Water saving lawns

Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your lawn free of weeds. Hand removal may be an option if there are only a limited number, e.g. cape weed.

Weed eradication, either hand removal or sprays can be done at any time of year. The ideal time is early Spring prior to the onset of spring growth. If weeds are removed during late Autumn/Winter when growth of lawn grasses is slow bare patches created by dead weeds take longer to fill.

Note: Weed control is part of ongoing maintenance

If your lawn regularly becomes wet in Winter minimise watering in the Autumn months – (from mid March onwards), You must attempt to keep the soil very dry prior to Winter rains. If your lawn is dry, consider not mowing.

Apply Gypsum in May at 500 grams per square metre to improve drainage. Run a trial in your third year of treatment, leave a section untreated, and compare the results. You may find that Gypsum is not required every year.

If your lawn becomes stressed due to dryness - cease mowing and keep off it. Mother Nature’s Autumn and Winter rains will rejuvenate your lawn.

Lawn clippings are a very worthwhile natural organic fertiliser. Consider leaving the clippings to fall evenly back on to the lawn. This may be achievable by mowing regularly and when the grass is dry. Saves you time (no catcher) and money (less fertiliser to buy).

Topdressing of home lawns is realistically only required to improve the levels, if needed. If the levels are satisfactory then don’t waste your time and money. When levelling via topdressing do so when your turf is growing strongly.

In most instances lawns do not require coring. Use a “wetting agent” for good water penetration and regular use of a “slow release” fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. The more wear and tear the lawn receives, the greater active growth is needed for recovery. Coring is a final option if the above steps have not produced the desired results.

Be aware of grub damage during the summer months. If the lawn starts to turn brown, and the soil is not dry, and birds are pecking at the lawn then these signs indicate you have grubs chewing on the root sysem of your lawn. Apply a lawn grub insecticide such as ‘Confidor’ to control this.