Seasonal Lawn Care

As South Coast locals, we know how much pride people take in a healthy, green lawn — right across the South Coast of NSW, Eurobodalla, Bega and Shoalhaven.

At Southern Turf, we believe year-round lawn care isn’t just about watering and mowing; it’s about understanding how your turf responds to every season. This guide explains exactly what to do through summer, autumn, winter, and spring to keep your lawn thriving in our unique coastal conditions.

Summer on the South Coast of NSW, Eurobodalla, Bega and Shoalhaven, brings long days, warm nights, and dry winds — the perfect weather for enjoying your yard, but also tough on your grass. Your lawn can thrive if you prepare it well.

Plan ahead:

• Check for water restrictions before setting your watering schedule.
• Sharpen mower blades for clean cuts that prevent damage and disease.
• Rake up leaves and sticks to improve sunlight, airflow, and water absorption.

Water early in the morning — ideally between 4am and 10am — to reduce evaporation. Aim for deep watering twice a week to promote strong roots. If water is limited, focus on the high-traffic or most visible areas and let other sections rest naturally.

Raise your mower height by about 2–3 cm during hot weather. Longer grass shades the soil, keeping roots cool and reducing evaporation. Mulch mowing is ideal — it returns clippings to the soil and helps retain moisture.

Weeds like Dandelions and Cat’s Ear thrive in the heat. Hand removal works best, but you can use a selective herbicide if needed. Fertilise early in summer using a slow-release fertiliser to boost growth — but never fertilise once temperatures exceed 30°C.

After months of heat and activity, autumn is the perfect time to restore your lawn’s health and prepare it for winter.

Aerate your soil using a garden fork or aerator to relieve compaction from summer foot traffic. This improves airflow, water absorption, and nutrient delivery.

Remove broadleaf weeds such as Bindi, Clover, Capeweed, and Thistles before feeding your lawn. If infestations are heavy, apply a post-emergent herbicide suited to your lawn type.

Apply a slow-release fertiliser early or mid-autumn to green up your lawn and build strength before winter. Warm-season grasses benefit from long-term release fertilisers. Cool-season grasses recover quickly from summer stress with a balanced nutrient boost.

Keep watering if leaf blades start to wilt and raise your mower height in late autumn to protect roots.

Winter lawns grow slowly, but care is still essential. Focus on weed control, aeration, and light maintenance to keep the lawn healthy and ready for spring.

Weeds like Bindi Burr, Clover, and Cudweed thrive when your grass slows down. Use a selective herbicide suitable for your turf type.

Water only if the grass looks dry or wilted, and always do it early in the morning to prevent fungal issues.

Feed your lawn in late August using a slow-release fertiliser or organic booster to prepare it for spring growth. This replenishes nutrients lost over the cooler months.

If the soil feels compacted, aerate with a fork or coring tool to improve oxygen flow. Raise your mower height and reduce mowing frequency to every 3–4 weeks.

Spring is when your lawn wakes up again — the perfect season to refresh it after winter.

Start by cleaning up leaves, debris, and thatch to open the lawn to sunlight and airflow. A deep rake also helps dethatch naturally.

Aerate high-traffic areas and then fertilise with either an organic compost or a quality granular fertiliser to kickstart growth. Avoid overfeeding early in the season, as it can encourage weeds.

As temperatures rise, water early in the morning for around 15 minutes to keep roots hydrated. Mow your lawn to about 2–4 cm depending on grass type — shorter cuts suit Palmetto Buffalo and Kikuyu during their active growth phase.

Spring is prime time for weed control. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent annual weeds like Crabgrass before they sprout, while post-emergent herbicides remove perennials like Dandelions.

Seasonal lawn care in a nutshell:

• Summer – Heat protection: Water deeply, raise mowing height, mulch mow, use slow-release fertiliser.
• Autumn – Recovery: Aerate, remove weeds, feed lawn, monitor for pests.
• Winter – Maintenance: Weed control, light mowing, minimal watering, late fertilising.
• Spring – Renewal: Rake, aerate, fertilise, control weeds, mow regularly.

Talk to Southern Turf

At Southern Turf, we’re more than just a turf supplier — we’re your local lawn care experts. Whether you’re planting a new lawn or reviving an existing one, we know what works in South Coast of NSW, Eurobodalla, Bega and Shoalhaven climate.

From choosing the right grass type to year-round maintenance plans, we’ll help you create a lush, sustainable lawn that stays beautiful in every season.