Give Your Lawn a Head Start Before Winter

Give Your Lawn a Head Start Before Winter

It was such a relief to finally get a bit of rain over Easter, wasn’t it? After a long stretch of dry days, that little splash of water gave our lawns a much-needed drink. Still, if we’re honest, we could do with a bit more rain. The weather’s definitely starting to cool off now, especially in the evenings, and it’s the perfect time to turn our attention to how we care for our lawns through May in Adelaide.

Autumn is a bit of a transitional time for grass, and with the cooler nights settling in and shorter days, your lawn is starting to slow down. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. In fact, now’s the time to do a few simple things that will set it up for a healthier winter and an even better bounce back in spring.

Feeding your lawn in May

With soil temperatures still warm from the tail end of summer, May is actually a great time to give your lawn one final feed before winter kicks in properly. A slow-release fertiliser is ideal this time of year. It won’t encourage too much top growth, which is good because you don’t want to overstimulate the grass when it’s starting to go dormant, but it will help strengthen the roots and improve overall lawn health.

Look for a fertiliser that’s high in potassium. Potassium is great for building up the lawn’s resistance to cold and disease. Giving your grass a boost now helps it deal with winter stress and come out the other side stronger.

If you’ve recently laid instant turf, you’ll want to be gentle. Avoid heavy fertilisers just yet, give the roots time to establish first. A light application of seaweed or liquid lawn tonic can help with root development without overwhelming young turf.

Mowing, how often is enough?

You’ve probably noticed you’re not needing to mow as often now. That’s normal. With the days getting shorter and cooler, your lawn’s growth will naturally slow down. But don’t pack the mower away just yet.

Through May, you’ll probably only need to mow every two to three weeks, depending on your lawn type. When you do mow, raise the cutting height a little. Leaving the grass slightly longer helps it stay healthy through winter, it can photosynthesise more efficiently and shades the soil to protect it from early morning frosts. Also, remember to keep your mower blades sharp. Blunt blades tear at the grass instead of cutting cleanly, which can leave it looking ragged and stressed.

Watering in cooler weather

With the odd shower around and the air cooling down, you don’t need to water as frequently in May. In fact, overwatering can do more harm than good this time of year. Lawns that stay too damp are more prone to fungal diseases, especially in the shaded areas where water doesn’t evaporate as quickly.

If you’re not sure whether your lawn needs a drink, do the old screwdriver test, push a screwdriver into the soil. If it slides in easily, there’s still enough moisture there. If it feels dry and hard, it might be time for a light water. Try to water early in the morning if needed. Watering in the evening can leave moisture sitting on the leaves overnight, which creates the perfect conditions for fungus.

Dealing with weeds and lawn pests

As the lawn growth slows, weeds tend to take the opportunity to move in. Broadleaf weeds like clover, bindii, and capeweed are pretty common around Adelaide in May, and they can spread fast if left unchecked.

Hand-pulling is still one of the simplest ways to deal with a small weed problem, especially if the soil is a bit damp and the roots come out easily. For larger infestations, you can use a selective herbicide that targets the weeds without damaging the lawn.

Keep an eye out for lawn pests too, curl grubs and armyworms can still be active in autumn, especially if we get a few warm days. If you notice patches of lawn dying off suddenly, it might be time to lift a section and check for grubs underneath. There are safe, targeted treatments available that won’t harm your turf or the environment.

Getting your lawn winter-ready

May is the month to do a bit of prep work before winter really settles in. If your lawn’s compacted or not draining well, now’s a good time to aerate. Even just a garden fork can do the trick—stab it into the lawn every 10–15cm and wiggle it slightly to create air channels. This helps improve drainage and allows oxygen to reach the roots.

If your lawn has developed thatch, a spongy layer of dead grass and roots, you might consider dethatching. Just don’t go too hard if the grass is already slowing down. A light raking can help remove surface debris and let more light and air reach the soil.

Also, if you’ve got shaded areas under trees or behind structures, think about giving them a bit of extra TLC. Lawns in shade already get less sun, and with the days getting shorter, those spots are even more at risk of thinning out. You can trim back overhanging branches or consider using a shade-tolerant turf variety when it’s time to replant.

A quiet time, but not a nothing time

It’s tempting to think your lawn will take care of itself over winter, but a bit of effort now really does make a difference. Think of May as the time to tuck your lawn in and get it comfortable before the cold sets in. With a bit of food, a tidy-up, and the right kind of attention, it’ll stay healthier and greener right through winter and come out thriving once spring rolls around.

And if you’re unsure where to start, or need help with fertiliser, pest control, or even laying new turf before winter hits, we’re always here to help at Instant Lawn Adelaide SA. Let’s get your lawn looking its best, no matter the season.

If you need any assistance with lawn maintenance our team is always happy to help and you are welcome to give us a call on 0414 248 541. We can offer one off services and monthly seasonal maintenance packages.