Good Practice for Lawn Care During Winter
Winter is a time for your lawn to rest and recover from the stresses of summer. However, there are still a few things you can do to keep your lawn healthy and looking its best during the colder months.
Here are some good practices for lawn care during winter:
Reduce your watering. Your lawn doesn't need as much water during winter, so you can reduce your watering frequency. However, it's still important to water your lawn if it doesn't rain for an extended period of time. The amount of water your lawn needs will depend on the type of grass you have, the soil conditions, and the weather. As a general rule, you should water your lawn deeply once a week, or when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Mow less often. You can also mow your lawn less often during winter. Aim to mow your lawn once every 2-3 weeks, or when the grass reaches a height of around 75mm. Mowing your lawn too short can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to winter damage.
Aerate your lawn. Aerating your lawn helps to improve drainage and oxygen levels, which can help your lawn to stay healthy during winter. You can aerate your lawn yourself using a rented aerator, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. Aeration is especially important if your lawn has compacted soil.
Fertilise your lawn. Apply a slow-release fertiliser to your lawn in early winter. This will help to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to stay healthy during the colder months. Choose a fertiliser that is specifically designed for winter use.
Remove leaves and debris. Leaves and debris can smother your lawn and prevent it from getting the sunlight and air it needs. Rake up leaves and debris from your lawn regularly during winter. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.
Inspect your lawn for pests and diseases. Winter is a good time to inspect your lawn for pests and diseases. If you see any problems, take steps to treat them immediately. Common winter pests and diseases include:
Armyworms: Adults are a dull brown or greyish, night-active moth. Armyworm larvae chew and cut leaves around the crown and they attack all turf grass species.
Cutworms: The caterpillars attack grass at ground level causing the blades to sever. They are nocturnal and shelter in the soil.
African black beetle: Larvae are soil dwelling and are typical white, soft-bodied scarab grubs. They have 'C'-shaped bodies, six legs and a yellow-brown head capsule with noticeable black jaws. They attack the grass from the roots.
Brown patch lawn disease: Characterised by brown spots appearing on your lawn and has a ring of purplish-red blades surrounding the area.
Snow mould lawn disease: Identified by a white, grey, or pink fuzz on your lawn. This usually occurs in colder areas. The grass in the affected area dies, and the snow mould disease can spread quickly.
By following these good practices, you can help to keep your lawn healthy and looking its best during winter.
Here are some additional tips for lawn care during winter:
Preventing/removing weeds. Give your lawn the best chance to thrive in Spring by treating any visible weeds and using a pre-emergent herbicide to stop the new seasons weeds from rearing their ugly heads.
Water in the morning. Watering your lawn in the morning will help to prevent the water from evaporating before it can reach the roots of the grass.
Don't overwater. Overwatering your lawn can actually do more harm than good. It can lead to root rot and other problems.
Be patient. Lawns can take a bit of time to recover from winter. Be patient and give your lawn the care it needs, and it will be back to its best in no time.
Common Australian Grasses:
Buffalo grass: This is a cool-season grass that is very tolerant of drought and heat. It is also relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. Buffalo grass is a good choice for lawns in areas with hot, dry summers.
Kikuyu grass: This is a warm-season grass that is very drought-tolerant and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Kikuyu grass is a good choice for lawns in areas with hot, dry summers. However, it can be invasive and difficult to control.
Couch grass: This is a warm-season grass that is very versatile and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Couch grass is a good choice for lawns in areas with moderate climates. It is also a good choice for shady areas.
Tall fescue: This is a cool-season grass that is very tolerant of cold weather. Tall fescue is a good choice for lawns in areas with cold winters. It is also a good choice for shady areas.
Winter ryegrass: This is a cool-season grass that is very tolerant of cold weather. Winter ryegrass is a good choice for lawns in areas with cold winters. It is also a good choice for overseeding lawns in the fall.
Zoysia grass: This is a warm-season grass that is very drought-tolerant and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Zoysia grass is a good choice for lawns in areas with hot, dry summers. It is also a good choice for shady areas.
Mowing methods:
Mulching
Pros:
* Reduces the amount of waste
* Improves soil health by returning nutrients to the lawn
* Saves time and effort
Cons:
* Can be messy if the grass is wet or long
Catching
Pros:
* Keeps your lawn looking neat and tidy
* Prevents thatch build-up
* Easier to collect grass clippings for composting
Cons:
* Can clog the mower's chute
* Can promote the growth of mold and mildew
The Cost of Lawn Care Service
Lawn care is an important part of keeping your home looking its best. However, it can also be a costly investment. The cost of lawn care service will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of your lawn and the services you need.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the cost of lawn care service:
The size of your lawn: The larger your lawn, the more expensive it will be to maintain.
The services you need: The services you need will also affect the cost of lawn care service. For example, if you need your lawn mowed, whipper snipped, fertilised, and weeded, it will cost more than if you only need it mowed.
The location of your home: The cost of lawn care service can vary depending on the location of your home. For example, lawn care services in urban areas tend to be more expensive than those in rural areas.
Here is a general breakdown of the cost of lawn care service:
Mowing: Mowing is the most basic lawn care service. The cost of mowing will vary depending on the size of your lawn and the frequency of mowing. Generally, all mowing services include whipper snipping and blowing the areas to tidy up unless otherwise stated. Pristine have services options from $72.50
Fertilisation: Fertilisation is important for keeping your lawn healthy and green. The cost of fertilisation will vary depending on the type of fertiliser you use and the size of your lawn.
Weed control: Weed control is essential for preventing weeds from taking over your lawn. The cost of weed control will vary depending on the type of weeds you have and the method of weed control you use.
Other services: There are a number of other lawn care services that you may need, such as aeration, dethatching, and leaf removal. The cost of these services will vary depending on the specific service you need.
If you're looking for professional lawn care services in Geelong & surrounding areas, Pristine Outdoor Property Services can help. We offer a wide range of lawn care services, including mowing, fertilisation, and weed control. We can help you keep your lawn healthy and looking its best all year round.
We offer lawn care/mowing services for residential and commercial clients from small blocks to large acreage mowing, using commercial equipment to get the job done efficiently and to the highest quality.
Contact us today to learn more about our lawn care services.