Finally it feels time for Autumn Lawn Care

It feels like we’ve been waiting for months for the summer weather to make way for the cooler temperatures of autumn and finally, finally it feels like the time is right to get out and get our autumn lawn care sorted.

Keep your lawn as clear as possible so the lawn plants don’t struggle to survive under moist and rotting vegetation – large clumps of lawn clippings and fallen leaves from deciduous trees. Depending on the types of trees overlooking your lawn, raking once a week or every few days should manage to keep the lawn clear.

Check your lawn for any moss first; raking the lawn before dealing with any moss will just cause the moss spores to spread throughout the lawn. If you do find moss just apply a moss-killer and wait for it to die and then you can use a garden fork to remove the layer of thatch that has formed on the soil surface.

Disease, pests and heavy traffic over summer can cause bare patches in your lawn. To take advantage of the last of the growing phase before the dormant phase begins, repair bare patches now. Remove any damage turf surrounding the bare patch, apply fertiliser and allow the lawn to grow over the patch. This is particularly easy if you have installed a fairly self-repairing lawn like Sir Walter DNA Certified soft-leaf Buffalo turf.

Soil compaction that occurred over summer will begin to starve the roots of much needed oxygen, water and nutrients to get through the cooler months. Now is the time to undertake aeration so your lawn is in the best position to remain healthy as the temperatures drop. For the average sized Queensland backyard a metal garden fork will do the job – just use it to create pockets of air in the lawn. If you’re lucky enough to have a yard larger than most – hiring a petrol powered aerator might be a better option.

When you have cleared the lawn of debris, removed the thatch, repaired any bare patches and aerated, it’s the ideal time to fertilise. Fertilising now will encourage a growth spurt to rebuild after these tasks and prepare for the cooler weather ahead. A slow release fertiliser is the best option to last the distance. Always water the fertiliser in thoroughly or apply right before it rains. Spread evenly over the entire lawn to ensure consistent growth as well as reducing the risk of fertiliser burn if too much is applied in one place.

If you have further questions regarding your autumn lawn care just contact the team at Daleys Turf – we’re here to support you for the life of your lawn.