The summer of 2021 – 2022 brought more rainfall than many of us expected. Unfortunately, this has left many lawns sitting damp and stopped us from mowing for weeks at a time. This blog looks at what you need to adjust to your winter lawn care regime so it can thrive heading into spring and summer.
Soil leaching
When there are extended periods of rainfall your soil will absorb water. When the layer of soil absorbs as much water as it can, the water will travel further down into the subsoil and rock underneath. As this water travels down, it will take many nutrients like nitrogen with it to the subsoil. This process takes away nutrients that were once available for your lawn to use.
To help the soil replace lost nutrients, we recommend applying a soil conditioner like Lawn Solutions Lawn Kelper. Lawn Kelper contains a balanced formulation of trace elements, seaweed kelp, and fulvic acid, combined with a balanced NPK fertiliser. Lawn Kelper can be reapplied at monthly intervals.
If the lawn needs a nutrient boost over winter, we recommend applying a liquid fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Exceed. This will be absorbed through the leaf for quicker uptake of nutrients.
Aeration
With recent rainfall, we have seen many lawns struggling with excess moisture within the soil profile. If prolonged, it can be detrimental to turfgrass, causing fungal diseases and rotting.
To help this excess moisture drain away, give your lawn an aerate. We recommend using either a garden fork or a tyne aerator for aerating. To aerate your lawn, drive the fork into the lawn. Then wriggle it back and forth to help fracture the soil profile. Then, repeat this process across the affected area.
Increase light
If your area has particularly struggled to dry out, you may need to increase the amount of sun your lawn receives. Although you won’t be able to reduce the shade caused by structures like your house or fences, pruning back trees and shrubs will help.
Get on top of weeds
Increased rainfall will also increase weed pressures on your lawn. If you notice weeds popping up throughout your lawn, it is best to get on top of this as soon as possible to prevent the spread.
For removing common broad leaf weeds like Bindii, Clover, Oxalis, Cudweed, Thistles and more, we recommend using a broad leaf herbicide like Amgrow Bin Die or All Purpose Weed Control.
Another weed common for this time of year is Winter Grass. Winter Grass is best removed with two different products.
We recommend using a post-emergent herbicide like Winter Grass Killer (not safe for use on kikuyu, rye, or fescue) to remove what is currently there. We also recommend using a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert or Oxapro to help stop any winter grass seeds that have been dropped into the soil.
ColourGuard Plus
If your lawn lacks colour and you want to give it a quick green-up, we recommend using a lawn pigment product like ColourGuard Plus. One application of ColourGuard Plus can provide up to 3 months of fantastic colour. It is safe for all lawn types and can be used anytime throughout the year.
For more lawn care tips and advice, you can read our other lawn care blogs here.
