Autumn lawn care in Australia sets the foundation for a thriving, resilient lawn through the colder months and into spring. Focus on strengthening your lawn’s roots, improving soil structure, applying the right lawn fertiliser, and staying on top of weed and pest control.
Caring for your lawn doesn’t need to be complicated when you can source from reliable suppliers.
Here at Australian Lawn Concepts, we offer premium turf, including Sir Walter Buffalo, Augusta Zoysia, Empire Zoysia, Nara Native Zoysia, Palmetto Buffalo, Sapphire Buffalo, IronCutter Elite Hybrid Bermudagrass, and Wintergreen Couch, alongside essential nutrients, weed killers, and annual care packs so every lawn stays healthy, resistant, and vibrant.
In this guide, let’s explore how to ensure you can take care of your lawn with the right products and processes.
Why Is Soil Preparation and Aeration Important for Autumn Lawn Care?
Aerate compacted lawns with a garden fork or aerator to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach deeper into the lawn’s roots, which is crucial for strong root growth and lateral growth as the weather cools. Top-dress with compost or sandy loam to retain moisture and enhance soil structure.
Removing thatch and debris supports a resilient root system and reduces lawn diseases in autumn and winter.
How Should You Feed and Fertilise Your Lawn in Autumn?
Apply an autumn-specific fertiliser like Australian Lawn Concepts’ All Rounder Fertiliser at 1kg per 100 square metres. These blends deliver essential nutrients without promoting soft, weak leaf blades during cooler periods.
OxStar Lawn Fertiliser Weed Preventer provides nutrient support while stopping the seed germination of winter grass and other winter weeds. These products protect against diseases and prepare your lawn for the following spring.
What Are the Best Mowing Practices During Autumn?
As your lawn’s growth rate slows, raise your mower height. Never cut more than one-third off the leaf blades in one go to preserve moisture and reduce stress.
Sharpen mower blades for a clean cut; dull blades damage grass and make it vulnerable to disease. Remove clippings and rake leaves to prevent fungal lawn diseases and smothering.
How Can You Manage Pests and Diseases in Your Lawn This Autumn?
Inspect for signs of lawn grubs and African black beetle, especially if you notice brown patches or increased animal activity on your turf.
Use Acelepryn GR or Monarch G as needed to prevent or treat these threats. Maintain good airflow, mow regularly, and avoid watering late in the day; these steps lower your risk of cool-season diseases.
When Should You Address Weed Control on Your Autumn Lawn?
Start weed control in early autumn, use a pre-emergent like OxStar to prevent winter grass and winter weeds.
If weeds are already present, target them with an appropriate herbicide, being careful to match the product to your specific lawn variety. Remove weeds early to avoid costly battles later.
What Are the Best Watering Strategies for Lawn Care in Autumn?
In autumn, water your lawn less frequently but more deeply. This method encourages the roots to penetrate further into the soil, making the grass more resilient to both the coming summer heat and periods of dry weather.
To check if your lawn needs water, use a garden fork or soil probe and push it to a depth of 100mm. Only irrigate when this layer feels dry.
- Shallow, everyday watering might seem beneficial, but it keeps the grass’s roots close to the surface, making the lawn vulnerable to stress, winter weeds, and lawn diseases.
- By watering deeply and spacing out sessions, you help your turf develop a sturdy root system that can better withstand heavy traffic and cool season challenges.
- Always adjust your routine based on recent weather, lawn variety, and soil conditions; well-draining soils may need more frequent attention while heavier clay holds moisture longer.
If your region receives regular rain in autumn, monitor closely to avoid overwatering, which can promote fungal issues and waste water.
The aim is to maintain healthy, moist soil (not soggy or parched) so your lawn enters winter strong and stays vibrant through to the following spring.
What Lawn Varieties Require Special Care in Autumn?
Different turf varieties have unique needs to ensure they stay strong and vibrant during the cooler months.
Selecting the right care strategies for your lawn variety is essential for achieving consistent colour, vigorous growth, and good resilience as autumn progresses and winter approaches.
- Sir Walter Buffalo: Mow at 40-50mm, deep weekly watering, and autumn fertiliser for colour retention.
- Augusta/Empire Zoysia: Mow at 15-30mm, maintain regular deep watering, and apply suitable seasonal feed.
- IronCutter Elite Hybrid Bermudagrass: Best for wear, drought, and larger lawns—follow with frequent soil aeration.
- Wintergreen Couch: Handles heavy use, mow a bit higher in autumn, feed and reduce traffic during establishment.
What Do Customers Say About Their Autumn Lawn Care Experiences?
- “Great service. Easy to deal with and order and quick delivery. Turf arrived in great condition and with the tips provided for laying has taken extremely well. Very happy with the before and after sales support from the entire team.” — Colin Butler
- “Professional, supportive, and very friendly throughout the whole process. Communication was excellent and the team even checked in weeks after the lawn was laid. Highly recommend.” — Lee Bailie
- “From start to finish these guys have been so helpful and caring. Regular check-ins ensured my lawn looked great.” — Carlz S
- “Palmetto is still my favourite—it turned a dusty area into a green vista. The advice was spot on.” — Stewart Scott
- “After just two weeks, the lawn is looking lush and green even with heavy rain and flooding. Excellent advice and ongoing support.” — Shauna Hepi
Final Thoughts
Preparing your lawn in autumn is the key to a healthy, resilient yard that will thrive all year. Focus on improving soil quality, feeding it with essential nutrients, mowing correctly, and staying ahead of weeds and pests for optimal results.
Australian Lawn Concepts provides premium turf, fertilisers, and expert advice tailored to your unique garden.
For turf varieties, care packs, or friendly support, contact Australian Lawn Concepts on 07 4064 9815 or visit alcturf.com.au and step into a lawn you’ll love next season.
People Also Ask
For even more tailored advice and practical solutions, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about autumn lawn care.
1. How do I prepare my soil for autumn lawn care?
Improving soil structure is essential for autumn lawn care. Use a garden fork or aerator to create small holes in your lawn, allowing air, water, and essential nutrients to reach the root system. Top-dress with sandy loam or compost to further boost soil quality and promote strong root growth, helping your turf stay healthy and resilient in the cooler months ahead.
2. What’s the best fertiliser to use in autumn and how should I apply it?
For autumn, use a balanced lawn fertiliser such as Australian Lawn Concepts’ All Rounder Fertiliser at 1kg per 100 square metres. This product provides the essential nutrients your lawn needs to boost grass roots and retain colour. Apply in early autumn and combine with OxStar Lawn Fertiliser & Weed Preventer for added weed control benefits and to prepare your lawn for winter.
3. How often should I mow my lawn in autumn and at what height?
As growth slows in autumn, mow less frequently but adjust your mower height higher than in summer. Never remove more than one-third of your lawn’s leaf blades in a single pass. For buffalo and zoysia varieties, aim for a height of 40–50mm. Use sharp mower blades for clean cuts that reduce the risk of disease and stress on your grass.
4. How can I control weeds and pests in my lawn during autumn?
Weed control is vital, so apply a pre-emergent like OxStar early to stop winter grass and winter weeds before they germinate. If weeds are visible, use a selective herbicide matched to your lawn variety. For pests like lawn grubs or African black beetle, monitor regularly and treat with products like Acelepryn GR or Monarch G if needed to protect your lawn’s health.
5. What watering practices ensure the healthiest lawn in autumn?
Water deeply but less often in autumn to encourage roots to grow down, resulting in a more drought-tolerant lawn. Test soil by inserting a tool to 100mm; if it’s dry at this depth, it’s time to water. Avoid frequent, shallow watering as it weakens roots and encourages weeds and disease, especially when the weather cools.