It has gotten cold!

Winter is on its way, bringing cooler nights to Adelaide, but we’ve been blessed with some beautiful autumn weather recently. Even though the autumn weather has been mild, it’s still essential to prepare your lawn for the upcoming winter. A healthy lawn during the cooler months will bounce back quickly once spring arrives.

After a dry summer and autumn, with not much in the way of rain in the current forecast, a good watering schedule can revive a dull-looking lawn before winter. However, avoid overwatering during autumn and winter as this can lead to fungal problems. If you have an automatic watering system, consider reprogramming it for the winter season. Now is also a great time to check the soil for hydrophobia or compaction, especially in areas with heavy traffic or after a dry summer. If water sits on top without being absorbed, your soil might be compacted. Aerating the soil helps with this issue, and applying a liquid wetting agent can make the most of the autumn rainfall. You can do this yourself, or we can assist with our specialised equipment.

Fertilising your lawn in autumn is also recommended. It helps the grass withstand colder temperatures and makes it less prone to fungal diseases. Fertilising now allows your lawn to store additional nutrients, giving it a head start in the spring. As the growth of your lawn slows down in autumn, raise the mower height by a notch or two to ensure it maintains a healthier appearance during winter.

Weeds can be a persistent problem during winter, so using a pre-emergent herbicide early in the season or selective herbicides can keep them under control. Clear fallen leaves and branches from your lawn to prevent them from blocking sunlight. Additionally, autumn is still a good time to install new turf. Root establishment is still possible, and less water is needed compared to summer.

Any effort you put into your lawn during autumn will help maintain its health through winter and ensure a strong start in spring. Our team offers one-off services and a Lawn Care Program to help you achieve and maintain an excellent lawn. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.