How To Get The Best Lawn In The Street
It’s hard to imagine a home in Australia without the ‘show’ lawn in the front and the family-sized cricket pitch or footy field out the back. It’s one of the great traditions of the typical Aussie garden. Taking care of your lawn and keeping it looking its best is important and a source of great pleasure and pride.
Here’s our simple lawn guide to help you achieve the best lawn in your neighbourhood. With proper care and a little effort, your lawn will be the talk of the town in no time.
Soil Preparation:
The foundation of a healthy lawn lies in the soil. Aerating the soil once or twice a year will improve its structure, allowing roots to penetrate deeper and access vital nutrients and water.
Proper Mowing Techniques:
Mowing your lawn correctly is crucial for maintaining healthy and aesthetically pleasing turf. To get the best results set your mower blades to the appropriate height for your grass type, ensuring you never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. A taller, thicker lawn helps to smother out pesky weeds and mowing on a higher setting also encourages deeper roots, which are more able to cope with stressful weather conditions.
You should also alternate the direction in which you mow to prevent soil compaction and promote even growth. A mulching mower is great for your lawn as it uses a modified disc and blade system that cuts the lawn initially and then recuts the clippings to a super-fine state before forcefully blowing it back down the lawn. This style of mowing adds valuable nutrients and organic matter to your lawn and soil and should be used when:
There will be lots of foot traffic after mowing
Your grass is too long.
It’s colder and damp, causing the clippings not to break down fast enough, which could give rise to possible fungal problems.
Your grass is damp.
Watering Wisely:
Proper watering is key to a healthy lawn. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, rather than shallow and frequent watering. It is best to water your lawn early in the morning to allow sufficient time for the grass to dry before evening, reducing the risk of disease. If you find nothing soaks into the lawn when you water, try applying Scotts Lawn Builder + Wetting Agent or Scotts Everydrop LiquidSoil Wetter.
Feeding Your Lawn:
Fertilizing your lawn provides the essential nutrients it needs for growth and resilience. Use the Scotts Spreader and a bag of Scotts Lawn Builder Extreme Green Slow Release Fertiliser and your lawn will be greener in just three days. Regular feeding is easy and so important, yet surprisingly only one in four homeowners fertilise their lawns.
Weed Control:
Weeds are any lawn lover’s worst nightmare. Regularly inspect and manually remove any weeds that appear. For persistent weeds, consider spot-treating with a selective post-emergent herbicide. Remember to follow the instructions carefully and avoid using herbicides on windy days to prevent drift onto desirable plants.
Regular Maintenance:
Consistent maintenance is the key to achieving and sustaining a pristine lawn. Regularly remove leaves, debris, and grass clippings to allow sunlight to reach the grass blades. Perform routine lawn care tasks, such as edging, to define borders and give your lawn a polished look. Regularly inspect for pests, diseases, and signs of stress, and take prompt action to address any issues.
With dedication, proper care, and attention to detail, you can transform your lawn to be the best on the street. Remember, patience is essential, as it may take time for your lawn to reach its full potential. Embrace the journey and enjoy the satisfaction of having the best lawn on your street, a testament to your hard work and commitment to creating a beautiful outdoor space.
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