Damon Mcknight
Australia's varied climate means that different grass types are required depending on the season and region. In winter, warm-season grasses like couch, zoysia, and buffalo, which are common in Sydney, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast, slow in growth and lose colour. However, they will naturally recover once the weather warms up in spring. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, are better suited for colder climates and can be found in Tasmania and Victoria. These grasses are hard-wearing and tolerant of frost and drought conditions. Choosing the right grass seed and fertiliser for the specific location is crucial to ensure grass growth during the winter months in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grass growth in winter in Australia | Varies depending on the type of grass and region |
| Types of grass | Warm-season grass (e.g. Couch, Zoysia, Buffalo, Bermuda), Cool-season grass (e.g. Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue) |
| Grass growth in winter | Warm-season grasses slow down in growth and lose colour in winter, but bounce back in spring. Cool-season grasses thrive in winter and can tolerate frost and drought. |
| Lawn care in winter | Aerate the lawn, raise mower height, fertilise, apply insecticides and herbicides, choose appropriate lawn seeds for the region |
| Preventing winter grass | Spray lawn with a herbicide like Munns Professional Winter Grass Killer in early autumn to prevent germination of winter grass seeds |
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What You'll Learn
Grass types that grow in winter
Australia's diverse climate makes it challenging to grow grass in winter. The country experiences frost, which can cause damage to turf when the moisture inside the leaf blade freezes and expands, leading to cell wall rupture. This results in discolouration and slower regrowth. Warm-season grasses like Couch, Zoysia, and Buffalo are common in Australia and can lose colour during winter. However, they usually bounce back in colour and health when the weather warms up.
If you're looking for grass types that can thrive in the colder months, here are some options:
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that produces a deep green, almost blue, soft, and squishy lawn. It is hard-wearing and tolerant of heavy foot traffic. This grass is ideal for colder climates like Tasmania and Victoria and can withstand shade, frost, and drought.
Tall Fescue Grass
Tall fescue grasses are a staple for cooler climates. The RTF Tall Fescue variety is engineered to self-repair and is resistant to frost, drought, and foot traffic. It thrives in shaded yards and is an excellent choice for a vibrant lawn during winter.
Elite Backyard Blend
This blend combines ryegrasses and fescues to create a soft and hardy lawn that stays vibrant in most yards across temperate areas of Australia. With three seed types, it adapts to different seasons, so you don't need to worry about planting for each season.
Winter Grass (Poa annua)
Winter Grass is a soft, light green grass that produces creamy-coloured seed heads during winter. While it is considered a weed, some people may prefer it for their lawns during the colder months.
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Grass seed types for winter
In general, Australian lawns consist of warm-season grasses such as Couch, Zoysia, Buffalo, and other broadleaf grasses like Carpet Grass. These grasses thrive in warm conditions and are typically found in regions with warm winters and summers, such as Sydney, Newcastle, the Gold Coast, and coastal areas. However, during winter, their growth may slow down, and they may lose some colour.
For colder regions with frost, it is recommended to choose cool-season grasses like perennial rye, fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, or bent. These grasses thrive in cool conditions and can provide a lush, green lawn during winter. Tall fescue, in particular, is a staple lawn variety for cooler climates, and the new RTF Tall Fescue variety is resistant to frost, drought, and traffic, making it an excellent choice for year-round lawns.
To cater to varying winter conditions across Australia, blends of cool and warm-season grasses can be used. The Elite Backyard Blend, for instance, combines ryegrasses and fescues to create a soft and hardy lawn that stays vibrant in most Australian yards throughout the year.
Additionally, specific seed types may be recommended for certain states. For instance, in southern Queensland and Western Australia, where temperatures can be too cold for Kikuyu or Couch seed, blends like the All Winter Green blend or oversowing with Cool Cover Annual Ryegrass are suggested.
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How to prepare your lawn for winter
Preparing your lawn for winter is essential to maintaining its health and ensuring it remains vibrant and lush when spring arrives. This guide will cover various strategies tailored to different grass types and climates, ensuring your lawn receives the best care during the colder months.
First, you must identify whether your grass is a cool-season or warm-season variety. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue thrive in cooler weather, whereas warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, Couch, Kikuyu, and Buffalo are more suited to warmer climates. Warm-season grasses are the most common in Australia and will slow in growth during winter, leading to some colour loss.
For cool-season grasses, late fall is typically the best time for maintenance tasks, as the grass is still active. In contrast, warm-season grasses should be prepared before they become dormant in late summer or early fall. Educate yourself on optimal mowing heights and fertilisation types and schedules for your specific grass type. Avoid abruptly cutting your grass short; instead, gradually lower the height of your mower with each mow as winter approaches.
Inspect your lawn for any signs of weakness or damage, such as uneven growth, bare patches, or pest infestations. Address these issues before winter to prevent further deterioration. Patching up any bare or dry spots will help prevent problems during winter and keep your lawn looking good. Aerating your lawn in autumn is recommended as the soil is softer, and plants are enhancing their root zones in preparation for winter.
To promote lawn health, consider applying a fertiliser with a good NPK ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium). Potassium is especially important due to its plant-strengthening capabilities. Additionally, pre-emergent herbicides can prevent weeds from appearing and keep your lawn healthy through winter.
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How to care for your lawn in winter
Most Australian lawns are made up of warm-season grasses that flourish in heat, so they tend to slow down in growth or become dormant during winter. However, there are some steps you can take to care for your lawn during the colder months and prepare it for spring.
First, identify your lawn type, as this will help determine the best course of action. For example, common warm-season grasses in Australia include Buffalo, Couch, Kikuyu, and Zoysia. These grasses will lose colour and slow in growth during winter, but they will naturally bounce back in colour and health once the weather warms up. Frost can cause discolouration and damage the grass, so it's important to be mindful of this when caring for your lawn.
To prevent winter grass weeds like Winter Grass and Bindii from taking over, you can use a herbicide such as Munns Professional Winter Grass Killer or Yates Lawn Weed Control. These should be applied in early autumn to prevent seedlings from developing. You can also remove weeds manually as soon as you spot them.
To support your lawn's health during winter, it's important to maintain good maintenance practices. This includes watering, mowing, and walking on the lawn less frequently than in warmer months. When mowing, keep the grass longer than usual, especially in shady areas, to allow extra leaf area for photosynthesis. Avoid mowing or walking on frosty lawns, as this can cause further damage to the grass.
To improve the soil quality, you can use a lawn and soil booster or a lawn tonic like LawnPride Colourmaxx to help the lawn cope with cold weather. Avoid using lawn fertilisers high in nitrogen, especially in autumn, as this can contribute to lawn diseases like Winter Fusarium or Fusarium Patch. Instead, use a complete fertiliser like Yates Dynamic Lifter Lawn Food or a slow-release fertiliser with a good NPK ratio.
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How to get rid of winter grass
Winter grass (Poa annua) is a common weed in Australian lawns, characterised by its light green colour, fine texture, and boat-shaped leaf tips. It often forms dense patches or clumps, especially during the cooler months, and is easily noticeable due to its tufted growth habit and creamy white seeds. While it typically grows in autumn and spring, it can also grow year-round in some cool areas of Australia.
To get rid of winter grass and prevent its growth, here are some methods you can try:
Chemical Methods:
- Selective Herbicides: Use selective herbicides such as Campbell's Poa Chek or Envu Tribute, which target winter grass while sparing desirable turfgrass species.
- Pre-emergent Herbicides: Apply pre-emergent herbicides like Lawn Solutions' Oxafert every three months or in late summer/early autumn to prevent winter grass seeds from germinating.
- Munns Professional Winter Grass Killer: This product contains propyzamide, a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide. Apply it in early autumn to prevent seed germination or during autumn and winter to control young seedlings. However, it is ineffective against semi-mature or mature winter grass plants.
- Yates Zero Weedkillers: If you missed the early autumn spraying window and have mature winter grass patches, spot spray with Yates Zero Triple Strike Garden Weedkiller or Yates Zero Weedkiller 490 Super Concentrate. Be cautious to avoid overspray and damaging your lawn.
Natural Methods:
- Improve Lawn Health: Promote a thick and dense lawn by using specialised lawn fertilisers, such as Munns Professional Golf Course Green, and maintaining adequate light and moisture levels. Proper fertilisation and mowing will help your lawn outcompete weeds.
- Manual Removal: For a small number of weeds, you can pull them out yourself. This method works well for isolated patches or individual weeds.
- Mowing: Regular mowing prevents winter grass from producing seed heads and spreading further.
- Sunlight and Pruning: If shaded areas and moist soil are creating favourable conditions for winter grass, try pruning nearby shrubs or trees to let in more light and promote thicker lawn growth.
Remember to always read the instructions on any products you use and consider the specific conditions of your lawn and local climate when choosing a treatment method.
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Frequently asked questions
Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, Tall fescue, and Perennial ryegrass are ideal for colder climates.
Common grasses in Australia include Couch, Zoysia, Buffalo, and Kikuyu.
Aerate your lawn before winter to assist with drainage and ensure it doesn't become waterlogged. You can also apply a lawn pigment product like ColourGuard Plus to keep your lawn green over winter.
