March 2023

How to Plan a Lawn Care Schedule

Posted on March 30, 2023November 15, 2024 by Sarah

Maintaining a beautiful lawn doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right plan and a little effort, anyone can achieve a lush and healthy lawn that’s the envy of the neighbourhood. That’s why we’ve created an easy-to-follow lawn care schedule that simplifies the process and breaks it down into manageable steps. In this blog, we’ll outline the essential tasks for each season, including fertilising, watering, mowing, and more. So, let’s dive in!

Quick find:

Autumn Lawn Care
Winter Lawn Care
Spring Lawn Care
Summer Lawn Care

What lawn care activities should I do in Autumn?

Autumn is a beautiful season that brings cool weather and vibrant foliage. It’s also an important time for lawn care, as the temperatures are still warm enough for active growth and ideal conditions for grass to grow and recover from the stresses of summer.

Fertilising in Autumn will help provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to repair from the warm summer temperatures and will help the lawn stay healthier heading into the cooler winter weather. For fertilising, we recommend using our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser.

Autumn is also an ideal time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert. When using Oxafert, it is best to time your applications just before the temperatures decline in your area, just before seasonal weed seeds germinate. This will usually occur in mid to late Autumn for most regions.

If you are wanting to help extend the colour of your lawn throughout the cooler winter months, we also recommend using an iron-based product like Iron Guard Plus.

Regular mowing throughout Autumn will also be essential to help ensure your lawn stays healthy heading into the cooler months.

For more Autumn lawn care tips and advice, check out our Autumn Lawn Care blog here.

How do I look after my lawn in Winter?

Although your lawn will have slowed down in growth over Winter, you can still do some activities to ensure it stays the healthiest it can be during this time.

Over Winter, you shouldn’t need to water your lawn too much, if at all. In most areas, rainfall will cover your lawns watering needs.

If you notice any weeds coming through your lawn, treating them as they appear is best.

Throughout Winter, it is also recommended to increase your lawns mowing height up by a notch or two on your mower. This will help your lawn better absorb sunlight and nutrients while aiding the lawn’s ability to block out weeds better.

During the cooler months, warm-season grasses are expected to lose some colour. The degree of colour loss will vary according to the aspect of the lawn and your climate. However, if you want to help combat this colour loss, we recommend using a lawn pigment like ColourGuard Plus to help give the lawn a green-up.

For more information, check out our Winter Lawn Care blog here.

What lawn care activities can I do this Spring?

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, including your lawn. As the weather warms up and the lawn starts to actively grow again, it is time to think about spring lawn care.

If your soil has become compacted, now is an ideal time to aerate your lawn. You can either look at using a garden fork or a corer which will remove a plug from the soil, helping increase oxygen movement, improve water absorption and more.

Now is also an important time to apply a fertiliser to help give the lawn a boost to help speed up new growth and establish strong roots from summer. If you want to fertilise in early Spring before the temperatures warm up, using a liquid fertiliser like Exceed is best. However, if you want to wait a few more weeks for the warmer temperatures to kick in first to apply a fertiliser, you can use a slow-release granular fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. These fertilisers will slowly release nutrients to your lawn, providing a sustained boost over a longer period.

Spring is also an ideal time to use a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert to help prevent seasonal weeds like Summer Grass and Crabgrass from growing in your lawn. It is best to time your application just before the temperatures get warmer in your area. For most regions, this is around early to mid-spring.

Spring is also the perfect time to do a lawn renovation, especially if your lawn has an excessive thatch build-up, is suffering from soil compaction, or needs levelling. Completing a lawn renovation will also help bring out the best in your lawn. If you want to do a spring lawn renovation, check out our blog and video series for more information here.

How can I care for my lawn in Summer?

As summer’s warm and sunny days approach, it is important to keep up with your regular lawn maintenance as it continues to grow.

Regular mowing is always important. However, your mowing intervals will increase throughout summer to keep up with accelerated growth. As a rule of thumb, it is best to mow regularly enough so that only one-third of the leaf is removed with each pass.

If your lawn looks dry in-between rainfall, you may need to water your lawn. Some tell-tale signs that your lawn needs water can include:

Dry or wilting leaf
When walking on your lawn if a footprint is left behind, it is likely your lawn is lacking water
During hot weather, if it is dry and crusty

When watering, it is best to water for longer less frequently. It is also best to water in the morning before the heat of the day to prevent heat related evaporation. Avoid watering in the afternoon/night watering to help prevent the lawn from sitting damp overnight.

For more lawn care activities you can do this summer, check out our Summer Lawn Care blog here.

For more seasonal lawn care advice, check out our lawn care spinner here.

lawn solutions lawn fertiliser — Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser

oxafert pre emergent — Oxafert Pre-Emergent

colourguard plus 100ml — ColourGuard Plus 100ml Concentrate

exceed liquid fertiliser — Exceed Liquid Fertiliser Concentrate

exceed liquid fertiliser hose on — Exceed Liquid Fertiliser Hose-On

all purpose weed control — All Purpose Weed Control

The Smell of Freshly Cut Grass

Posted on March 28, 2023November 15, 2024 by Sarah

The smell of freshly cut grass is a distinct aroma that many people find pleasant and refreshing. It is often associated with warm weather, outdoor activities, and the onset of spring or summer. But what exactly causes this distinct scent?

What causes the freshly cut grass scent?

The smell of freshly cut grass is a complex combination of chemicals that are released when grass is cut or damaged. The main culprit responsible for the smell is a group of chemicals called Green Leaf Volatiles (GLV’s). GVL’s are a mixture of oxygenated hydrocarbons, including methanol, acetaldehyde, ethanol, and acetone. These chemicals are produced by plants as a response to stress, such as being cut or chewed by insects.

When grass is cut, the GLVs are released into the air and mix with other compounds, such as terpenes and alcohols. This creates the unique scent we know as “freshly cut grass”. The specific combination of chemicals that make up the scent can vary depending on the type of grass, the time of day, and other environmental factors.

What do GVL’s do for grass?

When these chemicals are released, they help stimulate new cells to the area for a faster repair. Other chemicals released act as an antibiotic to help limit fungal growth and bacterial infection.

Do all grasses produce the same scent?

Interestingly, not all species of grass produce the same smell when cut. For example, Couch grasses has a much stronger scent than Buffalo grasses. Fescue grasses can have a more pungent scent. Similarly, the time of day can also affect the strength of the scent, as more GLVs are produced in the morning when the grass is still wet with dew.

Why do grasses produce this scent?

The release of GLV’s is a defence mechanism for the grass. When the grass is cut, it is essentially injured. The release of these compounds is a way for the grass to signal to other plants in the area that it has been damaged.

Why do humans like the smell of freshly cut grass?

Beyond its biological function, the smell of freshly cut grass also has psychological benefits.

The reason why we find the smell of fresh cut grass so pleasing is not entirely clear. Some scientists believe that the smell is a natural response to the chemicals that are released when the grass is cut. These chemicals are similar to those found in other plants and fruits that we find pleasing, such as pine needles and citrus fruits. Others believe that the smell is associated with happy memories of childhood summers spent playing outside.

Many people find the scent calming and relaxing, and it has even been shown to have mood-boosting effects. In fact, the scent of freshly cut grass is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

The smell of freshly cut grass is a complex and unique aroma that is produced by the release of green leaf volatiles when grass is cut or damaged. The specific scent can vary depending on the type of grass and environmental factors. This provides both a biological function for the plant and psychological benefits for humans.

Robot Lawn Mowers

Posted on March 28, 2023November 15, 2024 by Sarah

Are you in the market for a new lawn mower? Or are you looking for an option that will provide your lawn with the best results with minimal effort? In this blog, we look at a range of robot lawn mowers that can look after your lawns mowing requirements.

What are the advantages of robot lawn mowers?

But first, let’s look at some of the benefits of using a robot lawn mower.

Time-saving – they can help you save a lot of time compared to a traditional equipment.
Convenience – with most brands and models you can program to mow at a specific time or on a selected day.
Cost-effective – While the initial cost can be higher than some traditional equipment, it can be cost-effective in the long run. They require less maintenance and energy, leading to lower operating costs over time.
Energy efficient – they are typically electric-powered, so they are more energy efficient than petrol-powered equipment.
Low maintenance – they require very little maintenance compared to other equipment.

Are there any disadvantages of using a robot lawn mower?

There can be a few disadvantages that should be considered when using a robot lawn mower.

Limited mowing area – some models are only designed to cover a small space. If you do have a larger area, you will need to look at using a model that can cover your area size. If your lawn has a steep incline, you will also need to account for this when looking at different machines.
Higher upfront costs – they will often have a higher upfront cost compared to a regular lawn mower.
Installation – installation will differ between the brand you use. Most types require the installation of a boundary line across the whole area. Setting up this boundary wire can be a bit of a labour-intensive task.
Potential for theft – they are relatively small and can be stolen easily from your property. Some will have added security measures, including alarms and GPS tracking; however, these features may not prevent theft entirely.

MoeBot S20

The MoeBot S20 is another robot mower currently available. The S20 model covers a large 2500m2 at a lower price point than other models and brands that cover a similar area size. Let’s look at some of the MoeBot S20 key features:

Will mow up to 1400m2 in 2 hours
Easy-to-use app for programming and scheduling. The app will also send you update notifications to your phone
Can set up to 5 separate working areas
25mm to 55mm adjustable cutting height
Includes instillation wire

Reviews have liked that it is at a lower price point of $1,275, compared to other models and brands that are a bit pricier. In addition, users did like that it was quiet when in use and efficient. Although some reviews did note that there were some initial issues when using the app.

Gardena Sileno Minimo 250 Robotic Lawnmower

The Gardena Soleno Minimo 250 Robotic Lawnmower is best suited for smaller lawns up to 250m2 , but has some great features for its price of $999. Some of the key features we like include:

Easy-to-use install process with the GARDENA Bluetooth app
Quiet to use
Lift sensor and PIN code protection
Delivers a clean cut
Lower price point

Reviews loved the easy set-up of this product, the ability to operate at night, and the cut it provided! Users did note that the upfront cost was a bit more than a regular mower but worth the investment. However, reviews did state that this model is not ideal for use when there are sticks or lots of leaves on the lawn.

Victa RM100 Robot Mower

The Victa RM1000 Robot Mower is another great option to consider when looking at robot mowers. Victa is an iconic and trusted Australian brand that has existed over the past 6 decades. Some of the key features of the Victa RM 100 include:

Easy to set up and run
Covers up to 600m2
60 Minutes run time
60 Minutes charge time
18cm Cutting width
20mm – 60mm adjustable cutting height

Reviews liked its programmable run time features, anti-theft alarm, and rain and bump sensors. However, one downfall of the Victa RM 100 is that it doesn’t connect to either a smartphone or have app connectivity. All programming for run times needs to be adjusted on the machine directly.

Husqvarna Automowers

Husqvarna has a great range of auto mowers at various price points. Their mowers can operate over both small and larger lawns, on both level and steep inclines, and have smart home integration, app connectivity, and more!

Husqvarna Automower 405 X

The Husqvarna Automower 405 X can mow lawns up to 600m2 and is suitable for slopes with an incline of up to 40%.

Some other key features of the 405 X Automower include:

50 Minutes typical mow time per charge
60 Minutes charge time
Height of cut 20mm – 50mm range
22cm Cutting width
Smart home integration, app-controlled and Bluetooth connectivity
Includes GPS theft tracking, alarm, lift and tilt sensor

Reviews on this product loved that the Automower could keep lawns manicured to a high standard and adjusted its mowing schedule to suit the weather conditions. Others also noted that it was well suited to difficult terrains and covered a good area size. The only downfall that consumers noted were its high price point of $2,679 RRP.

Husqvarna Automower 430 X

The Husqvarna Automower 430 X covers a larger area than the 405 X model, mowing up to 3200m2, and can mow on inclines of up to 45%. Some of the key features of the Husqvarna Automower 430 X include:

145 Minute typical mow time per charge
50 Minute charge time
Height of cut 20mm – 60mm range
24cm cutting width
Smart home integration, app-controlled and Bluetooth connectivity
Includes GPS theft tracking, alarm, lift and tilt sensors

Reviews loved that this is a reliable robot mower that covers a larger area, and cutting blades are cheap and easy to replace. Users also liked that once it was set up, it didn’t require much maintenance to keep running. However, these reviews noted that it requires some effort to install the boundary wire, but you will have to do this with most robot lawn mowers.

For more lawn care tips and advice, check out our lawn care page here.

Common Fungal Diseases in Lawns

Posted on March 2, 2023November 15, 2024 by Sarah

Does your lawn have a disease, but you’re not sure what it is or how to remove it? In this blog, we look at some common lawn diseases and recommend the best ways to remove them.

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Grey Leaf Spot
Dollar Spot
Brown Patch
Fungicides

Why Do I Have Lawn Disease?

Prevention is key in stopping turf diseases from appearing. So, in most cases, we recommend addressing the cause of the disease first before applying fungicides.

Prevention and techniques to eliminate disease can include aeration, thatch removal, fertilising and watering adjustments, and shade reduction.

If your lawn’s disease persists after around two weeks of removing the cause, you may need to consider using a fungicide for removal.

Do I have Dollar Spot?

As its name suggests, the appearance of this disease is usually identifiable as dollar sized spots of discoloured grass appearing within your lawn. Up close, the discoloured leaves will have straw-coloured lesions with red/brown edges to them. If left to spread, the spots will get larger and form bigger patches of affected grass.

Another identifying feature of Dollar Spot is the web like fine threads. These form through the leaves of your lawn on colder mornings. These webs will disappear as the day warms up, but these threads are called mycelium threads and are a product of the fungal pathogen known as Sclerotinia Homoeocarpa.

Dollar Spot can occur when there is additional moisture present on warmer days and cool nights. Excessive amounts of thatch build up, poor drainage and watering your lawn too often are common factors that can result in the spots appearing.

Usually, dollar spot will go away on its own when the cause of disease has been addressed, however if it doesn’t go away on its own you can look at using a fungicide for removal.

When removing Dollar Spot, we recommend using Tombstone Fungicide.

Do I have Grey Leaf Spot

Grey Leaf Spot first appears as small brown leaf and stem lesions. These spots will then grow rapidly into round oblong spots. When these lesions mature, they will have a tan to grey colour with brown to purple borders.

To remove Grey Leaf Spot, we recommend using a fungicide like Mancozeb.

Do I Have Brown Patch?

Brown Patch is a fungal disease found in warm, wet conditions which produces brown, circular patches ranging in size from very small up to a few metres in diameter. The patches are sometimes surrounded by a grey, smoky outer ring, or sometimes there is just an outer ring surrounded by green grass in the middle. This ring is caused by mycelium fungus. Leaf blades have thin brown edges and yellow spots and lesions.

To remove Brown Patch, we recommend using Tombstone Fungicide or Heritage Maxx.

Fungicide Products

Heritage Maxx

Heritage Maxx is a liquid broad-spectrum fungicide for the control and prevention of turf diseases including – Pythium, Anthracnose, Brown Patch and Spring Dead Spot. This fungicide provides consistent protection of new growth for up to 28 days after application. This makes it a great option as part of a preventative plan.

Begin applications before symptoms occur when conditions first favour disease and continue applications while conditions remain favourable for disease development.

Mancozeb

Mancozeb is a dry flowable preventative fungicide formulation for the control of certain fungal diseases including – Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Grey Leaf Spot.

Apply as a protective spray schedule at 7-day intervals throughout the susceptible season or climate.

Tombstone

Tombstone Fungicide is a broad-spectrum fungicide. It can be used on Lawns, Azaleas, Roses, other general ornamental garden plants.

Tombstone provides systemic and contact disease control, both on a preventative and curative basis, controlling Anthracnose, Brown Patch, Winter Fusarium, Leptosphaerulina, Curvularia and Dollar Spot in lawn situations.

Whenever you are using products like these fungicides, it is always important that you follow the safety directions provided on the product and wear the recommended protective clothing. So, make sure you take some time to read the instructions in full before opening the product for application.

For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our blogs here.