Why does my lawn have seed heads?

There has been an increase in seed heads appearing across many turf varieties recently, in most cases this will be due to the seasonal change and is not a cause for major concern.

If your lawn has been fertilised in recent weeks and has sufficient moisture in the soil, they should stop appearing on their own within a matter of weeks.

 

Seed Heads – When these strange little things start popping up in your lawn it’s common that many people first think they have weeds in their lawn.

seed head

But they are not actually a weed, they are a seed head that has grown from the grass itself.

Normally when a turf variety goes to seed, it’s because it’s under stress from something, usually a lack of water or nutrient. Most common lawn types in Australia produce a sterile seed head, meaning they can’t be spread by seed, only through vegetative sprigs or runners. Although going to seed isn’t a bad thing for your lawn, it doesn’t look great or feel soft underfoot and can be a sign of an underlying problem.

Seed heads can be pretty easy to avoid for the most part, by sticking to a consistent lawn care program. The best way to stop your lawn from going to seed is through regular watering, mowing and fertilising throughout the year.

In most circumstances your lawn will stop going to seed on its own within a couple of weeks or so and it will be business as usual. If there has been dramatic weather change, it will stop seeding once conditions have gone back to normal or once the plant has adjusted. If weather conditions have been fairly consistent, then you will want to look at what it is that may have caused it to go into stress in the first place, like insufficient water, nutrient or soil composition.

If you haven’t had a lot of water or haven’t fertilised in a while, a really good deep soaking and an application with a good quality slow release fertiliser, should put an end to a nutrient or water deficiency and shortly after the grass will go back to normal.

lawn fertiliser
LAWN SOLUTIONS PREMIUM FERTILISER

If your lawn has an ongoing seeding issue and you can’t seem to get on top of it, contact your local turf supplier who can help with some local advice based on your current weather and growing conditions.

A plant growth regulator (PGR) like Primo Maxx will limit your lawns vertical growth and can help reduce the number of seed heads that your lawn produces. Regular mowing, twice a week, and the use of a PGR at full rates will minimise the seed head from flowering.

primo maxx

 

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

How to prepare for a spring lawn renovation

It’s easy to get excited about doing a lawn renovation and all the things you might want to do to have your lawn the envy of the street. The best advice we can give you is to not go too early with any vigorous lawn maintenance activities like dethatching or top dressing. Your lawn needs to be actively growing and performing strongly during the warmer months before undertaking these activities. October long weekend in most states is a good guide.

You can prepare by organising the necessary equipment you need for each step, so you are ready to go when the lawn has started growing strongly again.

Do I need a lawn renovation?

A lawn renovation may be necessary if your lawn has developed a combination of thatch and compaction. It can also be a good time to do so when your lawn is looking unhealthy and specific soil improvements are required to improve the lawns foundation.

A full lawn renovation could be required every 3-4 years. Its not a must to do all the steps, but it can be highly beneficial from time to time if you are looking to achieve the best results with your lawn. Dethatching or top dressing will only be required more regularly if the lawn is a bit neglected. Some turf varieties require more frequent renovations, couch grass for example, depending on the level of inputs and preferred height of cut.

How do I do a lawn renovation?

Making sure you undertake a lawn renovation in the best order will ensure you get the best out of each activity and you get your lawn recovering from winter as quickly as possible.

  1. Weeds removal
  2. Dethatching
  3. Aerating
  4. Fertilising
  5. Top dressing
  6. Watering for recovery

Here is what you need:

  • Knapsack/Pressure sprayer
  • Herbicides like All Purpose Weed Control for weeds treatment
  • Dethatching rake/machine (or hired machine)
  • Manual aerating device, like a garden fork, tine aerator or manual corer (or hired machine)
  • Fertiliser like Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser
  • Pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert
  • Top dressing soil/sand
  • Soil spreader
  • pH test kit
  • Soil amendments if required (gypsum, lime, sulphate of ammonia for e.g)
  • Irrigation or sprinkler

Now that you’re prepared, here are some helpful videos to guide you through the process when the weather warms up:

 

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

Preventing a grub attack | Acelepryn

Armyworm, African Black Beetle larvae (lawn grubs), Cutworm, and other grubs can all quickly cause extensive damage to your lawn. But what if there was a way you could prevent these damage causing grubs from crawling throughout your lawn? Well, Grub Guard Ultimate Powered by Acelepryn is your answer!

Prevention is the best solution

Grubs will often target the healthiest looking lawn on the street as their next tasty meal. When lawns get attacked by grubs, they often will have already created extensive damage before being noticed. Following an attack, the lawn can take a few weeks or a few months to fully repair itself. Instead of going through the long process of nursing your lawn back to health, prevention is a far better solution.

What is Grub Guard Ultimate?

Grub Guard Ultimate Powered by Acelepryn is an insecticide that provides your lawn with 6 months of protection from grubs and caterpillars like Armyworm in one single application. Grub Guard Ultimate works by targeting a specific muscle receptor that is common with damaging causing insects. Other non-target organisms like bees, earthworms, birds, fish, and mammals don’t use the same muscle receptors, making it one of the safest insecticides on the market!

GRUB GUARD ULTIMATE
Acelepryn liquid
ACELEPRYN LIQUID

When should you apply Grub Guard Ultimate?

As a general guide, Grub Guard Ultimate is best used in September/October and March/April to prevent a grub attack year round. One application of Grub Guard Ultimate will provide you with protection for up to 6 months. So, two applications per year will ensure your lawn is protected from grubs throughout the whole year.

How to apply Acelepryn based products?

For treating beetle larvae including African black beetle, Argentine Scarab, Argentine Stem Weevil larvae and Billbug Larvae, spread the granules evenly, 1-2kg per 100m2. We recommend using a calibrated spreader to ensure the granules are spread evenly to the lawn. You can also spread the granules by hand. After the granules have been spread out, give the granules a water in with a minimum of 3mm irrigation.

For Caterpillars including Cutworm, Armyworm, and Sod Worm, spread the granules evenly, 1kg per 100m2. Again, we recommend using a calibrated spreader for an even application. You can also spread the granules by hand. After application, delay mowing and watering for 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed, water the granules in.

Acelepryn Liquid

For treating Lawn Curl Grub (Beetle larvae including: African Black Beetle larvae Argentinian Scarab larvae), Argentine Stem Weevil larvae and Billbug larvae, you can apply through a garden sprayer or watering can. For a garden sprayer use 8 – 15 mL per 5-10 L of water per 100 m2. Wheh applying with a watering can, mix 1.5 mL in 9 L of water and evenly apply to 10 m2. Apply the higher rate for up to 6 months residual protection, cases of high pest pressure, and late in season when mature grubs are present. Lightly water in immediately after application when applying by garden sprayer.

Acelepryn Liquid 100ml

Acelepryn 10kg

For treating Caterpillars including Lawn Armyworm, Black Cutworm, and Sod Webworm, apply through a garden sprayer. Use 8 mL per 5-10 L of water per 100 m2. To ensure optimum control, delay watering or mowing for 24 hours after application.

spreading fertiliser

Common signs of grubs

When grubs are present in your lawn, they will eat through your lawn’s roots. As the turf can then no longer absorb nutrients, the grass will become dry and straw like. When there is an infestation, large areas of the lawn will be affected quickly.

How do I know if my lawn has grubs?

If you think your lawn may already have grubs, it is best to do a quick lawn grub test. To do this, mix a bucket of soapy water and pour it over the edge of an affected area. Keep an eye on it and after about 10 minutes or so, usually if there are grubs there, they will come to the surface. This is best done at dawn or dusk when grubs are most active.

Lawn Grubs
BLACK BEETLE LARVAE

What to do if you already have grubs?

If your lawn already has a grub infestation, it is best to act quickly to help prevent further damage. Delaying treatment can cause a substantial amount of damage as the grubs will move fast along the lawn while laying eggs and increasing in numbers.

After you have identified there is an infestation, we recommend using a fast-acting product for a quick knockdown. We recommend using Lawn Solutions Grub Guard or Battle Insecticide to get the job done quickly. When using insecticides, it is always best to check the label for application and safety instructions.

The best time to apply the treatment is in the late afternoon/dusk when the lawn grubs are most likely to be active. To ensure you have treated the full lifecycle of the grubs, apply a second treatment in 2 weeks. This will help ensure that any eggs that may be in the lawn have been treated, avoiding a second attack. If you do still see these grubs after this, reapply every 2 weeks until they are gone.

Grub Treat and Protect Bundle

Protect your lawn from lawn pests with this one-two punch to treat an existing infestation and to protect your lawn for up to 6 months. If you have noticed damage to your lawn caused by black beetle larvae or Army worm, this bundle provides Battle Insecticide for a fast knock-down treatment, along with Grub Guard Ultimate – the best product on the market for lawn pest prevention in lawns.

grub treatment bundle

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

How Early Is Too Early to Mow in The Morning?

Did you know there is such a thing as too early to mow? Here at Lawn Solutions, we believe there is no better sound than a mower starting up on a Saturday morning, but your neighbours might disagree! In this blog, we look at what time each state allows you to start up your mower to help you keep the peace between you and your neighbours.

Just like power equipment and construction noise in residential areas, there are permitted hours for each region to run your mower. Your local environmental protection agency often puts these noise regulations in place to help ensure your neighbours are not woken up at dawn and can get a good early night’s sleep.

mowing

So, what are the regulations for your state? Let’s take a look…

New South Wales

In NSW, mow between 7am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, you can mow between 8am to 8pm. In NSW these rules have been set out by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Queensland

The Environmental Protection Act 1994 in QLD states that you can mow your lawn between 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, mow between 8am to 7pm.

regular mowing

Victoria

In Victoria, you can mow Monday to Friday between 7 am to 8pm. You can mow between 9am – 8pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, according to the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria.

South Australia

In South Australia, you can mow between 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 7pm Sunday and public holidays. These rules have been set out by EPA South Australia.

Tasmania 

In Tasmania, you can mow between 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday. On Saturdays you can mow between 9am to 8pm and Sundays and public holidays between 10am to 8pm. These rules have been set out by EPA Tasmania.

Northern Territory 

In the NT, you can mow between 7am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 8pm Sunday and public holidays, according to the NT EPA.

Canberra

In the ACT, lawn mowing can be done 7am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 8pm Sundays and public holidays, according to Access Canberra.

Western Australia

In WA, generally lawn mowers can be used between 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 7pm Sundays and public holidays. This is for most regions within WA.

Mowing Tips

Now that you have got what time you can mow down packed let’s take a look at a few tips on how you can sure you get the best cut:

  • Mow regularly enough so that only one third of the leaf is removed with each pass.
  • Ensure your mowers blades are nice and sharp.
  • Mow when the lawn is dry and try to avoid mowing when the lawn is wet.
  • Mow at the same length and keep it consistent.
  • Switch mowing directions.
  • Mow in the mornings or afternoons. Avoid mowing in the middle of the day.
  • Keep at a consistent pace.

mowing fun

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

When Should I Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide?

Pre-emergent herbicides are fantastic products to add to your lawn care regime. With these herbicides, your application timing can impact how well it will work to prevent weeds in your lawn. In this blog, we look at the optimal times throughout the year to apply a pre-emergent to get the best results.

How Does a Pre-Emergent Work?

Pre-emergents work by targeting weed seedlings during germination. They create a barrier at the soil level that affects the germination of any new seedlings. This means they will target weeds before they appear but will not be effective after weeds have started growing.

pre-emergent

Why Should I Time My Application?

As pre-emergents work by targeting weeds before they appear, you will need to time your application just before weeds are set to start growing in your lawn. If you can create the barrier at the soil level before the weeds are set to start growing, you can stop them during their germination phase.

When to Apply a Pre-Emergent for Seasonal Summer Weeds?

Some seasonal summer weeds that pre-emergents will help target include Summer Grass, Crabgrass, and Crowsfoot. Seasonal summer weeds will start to germinate when the soil temperatures begin to warm back up, usually when the average soil temperature is above approximately 14 degrees. So, it is best to get your application down before the temperatures are set to rise in your region. The exact time for your application will change depending on your location and temperatures in your region. As a guide, this will usually occur around early to mid-spring.

When Should I Apply a Pre-Emergent for Seasonal Winter Weeds?

Pre-emergents can also be used to help prevent seasonal winter weeds, including Winter Grass. Seasonal winter weeds will start to germinate once the average soil temperatures start to drop below approximately 14 degrees. Therefore, it is best to get your application on just before this is set to occur. Like prevention for summer weeds, the exact time this will occur will depend on your location and temperatures in your region. As a guide, this will usually happen around mid to late autumn.

pre-emergent

What Pre-Emergent Should I Use?

When it comes to using pre-emergents, we recommend using our Lawn Solutions Oxafert Pre-Emergent Herbicide and Fertiliser. Oxafert comes in a handy 3kg bag that will treat up to 100m2. It is safe for most warm season turf types, including Sir Walter DNA Certified, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Sir Grange, Zoysia Australis and Kikuyu. This product also contains a balanced ratio of nutrients to help boost your lawn for healthier all-round turf. Oxafert will remain active on your lawn for up to 12 weeks, for protection of seasonal weeds.

oxafert
OXAFERT PRE-EMERGENT

What Weeds Will Oxafert Target?

Oxafert will help control the germination of Winter Grass, Summer Grass, Crowsfoot, Creeping Oxalis and Crabgrass.

What Should I Use for Weeds That Are Already Growing?

If you already have weeds growing in your lawn, it is best to get on top of them as soon as possible to help prevent their spread. Whem there are only a few weeds growing throughout your lawn, hand removal is an effective option. If the weeds are more widespread and there is too much to remove by hand you may need to look at using an herbicide for removal. For removing common broadleaf weeds like Clover, Bindii, Creeping Oxalis, Cudweed and Thistles, we recommend using a broadleaf herbicide like our All Purpose Weed Control.

weed control
ALL PURPOSE WEED CONTROL

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

How to combat winter lawn weeds

Winter weeds can be a real nuisance and undo all the hard work you put into getting your lawn looking superb during the warmer months.

The best time to treat winter weeds in your lawn is during winter. By doing so, you have a better chance of getting them before germination. This will stop them from dropping their seeds back into the soil and coming back again next season.

Here are some of the most common weeds that appear during winter and what you can do to remove them from your lawn.

Winter Grass

winter grass

Winter Grass (Poa Annua) is a low growing turf grass. It has soft, drooping green leaves grown in tufts with triangular shaped seed heads. If you allow Winter Grass to drop its seeds, next winter it will be back, twice as badly as it was the previous year.

Winter Grass can be removed very easily by hand as it doesn’t have particularly deep roots and it doesn’t have any runners, growing in simple clumps.

Using a combination of a pre-emergent like Oxafert and a selective Winter Grass control like Winter Grass Killer at the correct time of year should ensure Winter Grass is eradicated from your lawn. Amgrow Winter Grass Killer is safe to use on buffalo lawns (including Sir Walter DNA Certified), blue and common couches. However, Amgrow Winter Grass Killer should be avoided on Kikuyu and fescue lawns. If you do happen to have a Kikuyu lawn an alternative post emergent herbicide is Munns Professional Winter Grass Killer.

Bindii

Bindii is possibly the most annoying weed due to the pain it causes to our bare feet! It is a low growing weed with a flower at its centre. At maturity, the flower produces a prickly seed pod. This seed pod is a particular menace during the warmer months when we are trying to enjoy our lawns. Bindii can be managed by hand or by applying a selective broadleaf herbicide like Bin-Die or Lawn Solutions Australia All Purpose Weed Control. This will help to eradicate these weeds in all lawn types including kikuyu and couch. It is safe to use on most varieties of buffalo except the ST varieties. A repeat application may be required.

The best time to target Bindii is in Winter before it produces the seed pod and spreads throughout your lawn.

Clover

clover

Clover is another common winter weed. It is one of those legume plants, like beans and lucerne or alfalfa, that draws nitrogen from the air and stores it in its roots.  As the roots die back, the nitrogen is replenished into the soil but where there is sufficient nitrogen in your soil to keep your lawn healthy, the clover struggles to survive. In most cases when you see clover growing in your lawn it means that there isn’t enough nitrogen. So, a fertilise will help increase the nitrogen and slow the clover down.

Clover can also be managed by applying a selective broadleaf herbicide like Bin-Die or Lawn Solutions Australia All Purpose Weed Control.

Creeping Oxalis

Lawn Weeds ?ÛÒ Creeping Oxalis

Creeping Oxalis has small light green heart shaped leaves, very similar in appearance to clover. (Oxalis, have heart shaped leaves while clover has oval shaped leaves.) The flowers are small, about 3-4mm in diameter and bright yellow in colour containing five petals. Creeping Oxalis, as its name suggests, quickly runs along the surface of the soil and produces roots from the leaf as it goes. When seed pods mature, they dry out and explode, causing the seed to spread.

Once again, a selective herbicide such as Lawn Solutions Australia All Purpose Weed Control will help to eradicate these weeds in all lawn types including kikuyu and couch and are safe to use on most varieties of buffalo except the ST varieties.

Lawn Solutions Australia carry a wide range of weed and pest control products for buffalo and other lawn varieties. Remember to always follow manufacturer’s instructions on the pack.

 

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

Is brown grass dead? No, your lawn isn’t dead, it’s sleeping!

Is my lawn dead?

  • Is your lawn looking brown and discoloured?
  • Has your lawn stopped growing?
  • Are you worried your lawn won’t bounce back at spring time?

Your lawn has been slow in growth, you have been mowing a lot less frequently in the last couple months, and the grass has lost a little bit of colour.

Has it died?…

Most Australian lawns consist of warm-season turfgrasses. Kikuyu, Couch, Zoysia and Soft Leaf Buffalo lawns are the most common types and fit into this category. As the name ‘warm-season’ suggests; that’s the time when these grasses are actively growing. During the cooler months they slow down and can go into a certain level of dormancy; slowing growth and discolouring over winter. Warm-season grasses will experience different levels of dormancy depending on your area.

So, the answer to the question, “has my lawn died?” is thankfully no! – It is likely to be just in some level of dormancy.

Dormancy is a protection method that lawn grasses use to withstand freezing temperatures and frost. When grass becomes dormant the grass leaves thinning and drying out. This helps the grass store its energy in the lower parts of the grass stem and root areas. Warm season turf grasses like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Sir Walter DNA Certified rarely go into full dormancy in Australia. This is because the winters in Australia don’t really get cold enough.

What Couch Grass has the best winter colour?

tiftuf greener than other couch grass

In the image above there are two different couch grass varieties, both subjected to the same difficult conditions. The first plot on the left and the third plot, are both TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. This photo was taken on the winter solstice, the shortest daylight hours of the year, when sunlight is limited and temperatures are low.

TifTuf has been shining in all trials for winter colour. We have seen this domestically, commercially and in Australian trials. The data from the US National Turf Evaluation Program replicated this as well with TifTuf (and Tifway) leading the way.

tiftuf stays greener in winter

As the weather starts to cool down, so does lawn care with the grass not growing as vigorously as it did a few weeks ago in most cases. This change in growth normally occurs in warm-season grasses at soil temperatures around 14 degrees Celsius. It is not until this soil temperature consistently rises back above this temperature that your lawn will start to speed up its growth.

 

Can I lay a new lawn in the cooler months?

Whilst the warmer months in spring, summer and early autumn are the ideal time of year to lay a new lawn. However winter is still ok. There are even a few benefits in establishing a lawn in the cooler time of the year. There is a common misconception that installing a new warm season turf like Sir Walter DNA Certified cannot be done in cool conditions. This isn’t the truth, as turf is installed successfully all year round anywhere in Australia. In the warmer states, Like Queensland, Northern Territory, and northern WA this isn’t really an issue as the temperature doesn’t get cold enough. But in NSW, Victoria, SA, and southern WA cold winters put a doubt in our mind about laying a new lawn.

A benefit in laying a new lawn in winter is lower water usage. In the cooler months, you will not have to irrigate your new lawn anywhere near as much compared with the warmer months. This is because the days are not hot enough to dry out your new turf. Whilst it still needs some water, you can virtually halve your water usage by laying turf in winter and still maintain a healthy lawn come spring. Just keep in mind, when laying a new lawn in winter the lawn will not root down properly until the weather warms up and it starts growing again. This doesn’t mean anything is wrong, and your lawn isn’t dying. It is simply sitting idle until it gets some warmer temperatures, so it can fully establish.

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

Mowing Your Lawn in Winter

Mowing in Winter

Mowing your lawn at a higher height will allow for better photosynthesis and food supply to your lawn

Our warm season lawns have slowed down in most states as the temperatures have decreased. Your lawn won’t completely stop growing through the winter in Australia, it will just grow at a much slower rate. Once soil temperatures drop below 14 degrees Celsius your grass will enter a slower rate of growth to conserve energy which is known as dormancy. So, what does this mean for your lawn and should this change how you mow over winter?

Increasing mowing height

An important thing you can do to help your lawn adjust to the cooler temperatures is to increase the height of your lawn mower. Keeping the mowing height nice and high will give your lawn the best chance to absorb sunlight and nutrients. A longer leaf will help block out weeds and help your lawn to retain its colour for longer. A healthy lawn heading into winter will ensure it is better prepared for the cold and frost and help it to achieve a quicker spring recovery.

How often should I mow?

As a rough guide, you will only need to mow your lawn every few weeks during winter. This will differ depending on the turf variety you have. While we recommend you leave your lawn longer, make sure you don’t let it get too long either. While you will not need to mow as often as you were throughout summer it is still important to remain consistent with your mowing schedule. This will help maintain a consistent growth pattern so that your lawn will enter the warmer months in top condition.

Mowing too high

Mow higher than 5-6cm and it will prevent sunlight from properly penetrating the grass profile and you may cause scalping when it comes to mowing again. Scalping will then leave browning of your lawn, which will leave it susceptible to disease and weeds.

Mowing too low

Like the issue caused by scalping as mentioned above, resist the urge to give your lawn a really low cut in winter in an attempt to get out of having to mow again for a longer period of time. This will leave your lawn much more susceptible to winter weeds and frost as well, which will give you a lot more work to do come spring to get it back to its best.

Removing your grass clippings

When mowing throughout the cooler months make sure you pick up all leaves and grass clippings that are left behind. This will allow the grass to receive as much sunlight as it can throughout the cooler months when sunlight can be limited.

 

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

Winter Lawn Care Checklist

Winter Lawn Care Checklist

Taking care of your lawn during the winter months is essential to ensure its health and beauty when spring arrives. Here are some important tips for winter lawn care:

1. Mow Before Winter: Ensure your grass is at the ideal height (around 2.5 to 3 inches) before the snow falls to minimize stress.

2. Aerate the Soil: Aeration helps relieve soil compaction and allows nutrients, water, and air to reach the roots.

3. Fertilise: Apply a winter fertiliser rich in potassium to strengthen roots and prepare the grass for spring.

4. Rake Leaves: Remove leaves and debris to prevent mold and diseases from developing over winter.

5. Water: Ensure your lawn is adequately hydrated going into winter, especially if you didn’t receive rainfall.

6. Overseed if Necessary: If your lawn has bare patches, consider overseeding to encourage growth in spring.

7. Weed Prevention: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent winter weeds from germinating.

8. Clean Up Edges: Trim back any overgrown edges for a neat look and to prevent pests from settling in.

9. Store Lawn Equipment: Clean and store your mowers and other equipment properly to prolong their life.

By following this checklist, you’ll set your lawn up for a healthy start in the spring!

How Regularly Should I Be Mowing My Grass in Winter?

The frequency of mowing your grass depends on several factors, including grass type, growth rate, and the season. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Growing Season: During the peak growing season (spring and early summer), you may need to mow once a week. This is when grass typically grows the fastest.

2. Slower Growth: In winter, when growth slows down, you can extend the time between mowings to every 10 to 14 days.

3. Grass Type: Different types of grass have varying growth habits. For example, cool-season grasses (like Kentucky bluegrass) may need more frequent mowing in the spring, while warm-season grasses (like Bermuda) might require more mowing during summer.

4. Weather Conditions: After periods of rain or favorable growing conditions, grass may grow quicker and need mowing more frequently. Conversely, during dry, hot spells, growth may slow down.

5. Height Rule: A common rule of thumb is to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade’s height at a time. Regular mowing helps keep the lawn healthy and promotes thicker grass.

6. Personal Preference: Aesthetically, some homeowners prefer a closely trimmed lawn, while others may not mind a slightly longer look.

What Can I Use to Stop Lawn Weeds?

There are several effective methods and products you can use to stop lawn weeds:

1. Pre-emergent Herbicides: These products prevent weed seeds from germinating. Apply them early in the spring before weeds start to sprout.

When applying pre-emergents like Oxafert it is best to time your application as the temperatures start to cool in your area. For most regions, this will be in mid to late Autumn.

2. Post-emergent Herbicides: These are used on weeds that have already grown. Make sure to choose a product that is safe for your specific type of grass. For common broadleaf weeds like Clover, Bindii, Oxalis, Cudweed and Catsear, we recommend using a broadleaf herbicide like All Purpose Weed Control or Amgrow Bin Die. The All Purpose Weed Control comes in an easy-to-use hose-on bottle that sprays out the product. The Amgrow Bin Die comes in a concentrate that needs to be mixed with water and applied through a knapsack or sprayer.

3. Hand Pulling: For small infestations, manually pulling out weeds can be effective. Make sure to remove the entire root to prevent regrowth.

Remember to always read the labels of any herbicides to ensure they are suitable for your lawn type and follow all application instructions.

Keep an eye on your lawn’s growth and adjust your mowing schedule accordingly!

Should I Use Iron on My Lawn?

Heading into winter, you can look at using an iron-based product to help extend and improve your lawns colour both heading into and throughout the cooler months. Iron products can also be used to help strengthen your grass. If you want to use an iron-based product heading into winter, we recommend using Iron Guard Plus.

In conclusion, a winter lawn checklist is crucial for ensuring your lawn remains healthy and well-maintained during the colder months. By following the steps outlined, such as aerating the soil, applying the right fertilisers, and keeping the lawn free of debris, you can set the stage for a vibrant and lush lawn come spring.

Additionally, preparing your lawn for winter helps prevent issues like lawn diseases and frost damage. Taking these proactive measures not only protects your investment in your outdoor space but also contributes to a more sustainable and thriving lawn ecosystem. With a bit of planning and care, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn year-round.

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.

What Does Iron Do for Lawns?

Are you looking for a way to help extend your lawns colouring throughout the cooler months? Well, iron might be your answer! The main benefit of using iron is to help improve your lawns colouring, especially when lawns are entering dormancy. In this blog, we look at all you need to know about using iron on your lawn.

Will Iron Make My Lawn Greener in Winter?

The short and straightforward answer is yes, but there is more to it. Iron, also known as Fe, helps grass photosynthesise and create chlorophyll. As a result, it will improve colour and allows it to carry out cellular functions.

Are There Any Other Benefits of Using Iron?

There are a few other benefits to using iron. These include helping control moss, strengthening your lawn, can help limit the impact of frost and helping make your lawn more disease resistant.

Before Iron Guard Plus
BEFORE IRON GUARD PLUS
After using Iron Guard Plus
AFTER USING IRON GUARD PLUS

When Should I Use Iron?

Iron is best used on a healthy and strong lawn. It is best used to help improve your lawns colour, especially when heading into or out of dormancy.

When it comes to using iron products, we recommend using our Lawn Solutions Iron Guard Plus.

Iron Guard Plus

Golden Rules to Follow When Applying Iron

When applying iron, it is best to avoid it in the heat of the day. If it has been used when temperatures are at their warmest, some burning can occur. We also recommend applying Iron Guard monthly when active growth is present or when nutrient deficiency symptoms are visible to maintain even growth and colour for your lawn. We also recommend making sure your plant is healthy and not stressed before application. When applying all lawn care products, it is always best to ensure you use as per the label application instructions and application rates.

Precautions to Take When Applying Iron

Avoid applying iron to footpaths, driveways, and other surfaces. When iron is applied to hard surfaces, it can cause rust-coloured stains. If you use a liquid product and some spray has been applied or drifted to another surface, it is best to wash it off immediately. When applying iron, ensure you use it on the lawn evenly, as it will show if you don’t apply it evenly.

Should I Use a Fertiliser That Contains Iron?

Suppose you want to apply iron but also want to apply other nutrients. In that case, we recommend using a well-rounded fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser or Exceed Liquid Fertiliser. Both fertilisers contain iron and a balanced ratio of nutrients your lawn needs to stay healthy.

lawn fertiliser exceed liquid fertiliser

If you want to apply fertiliser throughout the cooler months, it is best to use a liquid product like Exceed over granular fertilisers. This is because liquid fertilisers can absorb nutrients more effectively while the grass has entered dormancy compared to granular fertilisers.

Why Should I Use Iron Without Fertiliser?

However, in some circumstances, if you have a specialised lawn care program which already meets your lawns nutrient requirements, additional nutrients from a fertiliser may not be required and separate iron product is best used.

How Can I Make My Lawn Green Instantly?

If you want to give your lawn an instant green-up without applying iron products, why not use a lawn pigment product like ColourGuard Plus! One application of ColourGuard Plus can provide up to 3 months of fantastic colour. It is safe for all lawn types and can be used anytime throughout the year.

As always, if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for free expert advice on 1800ALLTURF (1800255873) or 07 5543 8304.