It’s a great time to start preparing your lawn for the growing season.

The days have gotten a bit longer but boy, what a mixed bag we’ve had weatherwise this month! From a few warm and sunny days to wet, windy and freezing cold and everything in between! This month is a great time to start preparing your lawn for the growing season. August is a wonderful opportunity to start getting everything ready so that your lawn will be in fantastic shape for you to enjoy during the warmer months. Take a look at the following tips for taking care of your lawn right now.

As the mowing season approaches, it’s a good idea to give your lawn mower a thorough check to ensure everything is working smoothly. Don’t forget to include sharpening the mower blades. Having sharp blades makes a significant difference in maintaining the health of your lawn, and they should ideally be sharpened at least once a year. If you had adjusted the lawn mower height for winter mowing, you might want to lower it again as spring growth kicks in and mowing becomes more frequent.

Aeration involves breaking up the soil to increase its porosity, allowing oxygen, nutrients, and water to reach your lawn’s root system. This is particularly important for areas with a lot of foot traffic, where the soil might have become compacted. Aeration can be done manually with a fork or by using special aerating shoes. Alternatively, you can rent a machine or let our team take care of it for you. If you decide to aerate, be mindful of any underground irrigation systems you might have.

Unfortunately, the warmer temperatures don’t just benefit our gardens and lawns – they also encourage the growth of weeds. Now is a good time to plan your weed control strategy for the upcoming months. You might consider using a pre-emergent herbicide, which prevents weed seeds from sprouting. Pre-emergents work well against annual weeds. For perennial weeds like Dandelions, you might need a post-emergent herbicide or you can try removing them by hand. Before purchasing any herbicides, make sure to read the label carefully to ensure they are suitable for your type of lawn.

While we have had some good winter rainfalls, once the temperatures start rising, you can test the moisture of your soil by sticking your finger in and gauging how far down it feels damp. This will help you determine if it’s time to start watering. If you have an irrigation system, now is a great time to give it a thorough check to make sure everything is working properly. Check for any parts that might need replacing, and make sure there are no blockages or leaks. If you’re thinking about installing an irrigation system, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for guidance.

Until the soil temperatures warm up a bit more, it’s best to hold off on tasks like fertilising, scarifying, and top dressing. Most lawns are still in their winter dormancy and haven’t fully emerged yet. However, if you’re planning to lay new turf or grow a lawn from seed, now is an excellent time to get started!
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