Welcome to Australian Lawn Concepts, Australia’s Largest Grower of Zoysia Lawns. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned gardener, understanding the nuances of turf care across different seasons is crucial for maintaining a lush, healthy lawn.
Our guide offers comprehensive advice on caring for various grass varieties throughout the year, ensuring your lawn remains a source of pride no matter the season.
Understanding Your Turf Varieties
Australian Lawn Concepts offers a range of high-quality turf varieties suitable for diverse Australian climates. These include Augusta Zoysia, Empire Zoysia, Nara Native Zoysia, Palmetto Buffalo Grass, Sapphire Buffalo Grass, Sir Walter Turf Buffalo Grass, Oz Tuff Native Sports Turf, and Wintergreen Couch. Each variety has unique characteristics, making it essential to tailor your turf care approach.
Seasonal Turf Care Guide
Spring: The Awakening
Spring in Australia heralds a time of renewal and rejuvenation for your lawn. As the grip of cooler temperatures loosens, your turf shakes off its dormant state, eagerly awaiting your care and attention. This season is pivotal for setting the stage for a year of lush, vibrant growth.
Aeration: Breathing Life into Your Turf
Over the cooler months, your soil can become compacted, restricting the flow of essential nutrients and water to the grassroots. Aeration, the process of creating small holes in the soil, combats this compaction.
Fertilisation: Nourishing Your Lawn
Look for a balanced, slow-release fertiliser that suits the specific needs of your turf variety, whether it’s Zoysia, Buffalo Grass, or any other variety you have. Apply the fertiliser evenly across your lawn, using a spreader for consistency. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive growth, making your lawn more susceptible to diseases.
Weed Control: A Proactive Approach
Familiarise yourself with common weeds in your area. Early identification is key to effective control. Use a combination of manual removal and selective herbicides. Be cautious with herbicide use, ensuring it’s safe for your specific grass type.
Summer: Peak Growth and Challenges
With the arrival of summer, your lawn enters its most active growth phase, but this season also brings its own set of challenges, from scorching heat to pesky invaders.
Watering: The Lifeline of Your Lawn
Encourage deep root growth by watering deeply but less frequently. This practice helps your lawn withstand prolonged dry spells. Early morning is ideal, as it allows the water to seep into the soil before the heat of the day causes evaporation.
Mowing: Keeping It Trim and Tidy
Keep your grass a bit taller in summer to protect the soil from the harsh sun. For most varieties, this means adjusting your mower to leave the grass about 30-40% taller than in cooler months. Ensure your mower blades are sharp for clean cuts, which help prevent disease. Leave the clippings on the lawn as they act as a natural mulch, helping retain moisture.
Pest Control: Guarding Against Invaders
Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pest activity, such as brown patches or chewed grass blades. For severe infestations, consult a professional for advice on treatment options suitable for your specific grass type.
Autumn: Preparation for Dormancy
Autumn in Australia is a crucial period for lawn care, marking a transition from the active growth of spring and summer to the slower growth rates of the cooler months. This season is about strengthening your turf, ensuring it has the resilience to withstand winter and emerge healthy in the following spring.
Fertilisation: Fortifying Your Lawn
Autumn fertilisation should focus on products high in potassium, which plays a vital role in enhancing root growth, improving drought tolerance, and increasing disease resistance. Distribute the fertiliser evenly across your lawn, taking care to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid over-fertilisation.
Top Dressing: Enhancing Soil Quality
Top dressing, the process of adding a thin layer of material over your grass, helps to improve soil quality, level out the lawn surface, and reduce thatch. Use a mix of sand, soil, and compost that matches your lawn’s soil structure. For sandy soils, use more compost for nutrient retention; for clay soils, use more sand for improved drainage.
Weed Control: Keeping Weeds at Bay
Autumn is the perfect time to control perennial weeds that are preparing to store energy in their roots for winter. Spot treat weeds with an appropriate herbicide, ensuring it’s safe for your turf type. For a more organic approach, hand-pulling weeds can be effective, especially when the soil is moist.
Winter: Maintenance and Monitoring
Winter in Australia presents a unique set of challenges for lawn care. While your turf’s growth significantly slows down, it’s crucial not to become complacent. The focus during these cooler months shifts towards maintenance and vigilance, ensuring your lawn remains healthy and ready to flourish once spring arrives.
Mowing: Strategic Trimming
As grass growth slows, so should your mowing. However, occasional trimming is still necessary to keep the lawn tidy and healthy. Avoid cutting the grass too short. A slightly taller grass height provides insulation against frost and helps protect roots. Each grass type has an optimal winter height, generally a bit higher than during the active growing season.
Watering: Balancing Moisture Needs
Overwatering in winter can be detrimental, leading to root rot and fungal diseases. Water only when necessary, and do it in the morning to allow the grass to dry out over the day. This reduces the likelihood of frost damage and fungal growth.
Inspection: Regular Health Checks
Cooler temperatures can invite certain types of fungal diseases and pests. Regularly inspect your lawn for any unusual signs, such as discoloured patches or thinning areas. If you notice signs of distress, address them promptly. This may involve adjusting your care routine or seeking professional advice for treatment.
Caring for New Turf
For freshly laid turf care, it’s vital to establish strong roots. Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid heavy traffic on the new turf. Gradually transition to regular maintenance practices as the turf is established.
Lawn Care Products & Advice
Utilising the right lawn care products is pivotal. From fertilisers to pest control solutions, choosing products suitable for your specific turf variety ensures optimal health and resilience.
At Australian Lawn Concepts, we’re not just suppliers of high-quality turf; we’re partners in your lawn care journey. Our team is equipped to assist in all landscaping projects and provide expert advice on lawn maintenance. With our guidance, your lawn will not only survive but thrive throughout the year. Contact us today.