Winter is here! and with it comes a number of changes in your lawn’s health. A general rule for good winter lawn care is that your main priorities should be preparation and maintenance.

To better understand what you should and should not be doing for your lawn during winter, follow these simple winter lawn care tips from the professionals. 

Seasonal lawn care during cooler months

The good news is that during winter, most lawns will become dormant or semi-dormant. This is because most Australian lawns comprise of warm-season grasses that actively flourish in heat.

For some, this might be music to your ears; you’ll be mostly excused from yard work during winter. However, if you take pride in caring for your lawn in winter, we’ve got a few seasonal lawn care tips to implement in preparation for spring. 

What you should do for your lawn in winter

1. Use a slow-release fertiliser and liquid fertiliser

A slow-release fertiliser with a good NPK ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium) is fundamental to maintaining plant health during winter. The application should ideally be performed prior to the onset of dormancy to ensure nutritional uptake.

Potassium is the key nutrient here because of its plant strengthening capabilities that help lawns survive the cool winter period. LawnPride Turfmaxx is the perfect slow-release fertiliser for the cooler months containing a higher Potassium content.

You might also consider using a product like LawnPride Greenxtra to trickle feed down the plant and enhance its overall colour before Spring rolls around.

Another green up product is LawnPride Colourmaxx. A turf pigment used in sports turf for many years and now our new improved formular is available for homeowners to enjoy and receive the benefits of what this product can deliver.

2. Aerate your lawn

Compacted lawns can become a significant problem during winter. You should be aware of the identifying signs of soil compaction and how to best manage it.

Aerating your lawn is one of the best ways to manage compaction. You can do this with a garden fork, aerating sandals or a petrol-powered core aerator depending on the size of your turf.

Failure to manage soil compaction in winter can, unfortunately, result in fewer nutrients getting to the lawn’s roots and diminishing your lawn’s overall health. 

3. Pre-Emergent Herbicide

Now is the time to put your best foot forward. Weed control now will allow you to come into the growing season in the best possible position.

Winter typically is when we see an abundance of ‘broadleaf’ weeds due to the lack of sunlight in certain areas and soil temperatures supporting germination. Most of these are easily controlled with a herbicide, however ensure the herbicide you select is safe for your variety.

This is where pre-emergent herbicides at this time of year play a pivotal role in lawn care as they prevent the weeds appearing in the first place, keeping your lawn weed free through winter and in a dense condition ready for spring.

(Note if you are looking to sow seed during this period you will not want to be making any applications of pre-emergent herbicides) 

4. Prepare for Spring

Remember to abide by the general rule of winter lawn care - preparation and maintenance.

Set your lawn up for success with suitable spring preparation products and watch your lawn thrive into spring.

In terms of maintenance, winter is the perfect time to finally get around to booking your mower in for a service as you won’t be needing it nearly as much in the cooler months. 

What you do not need to include in your winter lawn care routine

1. Irrigation

Due to lowered soil and air temperatures during winter, you will not be required to water your lawn nearly as often, if at all.

If your lawn looks dehydrated, you should give it a light watering in the mornings, preferably before 10 am to avoid putting stress on the grass during the hotter parts of the day.

Make sure not to overwater as this can lead to the presence of fungal diseases in your thatch layer and may result in frost damage. 

2. Mowing

During winter, you should avoid mowing unless completely necessary. This is because your lawn will likely be completely dormant which means it is self-sufficient and does not need a lot of attention in cooler months.

However, if you do feel as though you need to mow, raise the height your mower cuts your grass.

A longer leaf allows for photosynthesis to take place in the shorter amount of time it has in the sun during winter which will contribute to a healthier lawn and less pesky weeds.

 Want some more insider info from the experts?

Speak to us today and we’ll have your lawn thriving all year round’!