Autumn is a great season to do lawn care and repair in Sydney. Because the temperature is starting to get cooler and rainfall is more consistent, it is the best time to deal with grass and soil issues caused by the summer heat and strengthen them to survive the upcoming winter season.
With the help of a few tips for lawn care, repair, and fertilising, you can help your turf recover and prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Lawn Fertiliser Tips
Weed control is one of the most common issues lawn owners face. You can treat summer weeds with fertiliser in the autumn. Make sure you find a fertiliser that has a balanced blend of elements to help provide a nutrient-rich boost. The most common weeds in Australia are usually winter annuals that germinate in autumn and then grow through spring. The rain and cool temperature induce the growth of weeds, specifically Bindii. So, it is important to control them in autumn before their seeds start to set.
If you have an established lawn, autumn can be an ideal time to feed it. The nutrients in fertiliser can help give grass a deeper green colour. It can also make it grow thicker and stronger, putting it in the best condition to thrive in cooler weather.
Lawn Repairs to Do in Autumn
Compacted Soil
Soil health plays a big role in keeping your lawn healthy. But when the ground is compact, sunlight and water may have trouble reaching the grass roots properly. There are things you can do to help improve soil health:
- Aeration: Aerating can help loosen the soil so it can better absorb water, essential nutrients, and air. This can be done with a garden fork or a manual or mechanical lawn aerator.
- Organic matter or soil conditioners: These can improve the structure of the soil and its nutrient content. They also help bind soil particles, preventing the ground from compacting, crusting, and eroding. Common organic matter includes compost, animal manure, and mulch.
Bare Patches
One of the most common causes of bare lawn patches is heavy foot traffic. When you, your kids, or your pets tread in the same spot constantly, the grass in that area can get compressed until it ultimately dies. Bald spots can also occur in areas that do not get enough sunlight or water.
Here’s how you can repair bare patches on your lawn:
- Clear the area of rocks, sticks and dead grass.
- Loosen the soil using a rake or hand fork.
- Sprinkle high-quality lawn seeds or install instant turf sod in the bald area.
- Water the area well and do it regularly to help with seed germination and root establishment.
Autumn Lawn Care Activities You Should Maintain
Mowing
Consistent lawn care is important regardless of the season. You should continue mowing your lawn throughout autumn to maintain the recommended height for the type of turf you have, even while grass growth gradually slows as the colder months approach. Leaving the grass too long towards winter could cause the blades to mat and trap moisture underneath. The turf can either suffocate, develop a fungal disease, or be a breeding ground for rodents.
Watering
Water will always be essential for a healthy and good-looking lawn. While watering is a necessity, it is recommended to reduce the frequency as the weather cools. Evaporation drops during autumn, so overwatering the lawn keeps the soil and grass wet longer, especially in shaded areas. And when everything stays soggy, it can cause root rot, lawn diseases and winterkill when winter comes.
Laying Turf in Autumn
Have you always wanted to establish a lawn? Well, early autumn is a great time to lay new turf down. After installation, it needs to stay hydrated well enough to help with root growth. This means you have to water regularly. But in autumn, the lawn won’t require as much watering since the lower temperatures help keep the lawn hydrated more than it would during warmer months.
Ready to have new turf installed on your property? Or just need help with renovating your problematic lawn ? Rivers Edge Turf can help. Call us on 02 4579 9009  and let’s get that lawn up and growing.
