Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's diverse climate, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, presents unique challenges for lawn care. The hot, dry summers can wreak havoc on lawns, but with some preparation in spring and winter, it is possible to have a lush, green lawn. The key to a good lawn is a regime of mowing, feeding, and aerating, as well as careful soil management and selecting the right type of grass for your area. Watering your lawn is also critical, and while too little water can lead to lawn problems, too much can also be detrimental. To keep your lawn in good condition, it is important to pay attention to its needs throughout the year and address issues as they arise.
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right grass type for your location and climate
Australia's diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, presents unique challenges for lawn care. The key to a thriving lawn is choosing the right grass type for your location and climate and providing careful soil management.
Firstly, consider the amount of sunlight exposure and weather conditions in your area. For example, the warm-climate carpet grass Axonopus compressus is available as a seed, but it presents risks as it hosts a soil-borne fungus that attacks many garden plants. Turf is generally superior to seed mixes, as most mixes require cool conditions and regular watering.
Secondly, prepare a good soil base. The three main soil types are sandy, loam, and clay, with many soils fitting in between these three, such as sandy loam or clay loam. For general gardening and lawn purposes, loam soil is ideal as it has the right structure and all the necessary nutrients.
Thirdly, select a turf variety best suited to your area. Different grasses behave differently in varying climates and soil types, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some popular grass types for Australian lawns include Buffalo grass, which is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
Finally, implement a regime of mowing, feeding, and aerating. Mow at the highest setting your mower permits all year round to encourage leafy growth, which helps to smother and exclude weeds. Feed your lawn with granular, organic poultry manure once every three months during the growing season, and spray with seaweed tonic once a month. Aerate your lawn in spring and autumn by plunging a fork into the lawn every 15 cm to improve compaction and allow water and nutrients to reach the root zone.
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Prepare a good soil base for your turf
Preparing a good soil base for your turf is essential for the long-term success of your lawn. Here are the steps you should take:
Remove Existing Turf and Weeds
Use a non-selective herbicide, such as Glyphosate or Round-Up, to remove weeds. Spray the weeds 7-10 days before removing them. If you have existing turf, remove it, along with any remaining weeds in the soil.
Prepare the Soil
If your soil has a clay base, you will need to de-compact it. You may need to use a bobcat to relieve compaction. Apply gypsum to the soil to help with drainage and allow the roots to grow through this layer. For sandy-based soils, mix in some organic matter, compost, or coco peat to boost nutrients. Conduct a pH test on your soil using a pH testing kit. The ideal pH level for your soil is between 5.5 and 7. If your pH level is outside this range, you can adjust it with treatment before installing your turf.
Add Soil and Fertiliser
Add at least 80-100mm of quality soil. An 80/20 sandy loam or a turf underlay mix is recommended. You can calculate the amount of soil needed by multiplying the area by the depth of the soil and then by 1.6. Apply a lawn starter fertiliser, such as Lawn Launcher, to give your lawn an extra boost.
Level the Soil
Use a rake to spread the soil evenly to a depth of at least 75mm. Make sure the soil is levelled correctly, especially if laying turf flush with an edge. The soil should be about 30-40mm below the height of the edge. Use a roller to firm the soil without compacting it, creating a smooth surface for your new turf.
Install Irrigation
Install or fix your irrigation system and test it to ensure all sprinklers are working properly and are at the right levels. The sprinklers should be level or slightly below the soil so they can pop up through your lawn.
Preparing a good soil base is key to a healthy lawn. By following these steps, you'll create an ideal environment for your turf to thrive.
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Water your lawn deeply, but less frequently
Watering your lawn is an important part of keeping it healthy. However, it's not just about how much water you use, but also how often you water. While it may seem counterintuitive, it is better to water your lawn deeply but less frequently.
Daily light waterings result in shallow roots that weaken the lawn and dry out fast. By watering deeply but less frequently, you encourage your grass to develop deep roots, making it more robust and drought-tolerant. This method also saves time and reduces the risk of fungal diseases, as the grass blades have time to dry out before nightfall.
The ideal watering schedule depends on factors such as soil type, climate, and grass type. Clay soil, for example, retains moisture well and doesn't need to be watered as often, whereas sandy soil drains quickly and may require more frequent watering. The amount of sunlight and shade your lawn receives will also affect how often you need to water it. Yards that receive constant direct sunlight will need to be watered more often, while shaded areas retain moisture for longer.
In general, most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. This can be achieved by watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. It's important to pay attention to the specific needs of your lawn and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
In Australia, the hot and dry summers can be particularly challenging for lawns. To prepare for this, it's a good idea to give your lawn some extra care in spring. This includes fertilising the soil, which will give your grass the nutrients it needs to thrive during the summer months.
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Fertilise your lawn a few times a year
Fertilising your lawn is an essential part of keeping it healthy and thriving. It provides your lawn with essential nutrients that promote growth and vitality. While the frequency of fertilising depends on the type of fertiliser you use, it is recommended to fertilise your lawn at least twice a year, with some sources recommending up to three or four times a year. The key times to fertilise your lawn are in the spring and autumn, with mid-summer being optional but beneficial for improving colour and resilience.
Spring is an ideal time for fertilising your lawn as it wakes up from its dormant state in the early spring months. Look for a balanced fertiliser with a slightly higher nitrogen content to encourage lush green grass. As spring progresses, you can consider a second round of fertilisation to provide additional nutrients to support the rapid growth your lawn will experience as temperatures rise. Focus on a balanced fertiliser or one with more phosphorus to strengthen the root system.
Autumn is another crucial time to fertilise your lawn. Before the weather starts to turn, get rid of any dead grass and apply fertiliser to give your lawn a boost before winter. You can use slow-release fertilisers in late autumn, which will slowly feed your lawn over the colder months. Additionally, autumn is the best time to condition the soil and perform necessary lawn maintenance tasks such as aeration and removing weeds to help with the absorption of fertiliser.
When it comes to choosing a fertiliser, you have options like traditional granular fertiliser, liquid fertiliser, or organic fertiliser. Traditional granular fertilisers are usually the cheapest option and cause a quick spike in growth and greening. Liquid fertilisers are fast-acting and require more frequent applications, while organic fertilisers are the most natural and environmentally friendly option, made from animal or vegetable matter.
To apply fertiliser, use a fertiliser spreader for granular options, and follow the suggested spreading rate on the packaging. Water the fertiliser off the grass after application to prevent burn damage, and then regularly for the next few weeks to supplement growth. Liquid fertilisers can be easily applied by attaching the bottle or spray mixer to your garden hose for even distribution. Remember to always follow the directions on the label for application rates and watering instructions.
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Mow your lawn regularly, but not too short
Mowing your lawn is an essential part of keeping it healthy and thriving. However, it's important to remember not to cut the grass too short, especially in the Australian climate, which can be harsh on green spaces.
Firstly, it's worth noting that the type of mower you use can make a difference. Electric mowers are quieter than fuel mowers and, when using clean energy, they produce no pollution. If you're using an electric mower, it's best to mow when the ground is soft. Otherwise, a hand-propelled mower will do the trick.
Now, onto the mowing itself. As a general rule, you should only cut off one-third of the height of a blade of grass at a time. This will prevent you from stressing the lawn and accidentally killing it. Aim to mow on the highest setting your mower permits—this leafy growth will help to smother and exclude weeds.
The frequency of your mowing will depend on the season. In summer, the sun will help your lawn grow much faster, so you'll need to mow more regularly. In winter, you can mow less often, but it's still important to venture out a couple of times to ensure your lawn is ready for spring.
Finally, remember that mowing is just one part of lawn care. For a truly healthy lawn, you'll need to pay attention to the condition of the soil, water efficiently, and keep on top of weeds and pests.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal time to plant a new lawn in Australia is during spring or autumn, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is more consistent. This allows the grass to establish its root system before the hot, dry summer months.
Some popular grass types for Australian lawns include Buffalo grass, which is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. The warm-climate carpet grass Axonopus compressus is also an option, although it presents risks as it is a host for a soil-borne fungus that attacks many garden plants.
A healthy lawn requires consistent care and attention. You should mow, feed and aerate your lawn regularly. You should also water it deeply but less frequently and fertilise it a few times a year.
