Gearing Up for Backyard Season: The Products You’ll Want on Hand for Spring

Spring has arrived, and that means the backyard is about to become a much busier place.

Longer days, warmer afternoons and plenty of sunshine mean more time outside, whether that’s kids playing on the lawn, weekend BBQs, backyard cricket, entertaining friends or simply putting your feet up and enjoying the garden.

And while your lawn is getting ready for its busiest growing season, it’s worth getting your shed ready too.

Having a few key lawn-care products and tools on hand means you can stay ahead of common problems, support healthy growth and spend more time enjoying your backyard throughout spring and summer.

Here are a few things worth having ready to go.

Start with a Good Lawn Fertiliser

As temperatures rise, warm-season turf starts coming out of its winter dormancy and growth begins to pick up.

That makes spring an important time to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to support healthy growth, strong roots and a dense, healthy lawn.

A quality slow-release fertiliser can provide your turf with a steady supply of nutrients as it gets back into its growing routine, without delivering all of the nutrients at once.

It's worth getting your fertiliser now so it's ready to go when your lawn needs it. We recommend applying LSA Lawn Food in Week 1 of October, giving your lawn a nutrient boost as growth continues to pick up.

When choosing a fertiliser, make sure it's suitable for your particular turf variety and follow the recommended application rate. More isn't necessarily better when it comes to fertilising your lawn.

If your lawn is looking pale, growth has slowed or it hasn't had a feed for some time, spring is a good opportunity to get your lawn-care routine back on track.

Our pick: LSA Premium Lawn Food is a great option for established lawns and is part of our recommended spring lawn-care routine.

Get Ahead of Summer Weeds

Nobody wants to spend their summer chasing weeds around the backyard.

If Summer Grass or Crowsfoot has been a problem in previous years, spring is the time to think about prevention rather than waiting until those weeds have already taken hold.

This is where a pre-emergent herbicide can be useful.

Unlike a weed killer designed to treat weeds that are already growing, a pre-emergent works at the germination stage to help prevent certain weeds from becoming established in the first place.

Our pick: LSA OxaFert combines pre-emergent weed control with fertiliser, making it a convenient option for established warm-season turf. It is designed to help control certain annual grasses and broadleaf weeds before they germinate, while also providing a slow-release nutrient boost.

If OxaFert is part of your spring lawn-care plan, it's worth purchasing it now so you have it ready for ideal application generally in Week 2 of September.

Timing is important with pre-emergent products. They need to be applied before the target weeds have germinated, so don't wait until you've got a lawn full of Summer Grass to reach for it.

Always check the product label to make sure it's suitable for your turf variety and follow the directions for use.

Be Prepared for Weeds That Do Pop Up

Even with good prevention, the occasional weed can still find its way into your lawn.

That's why it's handy to have an appropriate weed-control product on hand for those weeds that do pop up.

The important thing is to identify the weed before treating it. Different weeds require different treatments, and different turf varieties have different tolerances to herbicides. A product that's suitable for one type of lawn may not be suitable for another.

If you're unsure what you're dealing with, don't guess. Take the time to identify the weed and check the product label to make sure the treatment is suitable for your turf.

For a small number of weeds, physically removing them can also be a simple option.

And remember, one of the best ways to make it harder for weeds to establish is to keep your turf healthy and growing strongly. A dense lawn leaves less room for weeds to take hold.

Get your Mower Ready for the Growing Season

Your lawn isn't the only thing waking up in spring.

After a quieter winter, your mower is about to get a lot more use too.

Before mowing becomes a regular part of your weekend routine, give your mower a quick once-over. Check that the blades are sharp, make sure everything is running properly and set the mowing height appropriately for your turf variety.

Sharp blades give the lawn a cleaner cut, while mowing at the right height helps your turf remain healthy as growth increases.

It's also worth resisting the temptation to cut your lawn extremely short after winter. Removing too much of the leaf in one go can put unnecessary stress on the turf.

Instead, gradually get back into your regular mowing routine as the lawn starts actively growing.

Check your Watering Setup Before You Need It

Spring can bring some welcome rainfall, but as temperatures rise, your lawn will still need consistent access to water.

It's worth checking your hose, sprinklers or irrigation system before the warmer weather really kicks in.

Run your sprinklers and look for areas that aren't getting even coverage. Check for blocked sprinkler heads, damaged hoses or leaks, and make sure your irrigation controller is working correctly if you have an automated system.

You can also keep an eye on your lawn for signs that it needs water. A lawn that is starting to look dull or dry, or grass that doesn't spring back after being walked on, can be a sign that it's becoming water-stressed.

The goal isn't simply to water more. It's to make sure water is getting to the lawn efficiently when it needs it.

Keep a Few Basic Lawn-Care Tools in the Shed

You don't need a shed full of equipment to look after your lawn, but a few basic tools can make spring lawn care much easier.

If you're applying granular fertilisers or pre-emergent products, a spreader is worth having. It helps distribute products more evenly across the lawn and makes it easier to apply them at the recommended rate.

A few other useful basics include:

• A garden rake for clearing leaves and debris
• A hose nozzle for targeted watering
• A hand weeder for removing individual weeds
• A garden fork or aerator sandals for areas of compacted soil
• A bucket or storage tub to keep your lawn-care products and tools together

Having these basics ready means you're less likely to find yourself halfway through a lawn-care job wishing you'd bought something beforehand.

Before You Buy, Know What Turf You Have

One of the most important things to have on hand this spring isn't a product at all. It's a good understanding of your lawn.

Different turf varieties can have different requirements when it comes to mowing, watering, fertilising and weed control. What works well for one lawn isn't necessarily right for another.

Before purchasing or applying a lawn-care product, check that it's suitable for your turf variety and always follow the directions on the label.

Not sure what type of turf you have? It's worth finding out before you start your spring lawn-care routine. It can make choosing the right products, and using them correctly, much easier.

Get Your Backyard Ready for the Season

Spring is when the backyard starts coming back to life, and with a little preparation, your lawn can be ready for everything the season brings.

From giving your lawn the nutrients it needs to getting ahead of summer weeds, checking your mower and making sure your watering setup is ready to go, a little preparation now can make lawn care easier as the weather warms up.

So before the first big BBQ, backyard cricket match or sunny afternoon rolls around, take a look in the shed and make sure you've got the essentials ready.

Get the essentials sorted now, and you can spend more of spring enjoying your backyard rather than fixing it.

If you have any questions about your lawn or the products you should be using, our Cool Turf team is always happy to help. Give us a call on 1800 055 515.