Season Guide

Spring

Fertilise during early September with products such as Sir Walter Buffalo fertilizer or you may wish to use one of the many organic based fertilzer's if water is an issue at the time, as these require less 'watering in'.  If you have opted for an organic fertiliser you may find it necessary to fertilise again in mid October.

Now is also the time to be aware of the increasing need to water your lawn as the days lengthen and as late winter and spring can be very windy, a big factor in drying out your lawn.  Without rainfall, you will need to water every 10 to 14 days.  A rain gauge is highly recommended.  A fall of as little as 5mm will make a difference between watering intervals.

Your lawn may require de-thatching after winter and usually after a few years of growth.  This is the only time to scalp the lawn if the growth is quite thick. Simply lower your mower height two notches below your normal summer mowing level to begin with and lower still if you think it appropriate.

Summer

Lower your mower height from 50mm to 40mm if you wish during this time.  Avoid mowing wet grass, particularly in humid weather (usually February/March), as it may introduce fungus growth.  A catcher is recommended for the same reason, though is a good and practical idea at this time anyway.  Discontinue mowing at 40mm if you feel there is a risk of scalping - lawn mown too low becomes poor very quickly.  During this period you may fertilise as frequently as every 8 weeks if using organic fertiliser or fertilise lightly, BUT it is ESSENTIAL to fertilise in early December.  Though organic fertilizers don't require as much attention, watering IMMEDIATELY AFTER fertilizing is ESSENTIAL.  Try to pick a day and time that is not too hot when you fertilise and naturally if rain is forecast or a storm is imminent, this will work to your advantage.  Of course your lawn needs the most watering in summer.

Deep watering (i.e. a good soak) less frequently promotes a deep root system which in turn enables your lawn to withstand drought more effectively.  A healthy Sir Walter lawn almost 'tells you' when it needs water, but generally in high summer, if there is no rain, once a week is sufficient.  Water as early in the morning as you can, but if you are not an early riser, after 6.00pm is okay in dry conditions. 

Always water your lawn in instances of extreme conditions. In order to calculate how long to water, test for soil moisture using a 100mm screwdriver - this is the desired depth of moisture.  Place an empty container under the spray  of your sprinkler until it has 20mm of water.  Wait 30 minutes to do the 'screwdriver test'. Water the area again if necessary, testing again - in this way you will calculate how long you need to water your lawn to acquire sufficient moisture penetration.

Autumn

Now is the time to prepare your lawn for winter.  Begin by lifting your mower higher in mid March and by late April you should be mowing at 50mm.  Fertilise in early April using an Sir Walter Fertiliser and follow up 2 weeks later with a general organic fertiliser. 

During March beware of army grub.  The first signs will be small moths on your lawn at dusk.  If you suspect them, pour some warm soapy water on your lawn and they will come to the surface.  Sir Walter Buffalo Lawn Pest Control will eliminate them.  Call us to order.

Frequently autumn can be a humid time in Sydney, so take care to continue to mow regularly and using a catcher until at least March.  Since March can similarly be quite hot, you could find it necessary to continue watering once a week for most of the month.  By early May you should need to water infrequently.

Winter

Essentially there is little to be done during June, July and August, if you have provided your lawn with the right care during autumn.  Watering need only be done if there is a prolonged time of no rain.  (If your lawn is less than 12 months old you will need to water once a week).  Keep leaves off your lawn as much as possible and if you see a weed pull it out before it can seed and spread.  Often by August you may notice damaged spots if you have a pet.  This is because during winter, without the need to water frequently, pet urine remains undiluted and 'burns' your lawn.  So if you have a pet, make sure you water lightly at least once a week even though your lawn is well established.

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