Prepare your Lawn for the Winter Months

Winter is certainly on its way with some much cooler nights but wow, haven’t we had some beautiful autumn weather lately. Even though the weather has been mild in Adelaide this autumn, it is still essential to prepare your lawn for the winter months. A healthy lawn during the cooler months will bounce back quickly once spring arrives.

As we experienced a dry summer and autumn, a good watering schedule could revive a lawn that appears dull before winter but try not to overwater during autumn and winter as this could lead to fungal issues. If you have an automatic watering system you might need re-program the irrigation schedule for winter. Now is also a great time to check the soil for any hydrophobia or soil compaction, especially in areas with heavy traffic or after a dry summer, where water sits on top without being absorbed. Aerating your soil helps with this problem and then applying a liquid wetting agent to help your lawn make the most of autumn rainfall. You can do this yourself or we can do this for you with our specialised equipment.

It is also recommended to fertilize your lawn during autumn, as this helps it better withstand colder temperatures and be less prone to fungal disease. Fertilization at this time allows the lawn to store additional nutrients for a head start in the spring. As the growth of the lawn slows down in autumn, raising the height of the mower by a notch or two ensures that the lawn maintains a healthier appearance during winter.

As weeds persist during the winter months, it is advisable to use a pre-emergent herbicide early in the season or selective herbicides to keep them under control. Fallen leaves and tree branches should be cleared from the lawn to prevent them from blocking the sunlight. Additionally, installing new turf is still possible during this season, as root establishment is still possible, and less water is needed than in summer.

Any effort put in towards the lawn during the autumn season will help maintain its health during winter and ensure a strong start in the spring. Our team offers one-off services and a Lawn Care Program to help you achieve and maintain an excellent lawn.