Seasonal Lawn Care for Adelaide South Australia
Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means that it experiences hot summers, mild winters, and low to moderate rainfall throughout the year. If you're a homeowner in Adelaide, you know that your lawn requires different care during different seasons to keep it healthy and green. Here's a guide to lawn care by season in Adelaide.
Spring (September - November):
Mow your lawn to a height of about 3cm to remove any dead grass and promote new growth.
Aerate your lawn to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the soil. Spring is the best time to do this in Adelaide.
Apply a slow-release fertiliser to promote growth and green up your lawn.
Water your lawn deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.
Treat any weeds with a selective herbicide that won't harm your grass.
Summer (December - February):
Water your lawn deeply and infrequently, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation.
Raise your mower blade to leave your grass slightly longer to help it withstand the heat and drought conditions.
Apply a slow-release fertiliser at the beginning of summer.
Monitor for pests such as lawn grubs, and treat with an appropriate insecticide if necessary.
Consider using shade cloth to protect your lawn from intense sunlight.
Autumn (March - May):
Aerate your lawn again in autumn to prepare it for the cooler months.
Remove any fallen leaves to prevent them from suffocating your lawn.
Apply a fertiliser high in potassium to help your lawn cope with the cooler weather.
Monitor for pests such as lawn grubs, and treat with an appropriate insecticide if necessary.
Overseed any bare patches with a suitable grass seed to help thicken up your lawn.
Winter (June - August):
Mow your lawn less frequently and to a higher height to protect it from the cold.
Apply a slow-release fertiliser in late winter to prepare your lawn for the upcoming spring growth.
Avoid walking on your lawn when it's wet or frozen to prevent damage.
Monitor for pests such as armyworms and cutworms, and treat with an appropriate insecticide if necessary.
Consider using a winter grass, such as rye grass, to maintain a green lawn throughout the winter months.
In terms of pest control, it's important to identify the type of pest you have before choosing a treatment method. For lawn grubs, for example, you can use a product containing the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole. For armyworms and cutworms, you can use a product containing the active ingredient bifenthrin. It's also important to follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
When it comes to aeration, it's generally recommended to do this once or twice a year. Spring and autumn are ideal times to aerate your lawn in Adelaide, as this helps to prepare your lawn for the growing season.