A lawn that has weathered an Australian winter often emerges looking patchy, dull, and vulnerable to pests. As temperatures climb in spring and summer, early lawn care is vital for restoring strength, encouraging thick regrowth, and warding off destructive insects like the notorious lawn armyworm. In this article, we’ll explore how to rejuvenate winter-worn lawns by tackling patchy areas, enriching soil, managing pests, and adjusting mowing and watering for optimal recovery. From early detection of caterpillar infestations to effective DIY remedies, you’ll find practical strategies to protect your entire lawn and help it thrive.
Assess the State of Your Entire Lawn
Start by walking over the turf to identify issues. Check for yellowing patches, thinning grass blades, soggy spots, and areas where the soil has compacted. Winter rains and dry conditions can cause underlying soil problems.
Key Signs of Trouble:
- Patchiness or bare spots
- Discolouration or weak regrowth
- Signs of lawn pests, such as birds pecking persistently
- Moth activity or presence of larvae on the surface
These signs could indicate early stages of an armyworm infestation or other lawn worms, and prompt action can prevent significant damage.
Repairing Patchy Areas in Spring
Reviving patchy spots begins with clearing debris and thatch. Loosen the soil in bare patches and apply a blend of topsoil and compost to improve nutrient content. Then installing new slabs of turf in the area for an instant repair, or waiting for the lawn to recover and fill in the patches itself.
Improving Soil Health for Lasting Growth
Healthy soil is the backbone of a resilient lawn. Use a soil test kit to check pH and nutrient levels. Lawns generally thrive with slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5).
Enrich the Soil With:
- Organic compost or well-rotted manure
- Slow-release fertiliser tailored to your lawn type
- Seaweed-based tonics to promote microbial activity
Avoid synthetic additives that degrade soil structure over time. Lawn worms play a significant role in improving aeration and nutrient cycling. If they’re commonly found in your garden, that’s a good sign.
Identifying Armyworms
Spring is prime time for many destructive pests, especially lawn armyworm, which can spread rapidly and leave entire lawns stripped bare in just a few days.
Lifecycle Highlights:
- Eggs hatch in just a few days
- Caterpillars feed for up to six weeks
- Mature caterpillars burrow into the soil to pupate
- Adult moths can travel long distances and lay hundreds of eggs
Signs of Armyworm Activity:
- Ragged leaf margins from caterpillar feeding
- Brown patches that appear overnight
- High moth activity in warm evenings
Control Measures:
The best control method is with the use of Acelepryn on the entire area of turf. Acelepryn is a product that not only kills any armyworm within the turf and ending the cycle of hatching, but also provides a residual effect to continue to work in the background whilst also being safe for pets and wildlife.
Early detection and prompt action can prevent armyworm damage from escalating into economic damage, particularly for large turf areas or grass pastures. A soap flush test can also be helpful in checking if armyworms have reached your yard.
Mowing and Watering Adjustments in Warmer Months
As spring progresses, mowing and watering routines must evolve to meet the lawn’s needs. The increased daylight and warming temperatures accelerate grass growth, but also increase the demand for moisture.
Spring Mowing Tips:
- Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time
- Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the turf
- Raise mowing height slightly during dry conditions
Watering Guidelines:
- Water deeply but infrequently (2–3 times a week)
- Early morning watering reduces evaporation
- Watch for signs of water stress like wilting or blue-grey colouring
Overwatering encourages fungal problems and can attract destructive insects. Use soapy water tests to monitor for pests, especially if birds start pecking frequently at the lawn surface.
Seasonal Fertilising and Weed Control
Fertilise your lawn in early spring to promote strong root growth and boost recovery. Choose a nitrogen-rich blend designed for spring and summer use.
To control weeds:
- Hand-pull when soil is moist
- Apply selective herbicide if weeds persist
- Avoid over-fertilising, which can encourage weed growth over grass
Timing is essential. Fertilising when armyworm caterpillars are feeding can unintentionally strengthen their food source. Coordinate fertilising around pest control efforts.
Lawn Armyworm FAQ
What is the most damaging stage of the armyworm lifecycle? The caterpillar feeding stage is the most damaging. Mature caterpillars can strip grass blades rapidly, especially when infestations are dense.
Can armyworms affect flowering plants or only turf? Armyworms primarily target turf and grass pastures but may also feed on the lower leaves of flowering plants if grass becomes scarce.
How can I tell if I have armyworms or just lawn worms? Lawn worms improve soil and are beneficial, while armyworm caterpillars are destructive pests. Look for ragged leaf margins, smooth bodies, and rapid patch formation.
How long does an infestation last? If left untreated, infestations can last up to six months due to repeated moth activity and overlapping generations.
What’s the best way to detect armyworm caterpillars? Perform a soapy water flush test. Mix water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent and pour over a suspicious patch. Armyworms will emerge within minutes.
Conclusion: A Proactive Spring Lawn Strategy
Spring recovery begins with early detection, soil improvement, and vigilance against lawn pests like armyworms. Address patchy areas with reseeding and nutrient-rich topdressing, adjust mowing and watering based on temperature shifts, and act swiftly to prevent armyworm infestation from causing significant damage. By investing effort now, you’ll enjoy a lush, green lawn that stays healthy through summer.