Preparing Your Lawn in August for the Growing Season

As winter wraps up in Adelaide and we look forward to warmer days, August is the perfect time to start preparing your lawn for the upcoming growing season. Whether you’re tending to an established lawn or thinking about laying instant lawn, giving your grass some attention now will ensure a lush, green space come spring. August marks the transition period where the soil starts to warm up, making it an ideal time to work on your lawn. Here’s why this month is so crucial for lawn care in Adelaide and some practical steps to get your garden ready.

Preparing Your Lawn for Spring

After the cooler months, your lawn might look a bit tired and patchy. Preparing it now sets the stage for robust growth. Start by giving your lawn a good rake to remove debris, dead grass, and any fallen leaves. This helps to improve air circulation at the grass roots, encouraging new growth.

Next, aerate your lawn. Aeration is the process of perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. In August, the soil is usually moist but not too wet, making it the perfect time for aeration.

Why August is Ideal for Instant Lawn

Laying instant lawn in August gives it ample time to establish before the peak growing season. The soil temperature is starting to rise, which promotes root growth, and the moderate weather conditions mean the grass can settle in without the stress of extreme heat.

Instant lawn, or turf, is a quick and effective way to achieve a beautiful lawn without waiting for seeds to sprout. In Adelaide, popular choices for instant lawn include varieties like Kikuyu, Buffalo, and Couch. Each type has its benefits, so choose one that suits your garden’s specific needs and your lifestyle.

When laying instant lawn, ensure your soil is well-prepared. Clear any weeds and level the surface. Adding a layer of quality topsoil can provide the new grass with the nutrients it needs to get off to a good start. Once the turf is laid, water it thoroughly to help it settle and take root.

The Instant Lawn Adelaide team can assist with the decision making in which type of turf would be best for your soil conditions and expected usage. As part of our installation services we offer full preparation of the soil including removal of the old lawn and irrigation installation.

Feeding and Watering

As your lawn comes out of its winter dormancy, it will benefit from a good feed. Applying a slow-release fertiliser in August provides essential nutrients that support new growth. Look for a fertiliser that’s high in nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth and helps the lawn become more resilient.

Watering is another crucial aspect of lawn care. In August, Adelaide typically receives moderate rainfall, but it’s essential to ensure your lawn is getting enough water, especially if you’ve laid new turf. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Early mornings are the best time to water, as it reduces the risk of fungal diseases that can occur if the lawn stays damp overnight.

Weed and Pest Control

Weeds can be a persistent problem, competing with your grass for nutrients and water. August is a good time to tackle weeds before they become more established in the spring. Hand-pulling weeds or using a selective herbicide can help keep them under control. Be careful with herbicides if you’ve just laid new turf, as the young grass can be sensitive to chemicals.

Pests can also pose a threat to your lawn. Keep an eye out for signs of lawn grubs or beetles, which can damage the roots and cause patches of dead grass. If you spot any pests, use an appropriate treatment to deal with them before they become a bigger problem.

Mowing and Edging

As the weather warms up, your lawn will start to grow more quickly. Regular mowing is essential to keep it healthy and looking its best. In August, you might not need to mow as frequently as in the peak growing season, but it’s a good time to give your mower a once-over and ensure the blades are sharp. Set your mower to a higher setting for the first few cuts to avoid stressing the grass. Gradually lower the cutting height as the lawn starts to grow more vigorously.

Edging your lawn creates a neat and tidy appearance. Use a sharp edging tool to define the borders between your lawn and garden beds or pathways. This not only improves the look of your garden but also helps prevent grass from encroaching into unwanted areas.

August in Adelaide is a prime time for lawn care, whether you’re nurturing an existing lawn or laying new instant turf. With the right preparation, feeding, and maintenance, your lawn will be ready to thrive in the spring and provide a beautiful, green space for you to enjoy. So, grab your gardening gloves and tools, and get your lawn into shape for the growing season ahead.

Our team offers one-off services and a Lawn Care Program as well as our lawn installation and landscaping services to help you achieve and maintain an excellent lawn and backyard area. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.