Winter Lawn Care Tips - Your seasonal turf guide

Winter is knocking at the door in South East Queensland. And if you think the crisp mornings are a sign that you can kick your feet up and relax all winter long...not so fast.

Yes, it's true; lawn growth will slow down as we enter the "not growing" season, but that doesn't mean you can neglect your patch of green. If you're new here, we don't want lawns that survive but a green oasis that thrives. So, by implementing some basic seasonal lawn care practices, we can ensure your yard is ready to burst back into full-throttle growth come spring and be the envy of the block for the calendar year. 

Now, let's brush up on our winter lawn care knowledge and ensure you've got all the essential lawn care products stocked up in your shed.

6 Simple Steps to a Better-Looking Winter Lawn 

1) Dial back on the water 

While your watering might have already come to a halt with the endless downpours we've seen this year in South East Queensland, winter means you need to bring out the hose even less. Let this be your reminder to switch off your timers and simply water as required.  If you spy the curling leaves, quench the turf's thirst; otherwise, it's best to leave it be.  We're looking to avoid putting excessive moisture into the soil and avoid compaction.

2) New season, new heights  

Now that your lawnmower is only needed here and there, winter is the perfect time to perform some maintenance, like sharpening the blades for spring. Sharpening ensures a cleaner cut, reducing stress on the grass and minimising the risk of disease. It's best to leave extra length on the leaf in winter, especially in shaded areas. You can also help your lawn adjust to the change in temperature by increasing your mowing height. By increasing the height, your grass will absorb sunlight and nutrients more effectively. Although grass growth will slow, it's best to ensure you continue mowing and follow the 1/3 rule: remove at most a third of your leaf when mowing.

3) Prevention is better than the Cudweed 

Winter can lead to the rise of the weeds, so get on top of them before the cooler temperatures set in. The type of products you use for removal will depend on the weed, so determine the weed first, then find the right product. If these weeds seed, they will return with a vengeance. We also recommend creating a barrier at the soil level to prevent any seedlings from germinating over the season with a pre-emergent like Oxafert. Remember, pre-emergent needs to be applied before weed seeds germinate to be most effective.

4. Combat the compaction 

Compaction can rear its ugly head over winter, particularly in high-wear areas and with wet weather. You can try to avoid traffic on your lawn when feasible, or help loosen the soil by regularly aerating your grass.  The same applies after heavy rains, particularly if water tends to pool or the soil becomes slightly waterlogged. This will help the air get to the root zone, allowing your lawn to breathe a sigh of relief.

5. All colour is not lost  

Now, your quarterly fertiliser application will give your lawn that final nutrient boost before the temperatures drop. But, remember, if your lawn is a warm-season grass, you should expect some loss of colour in winter.  It's not you; it's the season. You can combat this by using ColourGuard, and with the reassurance that spring will be here soon enough.

Your winter lawn care essentials

Your winter lawn care products should help you maintain a vibrant, resilient lawn all season long, aid you in getting those pesky weeds under control, maximise your lawn's colour retention and growth, restore pigment, and optimise your soil health for a thriving spring.

With all that information, you might be thinking. "GoTurf, what products do I need to implement all the superb advice you laid out above?" There may be more than one way to peel an orange, but if you're seeking our top-tier recommendations for winter lawn care products, here they are...

Lawn Solutions OxaFert (3kg)

Take control of your lawn's health with this powerful preventative herbicide and fertiliser. It effectively targets and eliminates common annual grasses and broadleaf weeds, including Summergrass, Crowsfoot, Wintergrass, and Creeping Oxalis, while nourishing your turf. 

Iron Guard Plus (2.5L Concentrate)

This turfgrass-enhancing bio-stimulant enhances your lawn's natural defences and boosts its visual appeal. Formulated with iron and amino acids, it promotes vibrant colour retention, strengthens turf structure, and encourages lateral growth, ensuring a seamless transition into winter dormancy.

ColourGuard PLUS (2L Hose On)

A liquid fertiliser and a natural grass pigment that instantly restores your lawn's colour, lasting up to 3 months.  

Katek Super Feed

This unique blend improves and balances the soil. Super Feed provides a quick response and stimulates soil microbial activity, which helps break down organic matter and increase nutrient availability within the soil, improving your lawn's winter health. 

No lawn to care for? 

While summer lawns may grow quicker, winter lawns aren't without their fair share of perks, too. So, if you've not got the lawn of your dreams yet and are under the misconception that you can't install your new lawn this season, let us enlighten you. Laying your grass in winter means: 

• Less stress on the turf

• Low to no mowing of your lawn

• Less water usage

• And a fully established lawn in time for summer 

To kick back and relax come spring, get your turf on its way today. 

GET YOUR GRASS

With the right products and maintenance, your warm-season turf will continue to thrive year-round. If you have any winter worries to lay to rest, just get in touch  with our team today. 

Get your grass