Spring Fling: A Sydney Sider's Guide to Lawn Care

SPRING FLING

A Sydney Sider’s Guide to Lawn Care

A white dog relaxes on a vibrant green lawn in a Northern Beaches backyard, with a trampoline and slippery slide in the background.

Spring has sprung, and you know what that means:

it’s time to show our lawns some love after a long, chilly winter. Picture this: a crisp sea breeze, the scent of eucalyptus in the air, and your own lush green carpet underfoot. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?

Well, it can be, with a little TLC for your turf!

Mowing Down Under:

I know you’re itching to fire up that lawnmower, but before you do, remember this: don’t scalp your lawn! Adjust your mower to a higher setting, around 5-7 centimetres, to give your grass a relaxed cut. Cutting it too short is like giving your lawn a bad haircut – nobody wants that.

Let’s Get Some Air:

Aerating your lawn is like giving it a breath of fresh air. Grab that lawn aerator and punch some holes in your soil. This helps your lawn breathe, reduces compaction, and lets nutrients sink deep like a Bondi lifeguard.

Fertilise Right:

Choose a balanced, slow-release fertiliser with a friendly N-P-K ratio (like 10-10-10 or 15-5-10). Follow the instructions on the bag, and don’t forget to give your lawn a drink afterward.

Water Wisely:

Water is life, even for lawns. Give your grass a deep, slow drink, like sipping on a long black at a beachside café. About 2.5 cm per week is the golden rule. And remember, water in the morning to avoid soggy, fungus-prone lawns – nobody likes a damp squib.

Pests, the Uninvited Guests:

Keep an eye out for pests like grubs and lawn caterpillars. They’re the party crashers of the lawn world. If you spot ’em, show ’em the door with some targeted pest control.

Weed ‘Em and Reap:

Weeds are like those pesky tourists who set up camp on your beach towel. Get rid of them early, and your lawn will thank you. Hand-pull or spot treat with herbicides made for your grass type, but be sure to read the label. No one wants a lawn with a “chemical tan.”

A clover weed climbs a drainpipe amidst neglected grass.

Patch It Up, Mate:

Is your lawn looking a bit patchy, like a surfboard covered in wax? Reseed those bare spots and consider a lawn repair mix. Think of it as a little “green makeover” for your turf.

Lawn Edging – The ‘Neat’ Freak in You:

Trim those edges! Nothing says “I’ve got my act together” like a well-edged lawn. It’s like the icing on the cake, or in our case, the foam on the latte.

Disease Prevention:

Good lawn care practices can help prevent diseases. But if your lawn’s feeling a bit under the weather, call in a professional. We’re talking about your lawn’s health, not your mate’s questionable advice on remedies.

Chill and Grill:

After all the hard yakka, take a breather and enjoy your beautiful lawn. Host a barbie, throw a frisbee, or just kick back with a cold one. Your lawn deserves it, and so do you!

So there you have it, a personal guide to spring lawn care.

Get out there and make your lawn the envy of the neighbourhood. And remember, a well-maintained lawn is like a good neighbour – it’s always there to greet you with a smile. Cheers, and happy lawn care!