Tackle big backyard jobs in winter

Australians should tackle bigger backyard jobs this winter in order to set their lawns up for year-round success, according to one of Australia’s leading turf experts.

Experienced turf grower and president of Turf Australia Ross Boyle said yard work during winter is key to maintaining a lush looking lawn well into the warmer months.

“Lawns become dormant during cooler temperatures and generally require less attention,” he said.

“With the lawn generally getting less use in the cooler months, winter gives you the chance to do those bigger jobs that will not only improve the health of your lawn but get it looking better than your neighbours come spring.”

Ross suggests five simple tips for lawn care this winter.

With heavier use, lawns tend to compact during spring and summer, making it hard for oxygen and nutrients to penetrate the soil.

Aerating your lawn during winter gices it a chance to breathe, and replienish its health from the roots up.

Try testing your lawn’s health by pushing a screwdriver into the soil. If it doesn’t go in easily, you need to aerate.

For smaller lawns, push a garden fork into the soil about 710cm, rocking it back and forth and repeating at 20cm intervals. For larger lawns you may wish to hire an aerating machine.

Your lawn won’t grow as fast during winter, but that doesn’t mean your mowing blades should go rusty.

Regular mowing prevents thatch build up and helps control weeds.

Your lawn grows slower through winter so raise the mower height above its summer level.

Weeds and certain types of fungus are nototrious for creeping into your lawn over winter.

Regular mowing and hand weeding are the best ways to stay on top of weed creep.

Winter is also the best time to treat bindii and clover before it takes hold as the weather warms up.

Use herbicides that are prescribed for the weed and your lawn type, and follow the manufacturers instructions, which may require a repeat 7-10 days later.

Don’t let fallen leaves build up on your lawn - where possible limit leaf litter to ensure your lawn gets the sunlight it needs.

In the last week of winter, do a sweep of the garden to give your lawn a burst of oxygen and sunlight ahead of spring.

If you’re thinking of installing a new lawn, winter is the time to prepare.

Lawn renovation should generally be done in spring, but winter is when you need to do your research.

Consider things like how much sunlight and traffic the area gets, your soil type, the visual look you’re after, drainage and plan time for site preparation.

For more information on how to get the best out of yoru lawn, visit the website www.turfaustralia.com.au.

Anon-profit organisation, Turf Australia is the representative of the turf industry, comprising more than 200 levy paying producers and individual members.