6 Quick Autumn Tips for your Lawn

• Dig out any bindies or thistles, or spray with lawn weeder
• Give the grass a good raking to eradicate thatch or running weeds
• Raise your mower blade a notch or two as the growth in your lawn will slow down
• Repair holes in the lawn by laying fresh turf patches
• Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and scatter lime lightly over it. This rejuvenates a tired lawn to ready it for the onset of winter
• Transfer the leaves that fall on your garden and lawn to the compost bin on a regular basis, otherwise they will smother your grass

Turfco Winter Lawn Care Tips:

Winter is an important time of year for maintenance of your lawn that will help see it reach peak condition in spring. It’s an ideal time to carry out these chores whilst the soil is soft and easy to dig. With a revitalised root system being free to breath and absorb nutrients your lawn will be ready to produce strong vigorous growth in spring.

Mowing:

For warm season lawns, (Buffalo, Kikuyu, Couch etc.) it’s advisable to set the mower so all you are cutting are any weeds that are growing. Try not to cut into your grass by setting mower height to lightly remove grass leaf-tips only, if anything. Heavy mowing or scalping at this time of year can leave you with a brown lawn for some time.

For cool season grasses winter is the time to drop your mower down to about 2.5cm (1") and this will let the light and warmth into the thatch.

Winter is also a great time to get your mower tuned and blades sharpened or replaced before the rigorous demands of summer again set in.

Aerating:

Many lawn problems are caused by soil compaction, as people and vehicles repeatedly move over the lawn. Wet soils are especially prone to compaction.

If your lawn is not healthy and green and is full of weeds, the whole lawn may need treating for soil compaction. Test for compaction by thrusting a garden fork into the ground. If the fork won't go in at least half way down the tines, the lawn is compacted.

To relieve compaction for small lawns a simple garden fork can be used to aerate the soil. Work the fork backwards and forwards at approx. 10 cm intervals to open up the soil. On larger lawns it may be worthwhile using a coring or aerating machine (available for hire), that will help do the job quickly and thoroughly.

Weeds:

Most types of grasses grow slowly in winter, giving weeds the opportunity to grow strongly. If you only have a few weeds, dig them out with a hand weeder or for more severe weed problems, try a weed wand with glyphosate (roundup), carefully touching the weeds only, or, if the grass is growing actively, use a lawn weed-and-feed spray that won’t harm your lawn grass.

Fertiliser:

Light, slow-release type fertilising to recommended rates is advisable over winter to assist in helping winter colour and help your lawn reach its peak for spring. Spread fertiliser evenly (for best results use a fertiliser spreader) and follow up with a good, deep watering.

Liming:

Poor lawn growth can be a result of acid soils. Some soils are naturally acid; others become acid through the repeated use of lawn fertilisers that contain sulphate of ammonia. A dressing of lime or dolomite during winter will help to reduce acidity. Apply at the recommended rate, as too much lime encourages clover and other weeds to flourish.

Lawn Renovation:

Winter is also a good time to consider a complete lawn replacement. The cooler weather and lower watering demands can make the job less taxing on a new lawn, and can see it established and thriving by spring. This is a job not to be tackled lightly however, and best undertaken by experts.

Turfco Winter Offer:

Call Turfco on 1300 TURFCO - 1300 887 326 or (02) 4464 2033 and mention this article to receive 10% off our Aussie Lawn Tucker fertiliser. Plus free phone advice for your lawn problems and free measure and quote inspections for new or replacement lawns.

Tips for Mowing your Lawn:

• Try to avoid mowing your lawn when it is wet as this can result in an uneven cut.
• Try to avoid mowing your lawn when it is very hot.
• It is a good idea to mow in different directions as it prevents the grass curving in the same way after a number of cuts.
• Do not cut grass too short otherwise your lawn may get burnt by the sun near the roots.
• Wear safe footwear when using a lawn mower.
• Aim to cut no more than 1/3 of the length of the grass in each cut.
• Mow your lawn frequently to reduce clippings, make it easier on yourself and improve the appearance of your lawn.
• Remove all clippings after mowing.
• Keep your lawnmower and other mowing equipment clean and well maintained.
• If you can, collect clippings into a compost pile and create free compost for your garden.
• Consider investing in a Mulching Mower as they return the cut grass back on your lawn in the form of mulch.

Weed Control

• To kill unwanted weeds and grasses use a product such as Garden King Glypho . It is non-residual in the soil so is ideal to treat new lawn areas prior to laying your new lawn. Always read the instructions before use.
• Chop and Un-root Tall Weeds for a more effective treatment. Cut back any prickly top growth and then dig out as much root as possible.

Summer Garden Tips

• Replenish your Mulch
• Redo compost
• Plant drought tolerant succulants in bare spots
• Prune dead branches from shrubs and trees
• Pinch back all late summer perennials to keep them bushy and healthy
• Plant summer blooming bulbs like dahlias or cannas

4 Quick Spring Tips for your Lawn

• Aerate
• Fertilise
• Water
• Weed and Insect Control

If you act on these four tips now when it's Spring, you'll find your lawn will look great for Summer!

Aerating Tip: Try to use an aerator that removes soil rather than one that uses spikes. This allows the water and nutrients to get into the soil easier. Also - don’t forget to water your lawn the night before you aerate to ensure your soil is soft and easier to work on.