Not everything you hear about winter lawn care is true — and believing these myths could leave your lawn in worse shape once spring arrives. This guide debunks the most common misconceptions about maintaining a healthy lawn in winter, while offering practical winter lawn care tips that work for Australian conditions.

From wrong assumptions about mowing to misusing lawn fertilisers, we break down the facts, highlight what your winter grass actually needs during the cooler months, and explain why understanding winter dormancy is key to keeping your lawn healthier year-round.

The Myth of the ‘Dead’ Winter Lawn

Many Australians assume their warm season lawns are “dead” during winter. In reality, this is winter dormancy — a natural response to the cold weather, not a sign of poor health.

Warm season grasses such as Buffalo, Couch, and Zoysia slow their growth significantly during the colder months. Colour loss is normal, but the root systems remain alive and healthy. This myth often leads people to panic and over water, overfeed, or apply unnecessary treatments during cold and dry winter periods.

Fact: Brown or pale turf doesn’t mean your lawn is dying. It simply means it’s not actively growing until warmer months return.

Common Winter Lawn Care Myths — Debunked

Below is a breakdown of some of the most widespread myths that can actually do more harm than good.

Myth	Truth
You should fertilise as usual in winter	Most lawns don’t need strong feeding in winter. Use a liquid fertiliser sparingly if needed.
Mowing should stop completely	You should still mow, but adjust mowing height to allow for extra length to help prevent frost damage.
Water more to fight the dry winter	Most lawns require less water during cooler seasons. Over watering can lead to lawn disease.
Grass won’t grow at all in winter	While warm season grasses slow down, they still have active root growth.
Winter weeds will die off on their own	Winter weeds like broadleaf weeds often thrive in neglected lawns. Use a pre emergent herbicide early.

Myth: “You Don’t Need to Worry About Weeds in Winter”

Ignoring winter weeds is a big mistake. Varieties like clover, bindii, and other broadleaf weeds establish themselves when your lawn in winter is weakest. By early spring, they’ll be mature and harder to control.

What to do instead: Apply a pre emergent herbicide in autumn or early winter to prevent germination of common weeds. Stay vigilant, as even small outbreaks can quickly spread.

Myth: “Mowing Isn’t Necessary Until Spring”

It’s true that your warm season lawn won’t grow much, but that doesn’t mean you should let it go. Leaving your winter lawn to overgrow creates shelter for pests and disease. It also traps moisture, increasing the risk of fungal infections.

However, you’ll need to adjust your approach.

Winter Mowing Tips

Raise your mowing height to leave more blade length for photosynthesis.
Ensure mower blades are sharp to avoid bruising dormant grass.
Mow only when the turf is dry to avoid compacting the soil or spreading lawn disease.

Maintaining a gentle mowing routine helps your lawn healthier and ready to bounce back when spring arrives.

Myth: “Fallen Leaves Help Insulate the Lawn”

While it might seem helpful to leave fallen leaves as insulation, they actually block sunlight and trap moisture — perfect conditions for disease.

Best practice: Rake up leaves weekly or use a mulching mower to finely chop them and feed the soil without smothering the grass.

Myth: “Fertilising Heavily Helps Combat Cold Weather”

In the cooler months, most warm season grasses can’t fully absorb nutrients, so applying standard fertiliser often goes to waste — or worse, contributes to lawn disease.

What to Do Instead

Use a liquid fertiliser if your lawn shows signs of stress, but only in moderation.
If your lawn is actively growing, a light feed of potassium can support root strength.
Save heavier lawn fertilisers for early spring or late autumn.

Myth: “A Dry Winter Doesn’t Affect Your Lawn”

Even in a dry winter, it’s not a good idea to resume full watering schedules. Overwatering during dormancy creates soggy soil that promotes rot and disease.

Watering Rule of Thumb

Stick to deep, infrequent watering — once every 2–3 weeks during extended dry spells.
Water only in the morning to allow moisture to evaporate before nightfall.
Consider using a moisture meter to check the soil beneath your turf.

Winter Lawn Care Tips That Actually Work

Here are practical, proven strategies to help your winter lawn survive and thrive:

Keep it tidy: Clear fallen leaves, twigs, and debris.
Avoid heavy traffic: Dormant turf is more prone to wear and frost damage.
Watch for weeds: Target broadleaf weeds with spot treatments.
Adjust mowing: Maintain a longer blade length to insulate the grass.

FAQ: Winter Lawn Care in Australia

How often should I mow my lawn in winter?

Mow only when needed — typically every 2–43 weeks. Adjust your mowing height higher than usual to protect against frost.

Should I apply pre emergent herbicide in winter?

Yes — but timing matters. Apply in late autumn or early winter to prevent germination of winter weeds.

Is winter lawn colour loss permanent?

No. Colour loss is usually temporary and part of normal winter dormancy in warm season grasses. Your lawn should green up again when spring arrives.

Seasonal Lawn Care Checklist (Winter)

Task	Frequency	Notes
Remove fallen leaves	Weekly	Prevents disease and smothering
Mow with higher cut	Every 2-3 weeks	Sharp blades only, dry conditions
Light watering	Every 2–3 weeks	Only if dry winter conditions persist
Weed monitoring	Ongoing	Spot treat broadleaf weeds
Fertilise (optional)	Once mid-season	Use liquid fertiliser if needed

Conclusion: Prepare Now for a Lusher Spring

Most winter lawn care mistakes come from misunderstanding how grass behaves in the cooler seasons. By avoiding the myths — like stopping mowing, overwatering, or feeding too heavily — you give your turf the best chance to stay healthy and bounce back stronger when warmer months return.

Remember: a healthy lawn isn’t made overnight. It’s built with seasonal strategies tailored to what your grass needs — and what it doesn’t. So stay vigilant, follow evidence-based care, and enjoy a lawn healthier than ever come summer.