Preparing lawns for Autumn

Autumn is probably the most important time of the year for lawn care; especially if you want to have a green and healthy lawn all year long. As autumn approaches in South East Queensland, the days get shorter and the temperature gets cooler but your lawn is still in its growing phase. So, what should you do in order to prepare your lawn for the season ahead?

Since the fast part of the growing phase comes to a close, it’s important that you are mowing your lawn correctly. Ensure that you are mowing at the right height; start leaving some length to the grass to get ready for the cooler months ahead. Check your mower and ensure that the blades are nice and sharp to avoid damaging or tearing the grass blades.

Adjust your watering with the natural rainfall, shorter days and lower temperatures in mind. Aim for only 2.5cms of water per week across the entire lawn. If you have received rain, or rain is on the horizon, don’t water your lawn unless it needs it. You’ll know when water is required as the blades will begin to yellow and wither. The best time of day to water is early morning;

• before moisture will be lost to evaporation when you water during the heat of the day, and
• before moisture will sit on the leaves and open up the risk of disease when you water too close to nightfall.

Remember, regardless of the time of the year or the season, water less frequently but always more deeply to encourage a strong and deep root system. Make a plan to fertilise your lawn and have it in optimum condition by Easter; this will help your lawn to survive and even thrive throughout Winter. Buy and apply a fertiliser that is designed for the variety of lawn you have and is slow-release to ensure your lawn gets the minerals and nutrients it needs, when it needs them.

Army worms, lawn grubs and other lawn pests are most problematic when you have had good rainfall. Varieties of lawn such as Sir Walter DNA Certified soft leaf Buffalo grass are pretty great when it comes to pest attacks but if the infestation is particularly nasty then prompt treatment will be required.

Since your lawn is still in its growing phase, weeds can still be an issue. Keep a frequent eye on your lawn to identify any early weed invasion. If you can get on top of the issue early you can pull them out by hand, avoid a large problem, and avoid the need for herbicides. If you do need to treat the weed problem get advice on the best product to use – some products are suitable for buffalo lawns such as Sir Walter DNA Certified, and others will kill everything they come into contact with – including your lawn.

Take care of these few issues now and your lawn will be prepared for Autumn and the coming Winter. For more information or to get a quote for a new lawn, just contact the team at Daleys Turf today.