Summer Ready

We are now into November, Christmas is fast approaching and how dry has it been this spring. Now is a crucial time for lawn care to ensure your grass thrives through the summer. With the season change, your lawn care strategy should shift to help your lawn cope with the warmer temperatures and longer days that lie ahead.

Aeration is vital for a healthy lawn. It involves making holes in the lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, reaching the grass roots where they’re needed most. This process can prevent waterlogging and compaction, both of which can lead to an unhealthy lawn. Aeration can be done with a garden fork for small areas or with a specialised aerating machine for larger lawns.

If you’ve missed spring fertilising, it’s not too late. Fertilisation provides essential nutrients that help your lawn withstand summer heat and the encroachment of weeds. A well-fed lawn is resilient, better able to conserve moisture, and has a vibrant colour. Use a quality fertiliser and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

As the heat ramps up, it’s crucial to adjust the height of your lawn mower. Cutting your grass too short can stress it, leading to a less robust lawn. Aim to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time. This helps maintain a healthy, dense lawn and means you might not need to collect the clippings if they are short enough; they’ll break down and return nutrients to the soil.

De-thatching removes the layer of dead grass and organic matter (thatch) that can prevent water, nutrients, and light from reaching the soil. If you’re dreaming of a lush, green lawn for Christmas gatherings, now’s the time to de-thatch. Scarifying goes a step further, cutting through the soil to remove moss and aerate the lawn. Both practices promote healthy growth and improve drainage, crucial for preventing fungal diseases. De-thatching and scarifying can leave your lawn looking a bit worse for wear initially. However, with the application of a liquid wetting agent to improve water penetration and a high-quality complete fertiliser, your lawn will bounce back better than ever, usually within a month.

Regular watering will help your lawn recover from de-thatching and scarifying and cope with the heat. It’s best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth, which makes the lawn more drought-resistant. Also, stay vigilant about weeds, which can quickly take over in the warmer weather. Remove them promptly, either by hand or using an appropriate herbicide.

Beyond November, keep an eye on your lawn’s health throughout the summer. Monitor for signs of stress, such as discolouration or wilting, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Remember, a little attention now can mean a lush, inviting lawn that’s the perfect backdrop for your summer barbecues and outdoor activities.

Instant Lawn Adelaide offer de-thatching and scarifying services if you are unsure about doing this yourself. These can be done as part of a regular maintenance program or as a one off service. The team also provides irrigation installation and servicing. An irrigation system can help save you money on your water bill through more efficient watering and help keep your garden and lawn healthy over the summer months. Instant Lawn Adelaide are always happy to answer any questions you may have so please feel free to get in touch

If you need any assistance with lawn maintenance or a new turf installation, our team is always happy to help and you are welcome to give us a call. We can offer one off services and seasonal maintenance packages.