Sarah, Author at Lawn Solutions Australia

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.

plantain / 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.

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

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.

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

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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What is Slime Mould, and Do I Need to be Worried?

Have you noticed unusual or strange growths appearing on your lawn lately? It could be Slime Mould, a curious, harmless growth that can show up in wet and cool weather or hot and humid conditions, like we’ve been experiencing recently. So, what should you do if Slime Mould appears on your lawn? Let’s find out…

Scientific name: Myxomycetes

Skip to: What Are Slime Moulds? Why Do Slime Moulds Grow? What Do Slime Moulds Look Like in Lawns? Are There Different Types of Slime Moulds? Do I Need to Remove Slime Moulds?

What Are Slime Moulds?

Despite the name, Slime Moulds aren’t true moulds. They belong to the group Myxomycetes, part of the kingdom Protozoa, which means they are neither plants, animals, nor fungi.

Because slime moulds aren’t true fungi, they cannot cause lawn diseases and are completely harmless to your lawn.

Why Do Slime Moulds Grow?

Slime Moulds usually start to appear after periods of heavy rain, excessive irrigation, or high humidity. They are also more likely to thrive when the lawn contains plenty of organic matter and microorganisms, including decaying plant material, soil fungi and bacteria, or a thick layer of thatch in the turf profile.

slime mould

What Do Slime Moulds Look Like in Lawns?

Slime Moulds can come in a variety of colours, including grey, white, orange, purple and black.

They can appear in a variety of forms. Some look like a powdery or crusty coating on the grass blades, others resemble thousands of tiny eggs, and some are compared to dog vomit!

slime mould

Are There Different Types of Slime Moulds?

When it comes to Slime Moulds, there are two main types: cellular and plasmodial. Of these, plasmodial Slime Moulds are much easier to spot in nature.

Some of the most common plasmodial Slime Moulds include:

  • Fuligo septica – also called the “dog vomit” Slime Mould, yellow in colour.
  • Physarum cinereum – appears as black or grey spots.
  • Mucilago crustacea – forms a white or yellowish mass.

Facts:

  • There are over 1,200 known species of Plasmodial Slime Moulds.
  • Australia has the largest number of known Slime Moulds of any region of the southern hemisphere.

Slime mould

Do I Need to Remove Slime Moulds?

Slime Moulds usually look worse than they actually are! They won’t harm your grass, but they aren’t the most visually appealing thing to have growing in your lawn. To remove them, simply use a broom or garden rake to brush the slime off the lawn.

Once the weather dries out and the ideal growing conditions disappear, Slime Mould will usually clear up on its own.

If damp conditions persist longer than you’d like, aerating the soil and reducing excess irrigation can help keep Slime Mould at bay.

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

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

Can I Install a New Lawn in Autumn?

While most people think that they must install a new lawn in spring or summer, autumn can often provide better conditions for laying new turf. With cooling air temperatures but warm soil, conditions are primed for turf to establish. In this blog, we look at why you should install a lawn in autumn. For more information on the installation process, you can check out our blog on how to install a new lawn.

Skip to: Why lay a new lawn in Autumn? What if temperatures have dropped? What turf variety should I lay? What’s next?

Why Lay a New Lawn in Autumn?

  • Warm soil temperatures which encourage root growth, but cooler air temperatures that reduce heat stress on the grass.
  • Less irrigation is required in autumn due to the temperature being cooler than in summer and spring.
  • You allow the turf to establish before winter dormancy, ensuring a fast recovery and strong growth once spring arrives.

By laying your new lawn in autumn you can greatly reduce your water usage. As air temperatures are lower than in spring and summer, and rainfall is often far greater, you can significantly reduce the amount of watering the lawn requires. In some colder areas this can mean watering half as often as you would during spring and summer.

The autumn weather also provides ideal conditions for grass to establish. Warm soil temperatures allow the roots of the grass to develop before the cold of winter arrives and the grass becomes dormant, but cooler air temperatures reduce the stress on the grass. As temperatures begin to decline through the season, the risk of your lawn suffering heat stress and having its establishment stunted decreases.

What if Temperatures Have Dropped?

In many areas of Australia, towards the end of autumn temperatures can begin to drop rapidly. Though this may lead to some hesitancy regarding laying new turf, this is nothing to worry about. Laying turf once the weather is cooler and the grass is in dormancy means that the lawn won’t root down properly until the weather begins to warm again in spring. This doesn’t mean the grass is dead, simply that it is waiting until temperatures rise to properly establish itself. Keep traffic and mowing to a minimum and the lawn will be fine once spring arrives. You can check out our blog on installing a new lawn in winter for more information.

turf during winter

What Turf Variety Should I Lay?

There are many factors that affect which turf type will suit you best. Your climate, budget, sunlight, and the amount of wear the lawn receives are just a few.

If you have a lawn that receives direct sunlight throughout the whole day, you can take your pick of almost any grass variety.  However, if your lawn is shaded during the day and only receives a few hours of direct sunlight, your options are restricted. Sir Walter DNA Certified, will be the best option for you as it is an industry leader in shade tolerance, requiring as little as 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day. We also have our beautiful zoysia grasses Zoysia Australis and Sir Grange Zoysia, both of which have gorgeous soft leaves and a beautiful green colour which gives a lawn a lovely aesthetic. Alternatively, if you are looking for a hearty grass that is drought resistant and can stand up to the wear and tear of pets and kids, take a look at our fast-repairing TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. TifTuf is the only grass to be SmartDrop Certified globally for its high drought tolerance and minimal water requirements. This, in combination with the cooler temperatures and higher rainfall of the autumn months, means you can significantly reduce the amount of water required for the establishment of your lawn.

Turf Selector

laying turf

What Next?

Once you have decided on a turf type, the next step will be contacting your local Lawn Solutions turf supplier. All our turf suppliers are AusGAP certified, guaranteeing that you will always get turf of the highest quality. This certification requires constant monitoring and assessment of the grass, ensuring it is free of weeds, pests, and diseases.

Don’t wait, install your lawn this autumn and have the lawn of your dreams ready for spring.

Find your local Lawn Solutions turf provider here.

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How Simple Changes Now Can Help Your Lawn in Winter

With a few weeks of warmer weather still ahead, now is the perfect time to give your lawn a boost and get it in tip top shape before winter sets in. So, what can you do to get your lawn in its best shape? Let’s take a look…

Skip to: Should I Remove Weeds from My Lawn in Autumn? How Can I Help Prevent Weeds from Growing in My Lawn in Autumn? Should I Apply Fertiliser to My Lawn in Autumn? Is It Important to Mow in Autumn?

Should I Remove Weeds from My Lawn in Autumn?

Did you know there is no “right time” to remove weeds from your lawn? If weeds are present, it’s always best to act quickly to prevent them from spreading.

During Autumn, you may notice lingering summer weeds such as Summer Grass, Creeping Oxalis or Paspalum. You may also see some Clover or Winter Grass start to appear.

winter grass

If there are only a few weeds growing, the best and easiest way to get on top of them is to pull them out by hand. However, if there are a few too many, you may want to consider using an herbicide to remove them.

For removing common broadleaf weeds like Creeping Oxalis and Clover, we recommend applying All Purpose Weed Control 2L Hose-On. Alternatively, if you prefer to use a concentrate product, we recommend Estate 250ml Concentrate.

all purpose weed control

How Can I Help Prevent Weeds from Growing in My Lawn in Autumn?

If your lawn often gets invaded with weeds in winter, now is also an ideal time to get on the front foot and look at using a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicides work by creating a barrier at the soil level, preventing weed seedlings from germinating, stopping them from growing in your lawn.

oxafert pre emergent

When applying pre-emergent herbicides, timing is key. You want to ensure your application is done just before weed seedlings start to germinate. The two most important times of the year to apply are:

  • In autumn, just before temperatures start to cool
  • In spring, just before temperatures warm up

The exact time of when to apply these will be dependent on your local climate and the weather conditions in your area.

For pre-emergent herbicides, we recommend using either Oxafert 3kg (granular), or Barricade 250ml (liquid).

oxafert preemergent
Oxafert Pre Emergent Herbicide

Should I Apply Fertiliser to My Lawn in Autumn?

Did you know that autumn is one of the most important times of the year to apply a fertiliser to your lawn? By applying a fertiliser in autumn, you will be helping replace any nutrients that have been lost over summer. Fertilising your lawn now will also help prepare your lawn for the cooler conditions ahead.

When it comes to choosing a fertiliser for your lawn, our all-round favourite is the Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. This contains a balanced NPK ratio and other trace elements your lawn needs to thrive. The premium fertiliser also contains both a fast and a slow-release granule. This helps provide a quick boost in the lawn’s health, as well as a sustained boost over 12 weeks.

The Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is available in both a 10kg bucket and a 4kg bucket.

lawn fertiliser
Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser 10kg

If liquid fertilisers are your go-to, we recommend our Exceed Liquid Fertiliser. It is a great option for quickly correcting nutrient deficiencies, delivering a quick boost to your lawn’s health, and helping it recover from stress-related issues.

Exceed Liquid Fertiliser is available in both a 2.5L Concentrate, which covers up to 1,250m2 and a 2L Hose-On, covering up to 150m2.

Exceed 2.5L Concentrate
Exceed 2.5L Concentrate

Is It Important to Mow in Autumn?

You’ve probably heard it before, and for good reason, regular mowing is the key to a healthy lawn. Keeping up with a regular mowing schedule helps your lawn develop stronger roots, grow thicker and denser, lower the risk of disease, and can even help keep weeds at bay if you are not using a pre-emergent.

When it comes to mowing frequency, we recommend mowing regularly enough so that only one-third of the leaf blade is removed with each pass. This means mowing more regularly throughout summer, and less regularly in the cooler months.

mowing lawn

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

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

What is Your Lawn Telling You? How to Identify Potential Issues to Get Your Lawn Back on Track

Has your lawn not been looking its best and are you often left wondering what your lawn actually needs to help get it back on track? In this blog, we take a look at some of the common signs that your lawn is in distress, and how you can help get it on the mend.

Skip to: Why Does My Lawn Have Blue/Grey Patches? Why Has My Lawns Leaf Curled Up on Itself? Why Is My Grass Dying Off Quickly Over a Matter of Days? Why Does My Lawn Lose Its Colour After Mowing Why Does My Grass Look Pale/Yellow?

Why Does My Lawn Have Blue/Grey Patches?

During recent hot weather, has your lawn started developing brown patches with a blue/grey tinge like this?

Heat Stressed Lawn
Heat Stressed Lawn

When turf starts to show these blue/grey tinge patches, this is a common sign that your lawn is facing heat stress. So, what can you do to help get your lawn back on track?

First, it is best to give the patches a light rake through to pick up and remove the dry plant material. This will help create more space for the healthy grass to grow back over.  Then, give your soil a good aerate to help decompact the soil profile. This will help better allow for air, water and nutrients to reach your lawns roots. Following this, we also recommend applying a soil wetter like Lawn Soaker to help the soil better absorb water down into the soil profile.

wetting agent
Wetting Agent | Lawn Soaker

Over the following days and weeks, ensure you mow and water the lawn regularly to help it recover. When watering, ensure you water in the morning, before the heat of the day, for around 25 mins. Do this two to three times a week with a sprinkler that evenly covers the area.

Why Has My Lawns Leaf Curled Up on Itself?

Leaf blades that curl or fold in on themselves are a classic indicator that the lawn is not getting enough water. This response is common during prolonged hot and dry conditions as the plant tries to conserve water.

sprinkler on lawn

If your lawn is doing this, give it a good watering with a sprinkler that evenly covers your area. Water for around 25 mins, and water in the morning before the heat of the day.

Why Is My Grass Dying Off Quickly?

Has your grass has started to rapidly die off (over a few days) and damage is spreading? If so, this is a sign that your lawn may be facing an invasion of a pest called Armyworm. As the name suggests, Armyworm travel in large numbers, munching on your lawn.

Key identifying features of Armyworm include:

  • Three prominent white or cream stripes down its body
  • 2mm to 40mm in length
  • Will curl up when disturbed
  • Are most active at dawn or dusk
armyworm
Armyworm

If you are unsure whether there are grubs in your lawn, there is a quick and easy way to test. Use a big bucket of water, add some dishwashing liquid so it is a soapy mix. Then pour this over the edge of the grass where it is declining and where the grass is still healthy. If there are grubs present, they will then rise up to the surface to breathe. This is best done at dawn or dusk when they are most likely to be active.

If you do find Armyworms in your lawn, it is best to act quickly to help prevent any further damage from occurring. Please check out our blog here for more information on Armyworm treatment and prevention options.

Why Does My Lawn Lose Its Colour After Mowing?

If your lawn suddenly loses its colour after mowing, this is a sign that you are removing too much of the leaf. This process is known as scalping. Scalping your lawn can occur for two different reasons. The first, if your lawn is not mown regularly enough. The second is if your lawns levels are uneven.

Scalped lawn
Scalped Lawn

When mowing, it is best to ensure you are mowing your lawn regularly enough so that only one third of the leaf is removed with each pass.

For more information on how you can help avoid scalping from occurring to your lawn, check out our blog here.

Why Does My Grass Look Pale/Yellow?

Is your lawn not looking as vibrant as it once was or is looking pale or yellow? This may be a sign that your lawn is lacking in nutrients. The best way to help replenish these nutrients is to apply a well-rounded fertiliser like the Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser.

best lawn fertiliser

The Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser has a balanced ratio of Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron and other important trace elements. This fertiliser also contains a fast and slow release granule. This gives your lawn a good up front boost in nutrients, as well as a sustained boost over a 12 week period.

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

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