DR. TURF’S LAWN TIP OF THE WEEK

#1 Stop Wintergrass Invasion

Apply a Pre-emergent herbicide to Buffalo, Couch and Kikuyu lawns to stop Wintergrass invasion. https://www.ancoturf.com.au/product-category/lawn-care-products/#product

#2 Raise the mower height

You should raise the mower height slightly prior to the cooler weather. A longer leaf helps the lawn to winter better.

Aerate. Use a garden fork to aerate the lawn. This will help alleviate compaction and aid drainage. Your lawn will have a healthier root system.

Eradicate weeds now. By eradicating weeds prior to winter they will not be able to spread seeds and bloom later in the year causing further issues.

Apply a Complete such as Lawn Starter to Couch, Buffalo and Kikuyu lawns. Fertilise Tall Fescue with a High Nitrogen Lawn Food. https://www.ancoturf.com.au/product-category/fertilisers/

Check your soil PH level and apply Lime if required.

Service your mower. Clean or replace the spark plug and change the Engine oil on 4 Stroke mowers.

Fix or install irrigation components. With the cooler weather your lawn can tolerate not being watered so now is a good time to service or replace irrigation.

Reduce shade issues by pruning trees. Reduce overhang and tree canopy density if possible.

Set up a play area on the lawn for Bocce or Croquet. It’s fun and gets everyone outside even though the weather is cooler.

Add drainage to wet patches or areas. Grass hates wet feet.

Apply Colour Guard pigment to a warm season grass to aid with Winter Colour. https://www.ancoturf.com.au/product/colourguard-plus-rtu-2-litres/

Reduce irrigation frequency and length. Lawns do not require a lot of moisture through winter.

Apply a low rate of Iron Sulphate to keep colour in Warm season grasses such as Couch.

Aerate high traffic areas next to decks and path areas.

Hand weed newly germinated Wintergrass (Poa annua) seedlings to stop them from spreading.

Continue to mow on a high setting. This removes dead material as well as leaves and general debris.

Take the week off mowing and enjoy the break. Most lawns will have slow growth in winter and mowing frequency can be reduced.

Repair any winter damage from foot traffic. A bare patch is an open invitation to a weed seed to flourish in your lawn.

Reduce traffic on waterlogged areas. Place an object in the often-used pathway of pets to spread the wear. Move the object weekly to create a different path direction for pets.

Apply Oxafert to Buffalo and Kikuyu to stop the early Spring Wintergrass weed bloom.

Replace worn mower blades. Blunt mower blades shatter the leaf creating an entry point for disease. Your lawn will look better after a mow with new blades.

Read your Love Your Lawn Book to refresh or increase your turf knowledge. https://www.ancoturf.com.au/product/loving-lawn-book/

Check soil moisture content by digging a section or inserting a probe to a depth of 100mm. Irrigate if dry.

Apply a quick-release Nitrogen fertiliser to Tall Fescue and Cool-season grass types.

Aerate worn and thin patches.

Test the sprinkler system for leaks as well as blocked or faulty sprinkler heads. Don’t wait for the warm weather to do this.

Apply a slow-release fertiliser to all lawn types.

Take the day off and have a Grand final BBQ Party on the lawn.

Source quality sand for topdressing if you plan to do a light dressing in spring.

Apply Acelypryn to eradicate Black Beetle larvae known as Cockchafer grub. This destructive pest is the biggest lawn problem in lawns around the East Coast of Australia. https://www.ancoturf.com.au/product/acelypryn-gr-granule/