Australians love a bit of lawn, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a basic requirement for a spot of backyard cricket, a Christmas barbecue, a game with the dog or even just somewhere to unwind in the shade of a tree with a good book.
But lawns can get a bad rap. Many people think the ongoing maintenance and upkeep is too much, and that they need a range of synthetic chemicals and fertilisers just to look good. Fortunately, that’s not the case. With a few simple, achievable tips you can get your lawn looking at peak performance organically.
Aerating
Is your lawn sporting a few bald patches? Lawns can get worn out in areas of high use, generally around heavily trafficked areas like next to the barbecue or the bottom of the steps. Over time all this foot traffic slowly compresses the soil, making it harder for the lawn to put down roots and grow.
It’s an easy fix, and something you should get into the habit of doing to your entire lawn once a year. The easiest way is to take a garden fork, press into the lawn about halfway down the tines, and gently lift the turf to create air pockets in the soil that allow water and nutrient to penetrate. Aerating soil allows the grass roots to penetrate more deeply, helping them outcompete weeds.
Dethatching
Over time, dead material from the lawn can accumulate within the lawn itself. This can form a matted ‘thatch’, which can prevent water, air and fertiliser penetrating into the soil.
Lawns will respond well to an annual dethatching. Using a heavy rake, thoroughly rake over the surface of the entire lawn to drag out dead material. What’s pulled out can then be composted.
Mowing
Mowing is essential maintenance. Not only does it keep the lawn low enough to walk over, continual cutting triggers the grass into new growth. But there is something as too much of a good thing.
Mowing too low or too frequently creates bald patches that makes it easy for weeds to take hold.
Mowers are adjustable in height, and should be raised to let your grass grow a little longer and lusher. Don’t cut below about 5cm, especially in summer. This creates a thicker, healthier sward that will shade out invasive weeds. It also traps more evaporation and dew, keeping the soil moist for longer.
Fertilising
Lawn grasses are fast-growing, active plants. This means they need to be fed regularly, to keep up with the rapid pace of their growth. There’s a whole galaxy of commercial products out there you can buy, but for a backyard lawn all you really need is some pelletised chicken manure.
Apply it four times a year at a rate of one handful per square metre. An easy reminder is to do it at the changing of each season. Not only will the turf love it, over time it will build up the soil, resulting in more resilient and healthier turf in the long run.
Weeding
Weeds will often arrive and take hold in the fertile grounds you’ve provided for your lawn. It’s important you don’t let them get established to the point of seeding; the old gardening saying of “one year’s seed is seven years weed” is particularly true for lawns.
Weeds can outcompete turf grass over the cooler months, so it is always best to hand remove any weeds when they appear. It may feel laborious but you’re saving yourself work in the long run. Keeping your lawn well fertilised and watered will help it outcompete weeds.
Do you have any lawn care tips to add? Why not share them in the comments section below?
Also read: Busting our favourite native plant myths
