Lawn Care Tips for Spring and Summer
As we move from spring into summer, you’ll be ready to spend more time outdoors. This makes it the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the hotter months ahead. With warmer weather and longer days, your grass will grow quickly, and a little care now will help it stay green and healthy through summer.
Rake and Clean Up
If your lawn looks a little brown or thin after the cooler months, don’t worry! Most Australian grasses thrive in the warmer season. Start by giving your lawn a good rake. Remove fallen leaves, twigs, and any debris that has built up over winter. This helps air and sunlight reach the soil, encouraging fresh growth. Raking also helps lift thatch or dead grass so new shoots can come through.
Weed Early
Early summer is one of the best times to get on top of weeds before they spread. Hand-pull small patches or use a selective lawn weed spray suitable for your grass type. Some common Australian weeds include bindii, clover, and dandelions. If you’re unsure which product to use, check with your local garden centre for advice specific to your region and lawn variety.
Feed and Water
As the weather warms up, feed your lawn with a slow-release fertiliser made for our climate conditions. This gives it the nutrients needed for healthy growth. Switch to a summer-safe fertiliser as temperatures rise to prevent burning the lawn. Water deeply but less often to encourage strong roots. Check your local council’s water restrictions before watering, as these can vary between regions. If your soil feels dry or water runs off quickly, apply a soil wetting agent. This helps water soak through evenly and prevents dry patches.
Mow Smart
As your lawn grows more quickly in the warmer weather, keep it healthy with consistent, gentle mowing. Don’t cut it too short, as removing more than one-third of the leaf can stress the grass. Regular mowing keeps your lawn tidy and helps it thicken up.
Lawn height also depends on your grass type:
- Buffalo and Kikuyu prefer a medium height of around 30-50mm
- Couch and Zoysia do best slightly shorter, around 20-35mm
If your mower blades are blunt, sharpen or replace them for a clean cut that won’t damage the grass.
Water Wisely
During spring and summer, the weather can vary across Australia. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and avoid watering in the middle of the day. In hotter months, increase watering frequency slightly while still encouraging deep root growth. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature.
Keep an Eye on Pests
Lawn grubs and beetles often appear in spring and continue into summer. Watch for patches of brown or thinning grass. If you suspect pests, check a small section of turf. If you spot small white curl grubs, treat the area with a suitable insect control product recommended for Australian lawns.
A little extra care now will help your lawn stay green and resilient right through summer.
Need a Hand in the Garden?
Simply Helping supports people from all walks of life with lawn mowing and gardening. You can access our gardening services through Support at Home or NDIS funding, or choose to pay privately as a simple lifestyle option. Many people book private gardening help to save time, reduce physical strain, and enjoy a tidy outdoor space without the effort. Our team can assist with lawn mowing, trimming, and general garden care so you can make the most of your home and your time.
