How to take care of your lawn

The plot thickens

A lush green lawn is an invitation to step outside. However, if harsh weather or neglect has left your grass looking worse for wear, it might be time to renovate or even replace your front or backyard lawn. Follow these expert lawn care tips to restore your turf.

Starting over with a new lawn

There are two ways to start a lawn from scratch: growing grass from seed or laying turf. Each has its pros and cons, says Munns lawn specialist Steve Jackson. “Seed is economical, great for large areas or repairing small patches, but it can take months for the grass to establish, and you need to stay on top of weeds.”

For instant impact, Steve suggests turf. “It comes at a greater cost, but there’s a bigger range of grass varieties to choose from and, depending on conditions, the lawn can establish in a few weeks,” he says.

Before you start, Steve recommends creating a solid foundation so roots can establish themselves properly. “Clear the area of weeds, stones and other debris,” he says. “If your soil is clay-based, work in gypsum to assist with drainage. For sandy soils, add organic matter to help improve structure and retain moisture.”

For both methods, watering is key. “Do not allow the soil around germinating seeds or turf roots to dry out,” warns Steve. “They will die and you’ll be left with a patchy lawn.”

Grass care is essential

Keeping a grass lawn in shape requires regular care throughout the year. Apply a lawn-specific granular fertiliser in spring, summer and autumn. To give it a boost, particularly during periods of active growth, supplement with a liquid fertiliser between those feeds.

Mowing regularly results in a healthy, thick lawn, which also helps prevent weeds. Steve recommends trimming only one-third off the length of the grass blade. “Removing too much of the leaf blade stresses the lawn,” he explains. In winter, growth slows – except if you have a cool-season grass, like perennial rye or tall fescue – so raise your mower a few notches.

Aerating, dethatching and top dressing

Aerating, dethatching (removing any build-up of dead organic matter) and top dressing are typically done in spring, if needed. “Aerating or coring helps decompact the soil, allowing water, air and nutrients to get to the roots,” says horticulturist Steve Halliday of Sydney Living Museums (sydneylivingmuseums.com.au). “This is especially useful in areas with heavy foot traffic or clay-based soils.”

Dethatching also aids lawn health. “Over time, dead grass matter (thatch) builds up under the lawn and can create water absorption and disease issues,” he says. “Dethatching can be done with specialised machinery or a garden fork and rake.”

Once a revamp is complete, Steve recommends looking after your lawn with a light feed and top dress. “Apply the top dress evenly and thinly, raking through until you can see the grass,” he says. Water it in well and continue to water the lawn regularly.

Eco-friendly lawn tips

Choose the ideal type of grass for your region. “While a cool-climate grass can grow in a hot climate, it requires a lot of water throughout summer, so picking the right type of lawn for your area is the best way to be water-smart,” says Steve Jackson.

Horticulturist Rachel Okell of Our Green Sanctuary (ourgreensanctuary.com) recommends applying an organic lawn food at least once a year, and ideally two to three times a year. “It improves soil structure which, in turn, helps to keep the lawn healthy,” she says.

To maximise water efficiency in your backyard, install irrigation with a timer. Steve Halliday advises setting it to water in the evening or early morning. “This ensures water isn’t wasted through evaporation,” he explains.

Train your lawn to use less water by watering less often, but for longer, to encourage deep root growth, says Steve Jackson. Check your local council for watering restrictions and rostering days that may apply in your local area.

Top dressing or spreading a thin layer of sandy soil over the grass “improves drainage and nutrient retention and helps to even out the lawn,” says Steve Halliday.

Remove weeds and pests from your lawn

Staying on top of weeds and pests are part of keeping a lawn in good condition. If you spy weeds, Steve Halliday advises taking swift action. “Manually remove weeds by hand or with a selective herbicide that is safe for your lawn type,” he says. Common lawn pests such as curl grubs, army worm and sod webworm can be hard to spot, but irregular patches of dead grass are a good indicator. Treat with lawn-specific insecticide.

Common lawn problems and how to fix them

Here are a few tips for tackling common lawn problems.

Waterlogged

“If the lawn is submerged for a couple of days but drains away shortly after, you’re not likely to have any problems,” says Steve Jackson. “Once water subsides, aerating and lightly top dressing will help it breathe again.” If there is a systemic problem with waterlogged soil, he recommends installing drainage. “Lawn can only tolerate wet feet for so long and will suffer in the long run if the problem isn’t addressed,” he says.

Dry grass

The lawn may look mostly dead, but if there’s any hint of green, there’s hope. “Lawn is quite resilient and can often bounce back,” says Steve Halliday. “Give it a drink and watch to see if the water soaks in or runs off – if it runs off, the soil has become water-repellent or hydrophobic.” Apply a soil wetter.

Hard-packed

“A compacted soil prevents water and nutrients from reaching lawn roots,” explains Rachel Okell. “Use a corer to remove plugs of soil from the ground and top dress with good-quality sand.”

Overgrown or neglected

Cut back an overgrown lawn in stages, so you can assess the situation. “If it can be saved, remove weeds, aerate, dethatch, feed and top dress,” says Steve Halliday.

Tip: Keep a close eye on your lawn during growing seasons and monitor for potential problems so you can nip them in the bud before they progress.

Keep in mind...

• Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets.

With summer around the corner...

Check out tips to prepare your lawn for heat.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Photo Credit: John Downs, Roundup, John Downs, Getty Images, Cyclone, GAP Interiors_Jonathan Gooch