Spring Lawn Care Tips: Revive Your Lawn this Season
As the chill of a Victorian winter finally fades, you might be looking out at a lawn that seems a little… sad. Perhaps it’s a bit patchy, maybe the colour is dull, or the growth is slow. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—it’s completely normal!
Winter is a time of reduced sunlight, colder temperatures, and often a period of natural dormancy for your grass. The good news is that spring is the ideal season for recovery and new growth. It’s the perfect time to give your turf a little extra care and set it up for a lush, green summer.
Think of this article as your trusted, step-by-step action plan to bring your lawn back to life!
1. Why Spring is the Best Time to Refresh Your Lawn
Spring brings two critical factors for turf health: warmer soil temperatures and longer daylight hours.
In Victoria, the shift from winter to spring signals the natural growth period for most common lawn varieties, including Kikuyu, Buffalo, and Couch. These warm-season grasses will rapidly emerge from their semi-dormant state as the days lengthen and the soil warms up. Spring care encourages this natural recovery, allowing your lawn to quickly thicken up and develop a deeper root system before the stress of the summer heat arrives.
2. Check Your Lawn’s Health
Before you jump into action, take a moment for a quick inspection. This helps you target your efforts.
Look for Weeds: Are winter weeds starting to pop up? Dealing with them early is much easier.
Spot Patches: Are there thin, bare areas that need extra attention?
Check for Pests: Look for any signs of grubs or lawn beetles (often small brown patches that lift easily).
Test for Compaction: If your soil feels rock-hard when dry, it might need aeration.
3. Mow Correctly as Growth Returns
Your first few mows after winter are crucial.
Start High: Set your mower to a slightly higher height than you use in summer. This encourages photosynthesis and helps the grass blade recover without stressing it.
Avoid Scalping: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in any single mow. Scalping (cutting too low) can shock the grass, lead to browning, and invite weeds.
Increase Frequency: As the weather warms up, you’ll notice growth picking up quickly. Adjust your mowing frequency to keep pace with the growth rate—this will likely increase to once a week or more by late spring.
4. Feed Your Lawn with the Right Nutrients
Fertilising in spring is like giving your lawn the fuel it needs for its growth spurt.
Timing is Key: Aim to apply a quality, slow-release spring fertiliser once the grass is actively growing (after a couple of good mows).
Choose Wisely: Look for a fertiliser specifically designed for your lawn type. The slow-release formula will feed the lawn consistently over the coming months, encouraging strong root development and vibrant colour.
Go Easy: Follow the instructions precisely. Over-fertilising can damage the grass and lead to excessive, weak growth.
5. Water Smartly in Spring
As temperatures rise, your lawn's water needs shift, but spring is the time to focus on establishing a deep, strong root system.
Deep and Infrequent: Instead of a daily sprinkle, aim for deeper, less frequent watering. This encourages the roots to grow down, seeking moisture, which makes the lawn much more resilient to summer drought.
Morning is Best: Water early in the morning. This ensures the water soaks in before it can evaporate and allows the blades to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal disease.
6. Repair and Revive Patchy Areas
Patchy areas post-winter are common and simple to fix.
Aerate: If an area is compacted, use a garden fork to spike the soil gently. This allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Topdress: Apply a thin layer (no more than 5mm) of a good quality lawn topdressing mix over bare or thin spots. This adds organic matter and protects new growth.
Overseeding (for some types): If you have Fescue, you can overseed thin areas, but for Kikuyu, Buffalo and Couch, the runners will quickly fill in the gaps with the proper feeding and watering.
7. Keep Weeds and Pests Under Control
Spring is when weeds and pests become active, but a proactive approach makes all the difference.
Weed Prevention: A healthy, dense lawn is your best defence. For existing weeds, apply a targeted weed killer (herbicide) suitable for your lawn type. Be sure to use one safe for your specific turf variety, especially Buffalo!
Pest Check: If you notice brown patches or a thinning lawn, investigate for common Victorian pests like armyworm or couch mites. Treat immediately with an appropriate insecticide.
8. Avoiding Common Spring Lawn Mistakes
To ensure your success, avoid these pitfalls:
Mistake
What to Do Instead
Scalping the Lawn
Stick to the 'one-third' rule and keep the mower height slightly higher.
Daily Light Watering
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root systems.
Applying Too Much Fertiliser
Follow the application rates on the package—more is not better.
10. Setting Your Lawn Up for Summer Success
All the effort you put into your lawn this spring is the foundation for a strong, resilient summer lawn. By encouraging deep roots, correcting any nutrient deficiencies, and proactively managing pests and weeds, you are building your lawn’s defence system against the inevitable summer heat and drought.
A few simple steps now guarantee that when summer arrives, your lawn won't just survive—it will thrive! If you have any further questions about the best products for your turf variety, the HG Turf Group team is here to help you get that picture-perfect green.
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