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Do you want the most gorgeous grass on the street? The perfect lawn requires more than careful cultivation. Using the right garden tools and lawn care products will help you see top results from your turf; it will also make maintenance a breeze. We’re sharing the tips you need to grow a lush, thick and healthy lawn.
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 wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost, and store products out of the reach of children and pets.
Fertiliser supports the health and growth of your grass and is essential for effective lawn care. “To maximise its benefits, feed the lawn at peak growing times. At the beginning of spring, summer and autumn is ideal,” says Steve Jackson, lawn specialist to Munns Professional.
Fertilisers are available in a few different formats, including granular and liquid, and can be organic, organic-based or synthetic. “Organic-based [ones] give the best of both worlds – they provide nutrients to promote lawn growth but also add organic matter to the soil, improving soil structure,” explains Steve. “Liquid fertilisers are great for giving the lawn a quick boost – all nutrients are available at once and will quickly green up the lawn or correct a nutrient deficiency.”
“One of the best defences against weeds is having a well-fed, healthy lawn,” says Ash Makin, Bunnings garden buyer. “However, should weeds appear, look for selective herbicides that can be used to treat in-lawn weeds such as bindii, clover and winter grass.”
Weed control products are available in hose-on bottles, concentrates or ready-to-use sprays. Always check the label to see if a weed killer is suitable for your lawn type.
Foot traffic, mowing, and children and pets playing on the grass eventually compacts the soil under the lawn. “Compacted soil hinders water, air, and nutrients, and – consequently – the lawn grows poorly,” says lawn influencer Mick Hayes (@_turf_n_surf_).
An aerator or corer is one of the best lawn solutions to have in your arsenal, as it perforates the ground or removes plugs of soil to alleviate compaction. “Aerate in spring, or more often if there is heavy foot traffic in the area,” says Mick.
“A lawn mower is indispensable for achieving a perfect lawn,” says Mick. Mow regularly, especially during the warmer months, but only remove one-third of the leaf blade to prevent issues with scalping.
“Look for a rotary mower with an adjustable cutting height and take into consideration the cutting deck size,” advises Mick. “A small cutting deck is suitable for small areas, while medium to large areas will benefit from a larger mowing deck.”
Tip: Keep lawn mower blades sharp.
“Lawns make edges, but edges make the lawn,” says Steve. A lawn bordered with a clean-cut edge is aesthetically appealing. Plus, this separation prevents the grass from invading garden beds and paths, maintaining a tidy appearance for your home’s backyard or outdoor space.
“If you are not confident edging with a line trimmer, a specific lawn edger can help you get those sharp lines,” Steve adds.
Over time, soil can dry out and can become hydrophobic (difficult to re-wet). “This leads to dry patches, uneven grass growth and excess water run-off,” says Steve.
It’s typical of sandy soils or soils with high organic matter. “A soil wetter – liquid or granular – alleviates hydrophobic conditions and ensures the lawn gets every drop,” he adds.
Bare patches in lawns may occur due to general wear and tear, soil compaction, pests, diseases or heavy foot traffic. Grass seed is an effective way to fill in these areas as part of your lawn care; it also offers an economical way to start a lawn from scratch.
Warm-season grasses like couch and kikuyu often brown in winter, especially in cool climates. For lush green turf year-round, Steve suggests over-sowing with rye grass in autumn. “Over-sowing with a cool-season grass like rye ensures a nice green cover over winter, but – as the weather warms up – the rye grass dies off and the couch or kikuyu takes over.”
“An irrigation system ensures you get full consistent coverage of your lawn,” says Alex Pal, Bunnings water buyer.
Not all watering systems are created equal, though, so it pays to do your research and figure out what will work best for your home’s outside space or yard.
“There are a number of pop-up sprinklers that disperse water more efficiently than conventional sprinklers,” advises Alex, who also suggests automating the system or connecting it to a smart controller. “If rain is forecast, the irrigation automatically shuts off, without any intervention from yourself,” he says.
“Roots are the life support system of your lawn,” explains Steve. “They transport water and nutrients from the soil into your lawn, so you should keep them healthy and happy.”
A root stimulator is rich in microbes and seaweed to specifically support root growth and development. When applied regularly throughout the year, this will also make the lawn more resilient to stressors like heat and drought.
Lawn pests can decimate your yard overnight. “The best way to prevent pests is with a healthy lawn, as pests tend to target weak plants first,” says Steve.
Be vigilant, and have a closer look if you notice any browning or yellowing in the grass. “Should you see any lawn pests, treating them with a lawn-specific insecticide will be the best solution,” says Ash.
Tip: If you’re unsure or have any questions, take a photo or bring a bagged sample in-store. One of our helpful Team Members can help provide information.
Check out how to protect your lawn from pests and diseases.
Photo Credit: Getty Images, Michelle Holden
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
