Sarah, Author at Lawn Solutions Australia

What Does Iron Do for Lawns?

Posted on April 28, 2023May 30, 2025 by Sarah

Iron (Fe) for Lawns

Are you looking for a way to help extend your lawns colouring throughout the cooler months? Well, iron might be your answer! The main benefit of using iron is to help improve your lawns colouring, especially when lawns are entering dormancy. In this blog, we look at all you need to know about using iron on your lawn.

Skip to: What are the other benefits of using iron?, When should I use iron?, Golden rules to follow when applying iron, Precautions when applying iron, Should I use a fertiliser with iron?, Why should I use iron without fertiliser?, How can I make my lawn green instantly?.

Will Iron Make My Lawn Greener in Winter?

The short and straightforward answer is yes, but there is more to it. Iron, also known as Fe, helps grass photosynthesise and create chlorophyll. As a result, it will improve colour and allows it to carry out cellular functions.

Are There Any Other Benefits of Using Iron?

There are a few other benefits to using iron. These include helping control moss, strengthening your lawn, can help limit the impact of frost and helping make your lawn more disease resistant. For more information on how to help a frost affected lawn, click here.

When Should I Use Iron?

Iron is best used on a healthy and strong lawn. It is best used to help improve your lawns colour, especially when heading into or out of dormancy.

When it comes to using iron products, we recommend using our Lawn Solutions Iron Guard Plus.

Golden Rules to Follow When Applying Iron

When applying iron, it is best to avoid it in the heat of the day. If it has been used when temperatures are at their warmest, some burning can occur. We also recommend applying Iron Guard monthly when active growth is present or when nutrient deficiency symptoms are visible to maintain even growth and colour for your lawn. We also recommend making sure your plant is healthy and not stressed before application. When applying all lawn care products, it is always best to ensure you use as per the label application instructions and application rates.

Precautions to Take When Applying Iron

Avoid applying iron to footpaths, driveways, and other surfaces. When iron is applied to hard surfaces, it can cause rust-coloured stains. If you use a liquid product and some spray has been applied or drifted to another surface, it is best to wash it off immediately. When applying iron, ensure you use it on the lawn evenly, as it will show if you don’t.

Should I Use a Fertiliser That Contains Iron?

Suppose you want to apply iron but also want to apply other nutrients. In that case, we recommend using a well-rounded fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser or Exceed Liquid Fertiliser. Both fertilisers contain iron and a balanced ratio of nutrients your lawn needs to stay healthy.

lawn fertiliser — Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser

If you want to apply fertiliser throughout the cooler months, it is best to use a liquid product like Exceed over granular fertilisers. This is because liquid fertilisers can absorb nutrients more effectively while the grass has entered dormancy compared to granular fertilisers.

Why Should I Use Iron Without Fertiliser?

However, in some circumstances, if you have a specialised lawn care program which already meets your lawns nutrient requirements, additional nutrients from a fertiliser may not be required and a separate iron product like Iron Guard Plus is best used.

How Can I Make My Lawn Green Instantly?

If you want to give your lawn an instant green-up without applying iron products, why not use 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 information on how ColourGuard Plus can help green up your lawn, click here.

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

Craziest Lawn Mowers

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

Lawnmowers are a staple tool for maintaining a well-manicured lawn, but not all mowers are created equal. In fact, some mowers can be downright crazy! From oversized and overpowered machines to wacky designs that are more reminiscent of a carnival ride than a lawn tool, crazy lawnmowers come in all shapes and sizes. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some crazy lawnmowers that are built a cut above the rest!

World’s Fastest Lawn Mower

Stunt drives Jessica Hawkins drives a Honda ride on mower, fitted with a 200-horsepower engine, the same engine as Honda’s Fireblade, fitted under the hood of the mower. This mower was still fitted with a mowing deck to cut grass, a requirement needed to be awarded with the world’s fastest lawnmower!

This mower can accelerate from zero to over 160km/h in just 6.29 seconds!

Credit: CNN

The Lazy Man’s Power Mower

The Mechanix Illustrated magazine in 1958 features ‘The Lazy Mans Mower’! This mower claimed to allow you to mow the lawn and run your errands, all while being inside the air-conditioned bubble! Unfortunately, this mower never made it into production.

Credit: Awesome Jelly

Motorcycle or Mower?

Would you call this one a motorcycle or mower?

Credit: Pinterest

Still After a Cylinder Cut?

If you are still after a nice low cut with a cylinder, why not give this mower a try.

Credit: Yeah Motor

John Deer with Some Slight Modifications

This will be sure to make mowing a quick task to complete!

Credit: Pinterest

Red Makes it go Faster, Right?

A new paint job will be sure to catch the eyes of onlookers from your street!

Credit: Pinterest

Custom Polaris Mower

Are you looking for a bit more power? Maybe the Custom Polaris Mower is more your style.

Source: ATV.com

If you are after some more mowing tips to help keep your lawn looking great, make sure you check out our other lawn mowing blogs on our site here.

Winter Lawn Care Checklist

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

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your lawn for the winter months ahead. In this blog, we will take you through a step-by-step winter lawn care checklist.

Skip to: How regularly should I be mowing?, What can I use to stop lawn weeds?, What is a pre-emergent herbicide?, Should I use iron on my lawn?

Should I Fertilise My Lawn?

A fertiliser application will help give your lawn a final boost before the cooler temperatures set in. This will help your lawn recover from any stresses caused over the warmer month and can help extend your lawns colouring heading into winter.

If the temperatures are still warm in your location, you can still use a granular fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. However, if the temperatures have already started to cool, you are best off using a liquid fertiliser like Exceed, as it will be absorbed quickly by the leaf of the grass.

How Regularly Should I Be Mowing My Grass?

As temperatures start to decline, your lawn will slowdown in growth. Although growth will slow, it is best to ensure you don’t stop mowing completely and follow the one-third rule.

What is the one-third rule? This is how much of the leaf you should remove when mowing. If more than one-third of the leaf is removed, it can cause stress to the lawn, and scalping can occur. So, by removing no more than one-third, the grass will stay healthy and won’t become stressed.

What Can I Use to Stop Lawn Weeds?

If weeds are growing in your lawn, it is best to get on top of them before the cooler temperatures set in. The type of weed will change what products you should use to remove them, so it is best to know what kind of weed you have before looking at products.

For common broadleaf weeds like Clover, Bindii, Oxalis, Cudweed and Catsear, we recommend using a broadleaf herbicide like All Purpose Weed Control or Amgrow Bin Die. The All Purpose Weed Control comes in an easy-to-use hose-on bottle that sprays out the product. The Amgrow Bin Die comes in a concentrate that needs to be mixed with water and applied through a knapsack or sprayer.

If you are unsure what weed you have growing in your lawn, check out our blog here.

What Is a Pre-Emergent Herbicide?

Pre-emergent herbicides target weed seeds before the weed grows and is visible in your lawn. They create a barrier at the soil level, affecting the germination of any new seedlings. This type of herbicides is great to use, particularly if your lawn faces seasonal weeds like Winter Grass.

When applying pre-emergents like Oxafert or Oxafert Plus it is best to time your application as the temperatures start to cool in your area. For most regions, this will be in mid to late Autumn.

Should I Use Iron on My Lawn?

Heading into winter, you can look at using an iron-based product to help extend and improve your lawns colour both heading into and throughout the cooler months. Iron products can also be used to help strengthen your grass.

If you want to use an iron-based product heading into winter, we recommend using Iron Guard Plus.

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

Smart Irrigation Systems

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

Watering your lawn can be a bit of a hassle when moving sprinklers and manually setting up water timers. Smart irrigation systems provide a solution to these problems by utilizing advanced technology to automate and optimize the watering process. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of smart irrigation systems for backyard lawns and gardens, their features, and how they can help you conserve water, save money, and achieve a thriving landscape.

Skip to: Orbit B-Hyve 6 Station Indoor/Outdoor Irrigation Controller, Holman WX8 Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller with EVIE Sensor,Rain Bird RC2 8 Station WIFI Outdoor Controller.

What are the advantages of using a smart irrigation system?

There are several advantages of using a smart irrigation system for your lawn. These benefits include:

Remote access: Most smart irrigations systems will allow you to remote access through mobile apps, allowing you to adjust your watering schedule from anywhere, at any time.
Time saving: Smart irrigation systems automate the watering process, freeing up your time.
Water conservation: Smart irrigation systems can use sensors and weather data to adjust watering schedules based on your local climate, resulting in significant water savings and better plant health. E.g., If your area has rain forecasted, or a sensor detects rain it won’t irrigate your area.
Energy efficiency: By only using the necessary amount of water when your lawn needs it, smart irrigation systems reduce energy consumption and lower water bills.

Are there any disadvantages of using a smart irrigation system?

While smart irrigation systems offer several benefits, there are also a few potential disadvantages to consider:

Cost: Smart irrigation systems can be more expensive than traditional irrigation methods.
Connectivity issues: Smart irrigation systems rely on Wi-Fi or cellular networks to function correctly. If there is no internet connection, they won’t perform to their full potential.
False readings: If the irrigation system has a sensor, false readings may occur if it gets covered with dust.

Orbit B-Hyve 6 Station Indoor/Outdoor Irrigation Controller

The Orbit B-Hyve 6 Station Indoor/Outdoor Irrigation Controller is a smart irrigation system that allows you to remotely control and automate your lawn or garden watering schedule. The sprinkler can receive live weather feeds to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Some of the key features of this irrigation controller include:

The Orbit B-Hyve uses local weather data to adjust your watering schedule to the specific needs of your lawn or garden.
6 station areas.
The system is easy to install and is compatible with most sprinkler systems.
The B-Hyve app provides remote access to your irrigation system, allowing you to adjust watering schedules and monitor water usage from anywhere.
Functions both with and without Wi-Fi.

This irrigation controller is available at a fair price point of $200.

Holman WX8 Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller with EVIE Sensor

The Holman WX8 Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller with EVIE Sensor is another smart irrigation system. One advantage of this system over other products is that it includes a rain sensor that automatically adjusts your watering schedule based off your climates conditions. Other key features include:

The Holman app provides remote access to your irrigator system, allowing you to adjust your watering schedules and monitor water usage from anywhere.
Compatible with existing irrigation systems.
8 station areas.
Has been awarded with the Smart Approved Water Mark, just like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda!
Can schedule up to 3 different run times and allocate to any zones.

This irrigation system is priced at $190.

Rain Bird RC2 8 Station WIFI Outdoor Controller

The Rain Bird RC2 8 Station WIFI Outdoor Controller is another smart irrigation system that allow you adjust your watering schedule remotely. This system uses an app that allows you to water selected or all zones at a particular schedule and uses local weather data to automatically adjust your watering schedule daily. Some other stand out features of this model include:

Quick pair technology for a seamless set up.
8 station areas.
WIFI access for remote site management.
Manage and monitor all irrigation events and warmings real-time.
Wireless access point for complete system access without WIFI.

This controller can be purchased from selected irrigation stores, with pricing around $240.

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

LSA Brand Ambassadors Charlie Albone and Jason Hodges Show Gardens at MIFGS 2024

Posted on April 6, 2023May 6, 2025 by Sarah

Over the last week, our brand ambassadors Charlie Albone and Jason Hodges both had the privilege of creating their own show gardens at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) 2024. We take a look at how both landscape designers used Lawn Solutions Australia grasses in their designs.

Charlie Albone with Inspired Exteriors ‘The Container Garden’

Charlie Albone and his team at Inspired Exteriors have been awarded ‘Best in Show’ for their display, ‘The Container Garden’ at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show!

Charlie’s garden features our TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda as the main lawn, along with unmown Sir Grange Zoysia as a feature, supplied by Lilydale Instant Lawn.

Jason Hodges Welcome Garden at MIFGS

Our very own Jason Hodges has had the privilege of creating the welcome garden at MIFGS.
Jason’s garden features 2 of our grasses, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo in between garden pavers and unmown Sir Grange Zoysia for a more textured look in the garden surrounds!

How to Plan a Lawn Care Schedule

Posted on March 30, 2023October 22, 2025 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, 2023January 29, 2026 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?

Skip to: What causes the freshly cut grass scent? What do GVL’s do for grass? Do all grasses produce the same scent? Why do grasses produce this scent? Why do humans like the smell of freshly cut grass?

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. These include 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, 2023February 17, 2026 by Sarah

Fungal diseases can impact the health and appearance of your lawn, but they won’t kill your lawn as fast as you may think. In this blog, we look at some common lawn diseases and recommend the best ways to remove them.

Skip to: 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. 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 Vacate 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 Vacate Fungicide or Heritage Maxx.

Fungicide Products

Vacate Fungicide

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

Vacate 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.

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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.

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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.

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Why Does My Lawn Have Brown Patches?

Posted on February 24, 2023December 19, 2025 by Sarah

Does your lawn have brown patches? Unsure what is causing them or uncertain of the best way to help it recover? In this blog, we look at common causes of brown patches in lawns and look at the best ways to help get your lawn back in shape.

Skip to: Lawn grubs in lawns, How to stop fungal disease in lawns, Methods to help stop urine burn, Brown patches from scalping when mowing, Dry spots in lawns.

Lawn Grubs in Lawns

If you have noticed that your lawn has quickly developed brown patches that are spreading, a possible cause is lawn grubs. If you are unsure if your lawn does have grubs, we recommend doing a quick grub test. To do this, use a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bucket and fill with water. Then pour this over the edge of an affected area.

Watch the area for around 10 minutes or so and see if any grubs rise to the surface. This is best done at dawn or dusk when they are more likely to be active.

If any grubs or caterpillars do rise to the surface we recommend using a quick knockdown product like Battle Insecticide or Baythroid Advanced for Lawns to remove what is there. To help prevent another grub attack from occurring, we recommend using a preventative insecticide, like Grub Guard Ultimate. Grub Guard Ultimate will help prevent another grub attack from occurring to the lawn up to 6 months.

How to Stop Fungal Diseases in Lawns

Are your lawns brown patches caused by disease? Often if you remove the conditions that cause lawn diseases, it will go away on its own. Some tell-tale signs that your lawn has a fungal disease are discolouration, brown and yellow patches, mushrooms and other fungal growth.

Some factors that can cause disease include soil compaction, shade, over watering, over fertilising, poor mowing habits, and weather conditions (particularly temperature and humidity).

If you have noticed a fungal disease in your lawn, try removing the cause of the disease. This can include:

Aerating your lawn to alleviate soil compaction and assist in draining away excess water.
Increase sunlight to the area where possible by pruning back any surrounding trees and shrubs.
Avoid over-watering your lawn. If you do need to water your lawn, water in the morning before the heat of the day to avoid evaporation. We also recommend avoiding watering in the afternoon/dusk to help prevent the lawn sitting damp overnight.
Mow your lawn regularly at the same height. We recommend mowing regularly enough so that only one-third is removed with each pass.

If this doesn’t assist you may need to look at using a fungicide.

How to Stop Urine Burn

Does your dog’s urine cause burn marks on your lawn? As your dog’s urine can contain a high concentrate of nitrogen, our lawns can become burnt and die off.

Here are a few indicators that your lawns brown patches are from urine burn:

Patches stay isolated to the affected area and don’t spread.
The patches can sometimes be greener around the outside of the burn.
Patches occur in an area where your pets usually go to wee.

There are a few different methods you and your pets can try to help stop these patches from occurring. Check out our blog for more information here.

Brown Patches from Scalping Your Lawn

If your lawns brown patches only start to show after mowing, you have likely scalped your lawn. Scalping occurs when a lawn is mown too short. When too much of the leaf is removed, it will cause the grass to look brown in patches.

If your lawn has uneven levels or has gone too long in between mows, scalping can occur. If your lawn has uneven levels, you may need to look at top dressing to amend. Please have a look at our blog for more information here.

Dry Spots in Lawns

If your lawn does have dry patches, the best solution is to give your lawn a good aerate with a garden fork or aerator to help decompact and loosen the soil profile. We then recommend applying a wetting agent, like our Lawn Soaker to the whole lawn.

This will help the soil better absorb water making it available for your grass to use. After applying a wetting agent, water the area heavily every morning until you see signs of recovery. Once your lawn shows signs of recovery, apply a fertiliser to help give the lawn a boost. A fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is ideal.

For more information on dry spots in lawns, check out our blog here.

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