawns turn to dust, or risk facing fines that can run into the thousands.

Keeping your lawn and plants alive: Expert advice during the heat

Agronomist Sabrina Hahn warns that extreme heat isn’t just about drying out the soil; it absorbs the moisture of the plant leaf.

“Extreme heat causes all kinds of stress factors in plants, and it’s not just the drying out of the soil, it’s the moisture coming out of the leaf tissue,” he told Yahoo Lifestyle.

His advice to keep the “green kids” alive without breaking the bank or the law?

Water well in the morning.

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On those brutal 40C-plus days, he even suggests a second watering in the evening.

And for those who work at home, Hahn tells a long-held tale:

“If you pull your leaves down on a 40-degree day, it’s really good for the plant,” he explained, noting that moisture is pulled directly from the stomata of the leaf. Just avoid fertilizers, which can overwhelm struggling plants.

Hahn also introduced a “sunscreen” for plants: Yates’ Drought Shield.

This product creates a polymer that adheres to the leaves, preventing moisture loss.

Gardening expert Sabrina Hahn offers hot tips on how to protect your lawn, garden, and plants during the heater. Photo: Facebook

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“You just stick it on the end of your hose, and you spray the leaves and that’s months ago,” he said, noting that a 2.5L bottle costs about $34 at hardware stores.

Nathan Edwards, spokesperson for Lawn Solutions Australia, revealed some strategies for those struggling with water restrictions.

“When things are really dry, like right now, and you’re worried about browning or you can’t get water, you can use soil moisture products that will keep your grass from becoming hydrophobic,” he advises.

Products like Lawn Soaker improve water penetration, ensuring that every precious drop counts. He also emphasized the importance of watering before the heat of the day and choosing to soak well two or three times a week, rather than frequent, short periods, which can make the grass dry.

Viral despair: Painting your grass green

As homeowners face the harsh reality of dead grass and the fines to come, a serious, yet dangerous practice has emerged: painting your green lawn.

Perth’s Mariah Elaine, who lives in a city notorious for dry summers and strict water restrictions, sparked an uproar on social media after sharing a video of herself “painting” her lawn “yellow and dead”.

While critics are quick to scoff, experts support the controversial move.

Nathan Edwards confirmed that Elaine uses ColorGuard – a product that combines green color with lawn fertiliser.

A woman posted a video “painting” her lawn on social media. Photo: TikTok

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Before and after of Mariah’s lawn after painting it with ColorGuard. Photo: TikTok

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“It is a pigment and lawn fertilizer, so if it looks different it can be a good way to make the grass greener faster,” he said.

This can be a great solution for those who wish to maintain the appearance of their property without incurring a penalty.

Even houseplants are not immune. Hahn warns against blasting them with air conditioning. “There is no such thing as a ‘house’ plant,” she said.

“They all come from hot places and don’t like cold air.”

Instead, gather them together and mist them for essential foliar moisture. A smart hack for slow hydration? Place a few ice cubes on the ground before you leave for work.

Fine print: Navigating Australia’s watersheds

Water companies do not waste.

Penalties for watering during restricted periods can range from on-the-spot fines to fines for repeat offenders.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Water Restrictions website serves as a valuable resource, highlighting how regulations vary greatly by state, region, and water agency.

In Sydney, the Water Wise Guidelines allow the use of potable water in gardens and lawns only before 10am and after 4pm.

Permitted methods include hand-held hoses with quick shut-off mechanisms, sprinklers, or irrigation systems.

Aussies should also familiarize themselves with local council watering regulations to avoid hefty fines.

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Smart irrigation systems or drip irrigation can be used between 10am and 4pm. Notably, new turf or gardens receive a 28-day grace period to water at any time.

Victoria, on the other hand, operates under Permanent Water Conservation Laws, while in Western Australia, Permanent Water Efficiency Measures, introduced in 2007, apply to both system water users and garden bore users, including a list system and a ban on winter spraying in Perth from June to August.

Tasmania is currently in place with Stage 1 restrictions, restricting manual or drip irrigation systems between 6am and 8am and 8pm and 10pm every day, including lawns.

South Australia has Water Wise measures in place, which allow hand watering at any time, but sprinklers can only be used after 5pm and before 10am on any given day.

As for fines for those who ignore the rules, Sydney landlords have been slapped with fines of $220 in the past, while Western Australia has issued notices of up to $100.

However, under current laws, a first offense can attract fines in the thousands, increasing significantly with subsequent violations.

This means that your wilting turf can cost you a lot of money.

As Australia moves, the choice for homeowners is clear: change your gardening habits, adopt new solutions such as plant sunscreen or even viral lawn paint, or risk facing thousands of dollars in fines from vigilant water companies.

The survival of your lawn, and the health of your wallet, depends on it.