Lawn care tips for spring Come September in New Zealand and spring is definitely in the air! I`ve noticed our lawn is in need of another mow and it has only been two weeks since the last cut. Although the ground is still wet underfoot, it won`t be long before our lawn will have to survive the summer months without water. By following these easy steps, you should be able to achieve a lovely lush, green lawn.

Fertilise

Fertilise your lawn regularly to keep the grass growing strongly. This will prevent unwanted weeds from becoming established. A well-fed lawn also wears better because the grass becomes denser. Because lawns are not required to flower or fruit, a fertiliser high in nitrogen is best. Use a specially blended fertiliser such as Butlers Lawn fertiliser. These dry fertilisers need to be applied to a moist lawn – after rain is ideal. Make sure the application is even and not in lumps. Water lawns well after application as the fertiliser can cause burning. An alternative to dry fertilisers is a slow release fertiliser, ask at your local Mitre 10 store for one. There is less chance of burning, but it is more expensive. There are also the liquid and soluble fertilisers available that are watered in, giving quick results. The type of fertiliser that you use on your lawn is really a matter of convenience.

Mowing Mowing should be done regularly to encourage new growth. In spring, lawns can be cut as often as every five days. The height of the cut is important. If it is too low, the grass will become weakened whereas if the grass is cut too high and not regularly, unwanted weeds and coarse grass will become dominant. It pays not to let the grass get too long between mowing. In periods of growth the average lawn should be cut to a height of 2.5cm and in slow growth periods 3cm. Clippings can be left to lie on the lawn and break down but this looks unsightly and can lead to fungal problems (especially in damp weather). To avoid this you can use a mulching mower which cuts the grass up finely. Still, the best place for lawn clippings is the compost heap or around established trees.

Watering

Watering is essential to maintain a green sward over the hot summer and autumn months. Grass is resilient and even if it turns brown and dries off completely, it is more than likely that the roots are dormant, waiting for water to revive them. A sprinkler system or a soaker hose is the most efficient way to water lawns. Over-watering is usually more of a problem than under-watering. Waterlogged soils allow moss and unwanted moisture-loving weeds such as buttercup to become established. Light soils require watering every few days and heavier clay soils once a week, depending upon the weather.

Weeds

Weeds will grow in even the most manicured lawns. However, a well-maintained lawn will have fewer weeds than a neglected one. Sometimes the best way to eradicate weeds is to cut them out with a sharp knife. But some, like docks, have a long tap root and so a selective lawn weed spray such as Turfix, is a more practical and permanent approach. Turfix works on broadleaf weeds and does not affect grass. Care must be taken when using it around desirable plants as it is a hormone spray. Follow the directions of the pack carefully.
 

Onehunga weed is a problem in summer as the seeds have sharp little prickles which are uncomfortable for bare feet. Prickle Weed Killer is the best product to control this nuisance weed, but must be applied in spring – September to November - when the plant is actively growing.
 

Most problems in lawns can be avoided by regular feeding and mowing. By doing this, undesirable weeds, moss and grasses are unable to become established. In turn, there is no need to apply weedkillers. Keep the layout of the lawn simple with easy curves rather than severe squares or rectangles. This also makes it easier for the person mowing and is more pleasing to the eye. Most of all, don't think of lawns as hard work, but consider them a rewarding form of exercise!

(Written for the September and October months.)