Autumn Lawn Tips
After a long, hot summer your grass will need a boost and now is the time to action this while there's still some growing time left in the season.
It's important to use the autumn months to get your lawn into shape before the cooler months of winter arrive.
The arrival of winter will see your lawn growth slow down into a dormant state and the better the health of your grass in autumn and winter, the better it will bounce out the other side in readiness for spring.
Getting your lawn ready for the cooler months ahead - the to-do list:
Aerating
Summer activity in the backyard, combined with the heat of the sun can compact your lawn, which is not ideal for grass growth. Therefore, it’s important to aeration to de-compact the soil base and help oxygen, water and nutrients penetrate to the roots of your grass.
Manage Shade
Shade can be a problem for your lawn in the cooler months, so now is the time to trim back any trees and rake away any leaves or debris - do this regularly. With minimal sunlight filtering through and shorter, cooler days, lawns in shade during winter will be susceptible to weed invasion.
Fertilise
Autumn fertilising prepares your lawn for the winter months, by encouraging prolonged growth to ensure a thick coverage and extended colour. This is the most important time of the year to fertilise and we recommend you use a slow-release granular fertiliser. Slow release breaks down gradually, feeding your grass for up to 12 weeks. Explore more on our lawn fertiliser products.
Get on top of summer weeds
Autumn is also an important time to get on top of summer weeds that may have crept into your lawn. If crowsfoot or creeping oxalis have become a problem for you, you'll need to apply the appropriate herbicides or remove by hand before the weather really cools down. If you don't, summer weeds will die off throughout winter and leave bare patches in your lawn, which won't recover until the warmer weather returns.
Get ahead of the game with winter weeds
If you've spent all summer loving your lawn and it is looking awesome... don't risk undoing all your good work by risking a winter weed invasion. An application of Oxafert (pre-emergent/fertiliser) is a really effective way to help eradicate weed issues before they take hold. Check out more information on our website here.
Yes, you can lay instant turf now
Autumn is a great time to lay new turf. There’s still plenty of growing time left in most areas, and time for good root establishment before winter. Also, lower temperatures in autumn means you won’t need to use as much water to keep your new lawn hydrated during establishment. Buy your new instant turf lawn here.
The DO NOT list:
DO NOT de-thatch your lawn at this time of the year!
The reason for this is simply because the growing season is drawing to a close. You will notice the days are getting shorter, and soil temperatures and overnight air temperatures are rapidly on the decline, and this means it is not recommended you de-thatch your lawn because it will not have time to recover and grow back to its optimum density before the risk of winter weed invasion. If you have a thick and healthy lawn moving into winter, you might never eliminate all winter weeds, but you will however help minimise those pesky winter weeds and the big job required to get rid of them on the other side of winter.
So, don't delay, order your new lawn today or get out into the backyard and start your autumn lawn care regime. By aerating, reducing shade, fertilising and top-dressing (if required), you’ll have a strong and healthy-looking lawn ready for the winter.
For additional information on autumn lawn care and helpful tips visit one of our recent blogs here.
And to view our full range of lawn care products, or to buy a new lawn from our premium turf range visit www.coolturf.com.au or call our expert team on 1800 736 326.
Happy turfing!
