Sarah, Author at Lawn Solutions Australia

Lawn Care Equipment Maintenance Tips

As lawn growth slows with the arrival of cooler weather, mowing and regular maintenance become less frequent than during summer. This quieter period is the perfect time to inspect your equipment and carry out any necessary maintenance, so you’re ready to hit the ground running when spring arrives.

Skip to: What Are Best Practice Activities When Looking After Battery Equipment? What Are the Best Practices for Maintaining Petrol-Powered Lawn Care Equipment? How Do I Service a Whipper Snipper? How Do I Service a Mower? Do I Need to Service My Leaf Blower? How Do I Clean My Knapsack Sprayer?

What Are Best Practice Activities When Looking After Battery Equipment?

When using battery powered equipment, there are a few things that you can do to ensure your batteries stay in good health. Some of our top maintenance tips include:

  • Ensure batteries stay clean, free from dust and corrosion.
  • Use batteries regularly, especially lithium-ion powered batteries that are designed for frequent use.
  • Once batteries are charged, unplug from power source.
  • Ensure you remove the battery from the device following every use.

lawn mower battery

What Are the Best Practices for Maintaining Petrol-Powered Lawn Care Equipment?

When maintaining petrol-powered leaf blowers, whipper snippers, and mowers, regularly servicing the engine is essential. Not only will this help your equipment perform at its best, but it will also help extend its lifespan.

  • Disconnect spark plug. Inspect spark plug for stubborn deposits, cracks or electrodes that have been burnt away.
  • Check air filter. Remove filter from housing and check for dirt, debris or any blockages. If it needs a clean, wash with soap and hot water, then allow filter to fully air dry before putting back into housing. If air filter is damaged, you may need to replace the filter.
  • For 4 stroke equipment, check oil level.

lawn mower

How Do I Service a Whipper Snipper?

Whether you have a battery or petrol whipper snipper, follow the above tips for your specific type. Following this, we recommend:

  • Disconnect spark plug or battery.
  • Wipe or brush away any dried grass, dirt or other debris from the trimmer head and vents. For more stubborn debris, you may need to use a stiff brush.
  • Lubricate any moving parts.

whipper snipper troubleshoot

How Do I Service a Mower?

Following maintaining your mowers motor or battery, there are a few extra steps that you can take to ensure your lawn mower will perform its best.

  • Disconnect spark plug or battery first.
  • Inspect your mowers blades. When inspecting blades, keep an eye out for any cracks, bends, holes.
  • Inspect and see if blades are sharp.
  • Lubricate any moving parts.

checking mower blades 

If you are short on time or are not confident, the best and easiest option will be to drop off your mower to your local mower shop, and they will be able to give the whole mower a once over to ensure everything is operating as it should.

Please check out our blog on How to Give Your Mower a Service for further tips.

Do I Need to Service My Leaf Blower?

Once you’ve maintained your leaf blower’s motor or battery, there are a few additional steps you can take to keep it running at peak performance.

  • Ensure leaf blower is free from leaves, dirt and dust.
  • Clean air vents and housing.

How Do I Clean My Knapsack Sprayer?

After using a knapsack or pressure sprayer, it is important to flush out and clean the system. This will help ensure there is no residue of chemicals that can lead to the deterioration of seals, stop leaks and poor pressure. When cleaning out a knapsack or sprayer, it is best to follow this three step process:

Step 1: Wash out tank with water, shake tank, then dump the remainder of the water.

Step 2: Fill tank with water and dishwashing liquid. Shake tank and spray the solution through the system to clean.

Step 3: Fill tank with water, shake tank, spray clean water throughout the system.

spraying lawn

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

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Do I Need to Mow in Winter?

Over winter, cool mornings and a drop in temperatures will cause your lawn to grow slower. But why does your lawns growth slow, and does it mean that we can stop mowing our lawns completely over winter? In this blog, we take a look…

Skip to: Why Does My Lawn Grow Slower Over Winter? Do I Still Need to Mow Regularly Over Winter? Should I Change My Mowing Height Over Winter? Winter Mower Maintenance Checklist

Why Does My Lawn Grow Slower Over Winter?

Warm season grasses like Buffalo, Couch, Kikuyu and Zoysia will start to slow in growth as average soil temperatures drop below 14 degrees Celsius and will enter a certain level of dormancy. This process occurs as a protection method against harsh winter conditions.

While this occurs, it is common for your lawn to grow at a much slower rate and experience some colour loss as the grass conserves its energy.

Cooler states like Victoria and South Australia, which experience harsher winters, are more likely to see lawns enter winter dormancy. In warmer regions such as Northern NSW and Queensland, lawns typically won’t experience dormancy to the same extent.

mowing height

Do I Still Need to Mow Regularly Over Winter?

The answer depends entirely on how much growth you’re seeing. We still recommend following the one-third rule: never removing more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mow.

As growth has slowed, you won’t need to mow nearly as often as you do in summer. However, if there is still active growth, you should still get the mower out every few weeks to keep the lawn tidy and healthy.

mowing

Should I Change My Mowing Height Over Winter?

During the cooler months, it is best to raise your mowing height by a notch or two. A slightly longer leaf allows the grass to better absorb the limited available sunlight and helps the plant retain nutrients throughout the season.

mowing lawn

Winter Mower Maintenance Checklist

While your lawn has slowed in growth, now is a great time to ensure your mower is up to speed. A good guide of things to check includes your mowers oil, air filter, spark plug, clean mowing deck, check mower blades and lubricate. We have some further tips on how to do each of these steps here.

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

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3 Ways to Ensure Your Grass Looks Great in Winter

As we enter winter many people are resigned to their lawn looking dull and dreary until spring arrives. However, just because your lawn has entered dormancy that doesn’t mean it can’t still be the envy of your neighbours. With these three simple tricks you can keep your lawn looking awesome all winter long.

Skip to: How Can I Keep My Grass Weed-Free? What Is The Best Way to Keep My Lawn Green In Winter? Can I Give My Lawn Nutrients In Winter?

1.   How Can I Keep My Lawn Weed-Free?

With this cooler weather, seasonal weeds like winter grass, flick weed, and clover can begin to overrun your lawn. The best way to treat these weeds is to use a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.

Pre-emergents like OxaFert will allow you to protect your lawn, preventing seasonal weeds from germinating. While these products are best applied in autumn, before these seasonal weeds begin popping up, applying again in winter will ensure you are protected until spring arrives.

oxafert preemergent
Oxafert Pre Emergent 3kg

If you forgot to apply a pre-emergent, don’t worry. Post-emergent herbicides like All Purpose Weed Control, and Amgrow Winter Grass Killer can be used to treat these weeds as they appear in your lawn.

all purpose weed control
All Purpose Weed Control
winter grass killer herbicide
Amgrow Winter Grass Killer

2.   What’s the Best Way to Keep My Lawn Green in Winter?

During winter, it is common for your lawn to enter dormancy and begin to lose some colour. Even the most well-maintained lawn isn’t exempt from this issue. Luckily, with ColourGuard Plus, you can instantly give your lawn that ideal green colour. ColourGuard is a natural pigment that will help the grass hold colour for up to three months after application, keeping your lawn green all year round.

ColourGuard Plus

3.   Can I Give My Lawn Nutrients in Winter?

As growth begins to slow through winter, you will find granular fertilisers become less effective. Without the grass actively growing it cannot take in nutrients through the soil instead, you can help give your lawn a boost by applying a liquid fertiliser. Exceed Liquid Fertiliser is a great choice because the nutrients are absorbed directly through the leaf, rather than the root system. This can provide the lawn with a boost, keeping it healthy and ready to begin active growth once spring hits.

Exceed 2L Hose On
Exceed 2L Hose On

For more advice on how to keep your lawn healthy, check out our other blogs here.

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What is Flickweed?

Have you noticed a weed in your lawn that has been flicking its seeds at you when you walk past it? If so, then you are likely dealing with flickweed. This weed can be difficult to treat as its seed flicking can quickly take over your lawn, with the best treatment requiring a combination of pre- and post-emergent herbicides.

Scientific name: Cardamine hirsuta

Skip to: What is Flickweed? How Do I Remove Flickweed?

What is Flickweed?

Flickweed also known as Hairy Bittercress, is a common annual winter weed that can be found across Australia, thriving in damp, shady areas. It has small, rounded leaflets that grow close to the ground and large upright stems. These stems are topped with small, white flowers, and narrow seed pods, known as siliques.

hairy bittercress flickweed

These seed pods are what give the weed its name. When touched, they burst open, launching seeds up to three meters away! This seed spreading method is what can cause the weed to so quickly take over your lawn.

How Do I Remove Flickweed?

When dealing with flickweed, it is important that you act fast. This weed goes from germination to seed in only a few weeks, so the faster you can remove it the less seed can be spread.

If you only have a few weeds appearing, they can be removed by hand. Using a garden trowel, dig under the roots and lift the entire plant out. However, if the weed has become more invasive, using a herbicide will be an effective method of treatment. As flickweed is a broadleaf weed, it can be selectively treated while not causing damage to your grass. Using a product like All Purpose Weed Control will allow you to easily treat the weed while not harming your lawn.

All purpose weed control

To protect your lawn from flickweed you can also use a pre-emergent herbicide like OxaFert and Barricade. As this weed can spread seeds so prolifically, stopping them from germinating is an extremely effective method of weed control. Applying OxaFert early in autumn and again in winter can keep your lawn protected, ensuring you won’t have to deal with the hassle of removing the weed once germinated.

oxafert pre emergent

To find All Purpose Weed Control, OxaFert, and many more lawn care products, check out the Lawn Store here.

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How To Remove Lambs Tongue from Your Lawn

Scientific name: Plantago lanceolata

Lambs Tongue, also known as Plantain, is a common broadleaf weed that can quickly pop up in lawns, garden beds, and even along roadsides. If you’ve spotted it creeping into your lawn, here’s how to effectively get it under control.

Skip to: Where Does Lambs Tongue Grow? Key Identifying Features of Lambs Tongue, How Does Lambs Tongue Spread? How Can I Remove Lambs Tongue in My Lawn? How Can I Help Prevent Lambs Tongue from Growing in My Lawn?

Where Does Lambs Tongue Grow?

This weed is found across Australia, but most commonly grows in coastal areas. These weed seeds will germinate and spread in Autumn and Winter but can persist year-round due to their hardy perennial nature.

Key Identifying Features of Lambs Tongue:

  • Spear-shaped, long, slender leaves.
  • Forms in rosettes.
  • Strong taproot.
  • Slender flowering stems.
  • Cylinder-shaped seed heads.
  • Mature plants’ stem can grow as tall as 60cm with a small green flower at the ends.

lambs tongue

How Does Lambs Tongue Spread?

This weed typically goes to seed from October through to March. This weed is a prolific seeder, with each flower capable of spreading a large number of seeds. Seeds are mostly spread by wind, water runoff, and underfoot.

lambs tongue

How Can I Remove Lambs Tongue in My Lawn?

If there is only a small number of these weeds growing in your lawn, you can simply remove them by hand. As this weed does have a taproot, it is best to pull from the centre of the plant, where the taproot will be. If the weed has grown a bit larger, you may need to use a narrow trowel or a long knife to help loosen up the soil around the plant’s taproot.

If there are too many growing to pull out by hand, a dedicated broadleaf herbicide may be required. A great hose-on option is All Purpose Weed Control. To apply, clip onto your hose, turn your tap on and then spray. However, if concentrate products applied through a knapsack or pressure sprayer are preferred, Estate Herbicide is another ideal option.

All purpose weed control

How Can I Help Prevent Lambs Tongue from Growing in My Lawn?

This weed will commonly grow in areas with compacted soil or where grass growth is weak. In most cases, if you can keep your grass thick and healthy, it should deter this weed.

Some ways to help deter this weed from your lawn include:

  • Aerate your area to help alleviate any soil compaction.
  • Ensure you are mowing your lawn regularly to help encourage new and consistent growth.
  • Stay on top of your lawns fertiliser applications to help your lawn stay thick and healthy.

mowing lawn

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

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How a Liquid Fertiliser Can Help Your Lawn Quickly

Is your lawn looking tired after summer and in need of a boost before cooler weather sets in? This is where a liquid fertiliser can help. Absorbed directly through the leaf, liquid fertilisers, like Exceed deliver nutrients fast, much quicker than granular options.

Skip to: What’s The Difference Between Liquid and Granular Fertilisers? Why Should I Use a Liquid Fertiliser Now? Which Liquid Fertiliser Should I Use?

What’s The Difference Between Liquid and Granular Fertilisers?

Both granular and liquid fertilisers are great for overall lawn health, but each suits different situations.

Liquid fertilisers, like Exceed, are taken up through the leaf for quick nutrient uptake. This makes them an ideal option for addressing nutrient deficiencies or when quick boosts in nutrients are needed.

Exceed Liquid Fertiliser

Granular fertilisers on the other hand still have their place and are best used for giving the lawn a sustained boost over a longer period of time. Due to their ability to slowly release nutrients to the soil. They are best used throughout the growing season, when the grass is actively growing and can absorb the provided nutrients more effectively.

Why Should I Use a Liquid Fertiliser Now?

As temperatures begin to cool over the coming weeks, our lawns will naturally start to slow in growth. If your lawn needs a quick nutrient boost before winter, liquid fertilisers are an ideal choice. With rapid absorption through the leaf, they deliver nutrients almost immediately. This helps maintain colour, strength and overall health during the seasonal transition.

spraying herbicide

Which Liquid Fertiliser Should I Use?

When it comes to choosing a liquid fertiliser, our top choice is Exceed Liquid Fertiliser. Exceed is available in both a 2.5L Concentrate and a 2L Hose-On.

Exceed 2.5L Concentrate
Exceed 2.5L Concentrate
Exceed 2L Hose On
Exceed 2L Hose On

This fertiliser has a carefully balanced ratio of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus as well as other trace elements including Iron and Manganese. This balance of nutrients has been specifically designed to:

  • Optimise leaf uptake and green up
  • Increase plant strength and lateral growth
  • Harden leaf cell wall and foster harder wearing turf
  • Enhance a darker green colour

Exceed is also safe for use on all common lawn types including Buffalo, Couch (Bermuda), Kikuyu, Zoysia, Rye and Fescue lawns.

Exceed 2.5L Concentrate is best applied through a knapsack or pressure sprayer and will need to be diluted with water before application. To apply Exceed Hose-On, all you need to do is clip on to your hose, turn on your tap and spray.

For more lawn care tips and advice, check out our other lawn care blogs.

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What Are Mealybugs, and Do I Need to Be Concerned?

Mealybugs are small pests that can cause chaos in your lawn. Despite their soft appearance, these little insects feed on your lawn, damaging it and leaving behind a white powdery residue at the base of the leaf. If left untreated, their populations can build quickly, especially in warm conditions, making early identification and control important for maintaining a healthy lawn.

Skip to: What do Mealybugs look like? How can I get rid of mealybugs?

What Do Mealybugs Look Like?

  • Very small at only 1–4mm long.
  • Covered in a white coating, giving them a cotton-like appearance.
  • Red colour underneath the white substance.
  • Often found at the crown of the leaf.

Spider mite

Even without seeing the mealybugs, you can often still find other identifiers of the insect in your lawn. The damage they cause will look very similar to dry patch in your lawn, with yellowing occurring in some areas. However, the key difference will be that the base of the grass will have a white powdery residue covering it. In some instances, you may even notice ants in the area as they are attracted to the sweet honeydew that the insects secrete. This residue may even cause black sooty mould to begin growing in the lawn if the mealybugs are left untreated.

How Can I Get Rid of Mealybugs?

While not as aggressive as some other common lawn grubs like Army Worm and African Black Beetle, Mealybug can still cause significant damage to your lawn if not treated. Luckily, this insect can be removed from your lawn using a knockdown insecticide like Battle. To completely remove them from your lawn it may require repeated applications of the product. We recommend reapplying the product after 5-7 days, 2-3 times to fully remove them. It’s also important to follow label directions carefully and ensure even coverage across affected areas. Treating early in the infestation will always give the best results.

battle insecticide bifenthrin
Battle Insecticide

For all your lawn care needs, including Battle Insecticide, check out the Lawn Store here.

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Pre-Emergent or Post-Emergent Herbicide?

Pre- and post-emergent herbicides are essential tools for maintaining a healthy, weed-free lawn. Understanding how and when to use each type can make a significant difference in preventing and controlling unwanted weeds throughout the year.

Skip to: What are pre-emergent herbicides? What are post-emergent herbicides? How do I apply my herbicide?

What Are Pre-Emergent Herbicides?

These are herbicides designed to stop weeds before they even appear. They work by creating a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating and establishing. They are best applied at specific times of the year. Typically around early to mid Autumn and Spring, just before weed seeds begin to sprout. Pre-emergents are particularly effective against annual grassy weeds such as Crabgrass, Summer Grass, and Winter Grass.

Oxafert, which combines a herbicide with a fertiliser, is a great option as it allows you to feed your lawn while also preventing weed growth. An alternative option is Barricade, which is a liquid that is sprayed on to the lawn. For best results, pre-emergents should be applied before these weeds are seen in the lawn, as they will not remove anything that has already germinated.

oxafert pre emergent

What Are Post-Emergent Herbicides?

These herbicides are used to treat weeds that have already appeared. These products target actively growing weeds and are absorbed through the leaves, working down to the root to eliminate the plant. Post-emergents are ideal for tackling broadleaf weeds such as bindii, clover, and dandelion, as well as other more specific kinds of weeds like Nut Grass and Mullumbimby Couch.

All Purpose Weed Control is a popular option, specifically formulated to control a wide variety of broadleaf weeds and is safe for use on couch, bent, kikuyu, paspalum, buffalo, zoysia, fescue and rye lawns.

all purpose weed control

How Do I Apply My Herbicide?

Both types of herbicides can be applied in liquid or granular form. Although granular options are far less common for post-emergent herbicides, as a result, application methods differ slightly between the two. However, for pre and post emergent herbicides, you should always follow the application rates on the bottle. You should also check that it is safe for use on your turf type. For more herbicide application tips you can check out our blog here.

For pre-emergent application, Oxafert is a granular option best applied with a spreader and requires watering in after application. This allows the product to reach the soil where it prevents weeds from germinating. Barricade is a liquid option that is best applied with a sprayer and requires watering in after application.

oxafert preemergent
Oxafert Pre Emergent Herbicide

For post-emergent application, All Purpose Weed Control is sprayed directly on to the lawn with the hose on bottle it comes in. Estate Broadleaf Herbicide is another option that comes as a concentrate. For application, it should be mixed in a knapsack and applied to the lawn with a sprayer.

all purpose weed control
All Purpose Weed Control

You can find all the herbicides from this article online now on the Lawn Store.

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How To Help Your Lawn Stay Healthy in Extreme Weather

Has recent extreme weather left your lawn looking worse for wear? Wondering how to help it bounce back before the cooler months arrive? In this blog, we take a look at how extreme conditions can impact your lawn and share some practical tips to help it recover.

Skip to: How to Help Your Lawn in Hot and Humid Weather? How To Help Your Lawn in Hot and Dry Weather? How To Help Your Lawn in Wet Weather?

How To Help Your Lawn in Hot and Humid Weather?

Hot and humid weather can create some challenging conditions for your lawn, including increased disease pressure, heat stress, reduced evaporation, and rapid growth. However, there are a few simple management practices you can follow to help your lawn cope during these conditions.

How Should I Water My Lawn?

Water your lawn in the morning before the heat of the day. Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening, as this can leave the lawn sitting damp overnight and create ideal conditions for disease to develop.

water lawn

How Often Should I Mow My Lawn?

Although it is best to avoid mowing when the lawn is wet, it is still important to mow regularly when possible. If there is a break in the weather and the grass has had a chance to dry out, even later in the day when there has been no rainfall, take the opportunity to give the lawn a mow and keep on top of its growth.

How Can I Stop Soil Compaction?

When soil remains damp and foot traffic continues, compaction can occur much more quickly. If your lawn is struggling or certain areas are experiencing drainage issues, aerating the soil can help relieve compaction and improve soil structure. This can also assist the lawn in drying out more efficiently.

aerating

How To Help Your Lawn in Hot and Dry Weather?

When the weather turns hot and dry, lawns can quickly become stressed. Common issues that may occur under these conditions include heat stress, dry patches, and hydrophobic soils. Here are some tips to help your lawn cope during periods of hot and dry weather.

Should I Apply A Wetting Agent To My Lawn?

Wetting agents like Lawn Soaker help the soil absorb water more effectively. This will help moisture to move down into the soil profile where the grass roots need it most. This helps your lawn make better use of available water and reduces the risk of heat stress.

Lawn Soaker Hose-On
Lawn Soaker Hose-On

If water is still struggling to soak into the soil, aerating the lawn can help improve penetration and further assist with water absorption.

When should I water my lawn?

Using the right watering practices is key to helping your lawn manage hot conditions. Rather than watering lightly and frequently, it’s better to water for a longer period but less often. This encourages deeper root growth and helps the lawn access moisture further down in the soil.

Always aim to water in the morning before the heat of the day, using a sprinkler that provides even coverage across the lawn. We have some further tips on correct watering practices here.

How To Help Your Lawn in Wet Weather?

During periods of wet weather, lawns can remain damp for extended periods, which may lead to a range of issues. Some common problems associated with prolonged wet conditions include waterlogged soil, drainage issues, and increased disease pressure.

waterlogged lawn

How Can I Improve the Drainage on My Lawn?

If drainage has been an issue during wet weather in the past, improving your lawn’s drainage can help the grass dry out more quickly and reduce the risk of damage.

For minor drainage problems, there are some steps you may be able to take yourself to help improve water movement through the soil. We have some further tips on how to do this here. However, in more severe cases, it is best to consult with a drainage professional to determine the most suitable solution for your area.

Can I Mow After Rainfall?

After periods of prolonged rainfall, it’s best to wait until the lawn has had a chance to dry before mowing. Mowing wet grass can lead to uneven cuts and may place additional stress on the lawn.

If the grass has grown taller than usual while waiting for the lawn to dry, consider raising your mowing height for the first cut. You can then gradually lower it back to your usual mowing height over the next few mows. We have some further tips on mowing a wet lawn here.

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

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Attracting Native Wildlife to Your Lawn

Australia has an incredible diversity of wildlife with many of these native animals providing benefits to your garden like pollinating plants, helping to control pests, and improving the health of your soil. By attracting these animals to your lawn, you can receive these benefits while also helping to keep the local ecosystem balanced. In this blog we’ll cover a few ways that you can attract native wildlife to your lawn. For more information on how to attract native birds to your lawn, you can check out our blog.

Skip to: Plant pollinator plants around your lawn, Bird baths and water sources, Leaf litter in garden beds, Native trees and shrubs.

Plant Pollinator Plants Around Your Lawn

Growing a variety of pollinator plants in your backyard will create a food source for a range of native animals, attracting them to your lawn. The pollinator plants can attract native birds, bees, and butterflies. By having a variety of pollinator plants, you will provide several options for the native animals in your area.

Smaller insects like native bees and butterflies will prefer open flowers that they can easily access.

Native birds like lorikeets will prefer plants with blooms rich in nectar providing a tasty food source.

Native pollinator plants options include bottlebrush, banksias, and kangaroos paw. Some of these plants will be better suited to specific regions of Australia. Get in contact with your local nursery to find out which ones will be best suited to your garden.

lorakeet bird backyard

Bird Baths and Water Sources

When it comes to supporting native wildlife, water sources are just as important as food sources, especially in the hot summer months. Bird baths can provide a place to bathe and drink for birds in your lawn. The best way to place these is to find a spot that is raised off the ground and near trees and shrubs, so that they feel safe from predators. Changing the water in the bird bath every few days will help to keep it clean and keep native birds visiting your garden.

If you have enough space in your lawn, a small pond can attract several different kinds of animal. Frogs, lizards, and dragonflies will all use ponds as a place to rest, breed, and drink. Surrounding a pond with some small rocks or dense plants provides shelter and protection, making it more enticing for the native wildlife.

bird bath backyard

Leaf Litter in Garden Beds

Leaf litter plays an important role in the ecology of your lawn. Leaves and debris create a habitat for insects. This, in turn, creates a food source for native birds, lizards, and frogs who will all be attracted to your lawn. This leaf litter can also provide shelter for smaller lizards and frogs. They will use it to hide from predators and regulate their temperature in hotter weather.

As it decomposes, the debris will improve the soil health in your lawn. It releases nutrients into the soil and helps retain moisture in the ground.

Instead of raking and throwing away leaf litter and debris, try to leave some in garden beds or in quiet corners of your lawn. You may even want to mix in some sticks and barks to make a functional habitat for reptiles and insects.

Native Trees and Shrubs

Native trees and shrubs provide wildlife with essential shelter, nesting sites, and protection from predators.

Dense shrubs and bushes like westringia or tea trees provide shelter for smaller birds like wrens and finches. These small birds prefer thick plant cover that allows them to hide from predators and build nests that are hidden.

Larger trees like eucalyptus and paperbarks provide nectar and seeds, and attract insects which many animals feed on. The canopy of these larger trees also provides perching and nesting spots for birds like cockatoos, kookaburras, and rosellas.

By filling your lawn with native trees and shrubs, you provide native wildlife with a safe, long-term home.

Kookaburra backyard

For more advice on how you can improve your lawn, check out our other blogs.

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