Expert lawn care tips for a lush yard

The importance of lawn care

Having ‘lawn pride’ is quickly becoming a badge of honour. Lawn fans are sharing photos or videos of their prized patch of grass, celebrating each other’s turf triumphs, and offering advice on how to grow and maintain a beautiful backyard. After all, a smart-looking lawn instantly elevates a home’s kerb appeal and delivers a great deal of personal satisfaction. 

Social media has played a huge part in the growing popularity of the ‘perfect lawn’, says lawn aficionado and content creator Nathan Stafford (@nathanslawnsandgardens). “With so many people – from professionals to novices – uploading content, especially tips and transformation videos, individuals are finding it easier to maintain their lawns,” says Nathan.

With that in mind, we’ve asked some of the biggest gardening gurus and lawn influencers for their top lawn care tips to help you cultivate the best-looking grass on the street.

What’s your lawn type?

“It sounds simple, but start by identifying the type of grass in your lawn.” – Mick Hayes (@_turf_n_surf_)

Different turf types require specific care and maintenance, so it’s important to identify and understand what grass variety you’re working with in your yard. For example, a kikuyu lawn needs more sunlight than most buffalo varieties, so growing kikuyu in shade will see you fighting an uphill battle.

Tip: To help identify your lawn type, speak with one of our helpful Team Members in-store.

Regularly remove weeds

Weeds compete for nutrients, water and sunlight, and can play host to pests and diseases, ultimately weakening the grass and ruining the look of the lawn. Regularly removing weeds by hand or through the use of chemical weed killers helps to enhance lawn growth and maintain a dense, more uniform appearance of your turf.

Tip: Check out our advice on how to control weeds organically.

Keep your mower blades sharp

Sharp lawn mower blades ensure a clean cut of your grass, instead of the torn or shredded appearance that often results from using dull blades. Ragged or damaged grass tips eventually turn yellow and brown, and they are more susceptible to garden pests and diseases. Use a file to periodically sharpen lawn mower blades.

Tip: Check out our guide on how to maintain a lawn mower.

Avoid the low mow

“Only ever mow to remove one-third of the lawn blade.” – Nathan Stafford

Mowing low puts your lawn under unnecessary stress; removing too much of the leaf blade at one time limits access to sunlight. A too-short mowing height also weakens grass growth and root development. As a result, a weakened lawn is more susceptible to weeds, pests, diseases, and drought-like conditions.

For the best lawn maintenance, mow regularly (once every couple of weeks) and take off one-third of the grass blade at a time. This technique promotes healthier growth and keeps your yard looking lush. Also, avoid mowing in hot and dry conditions, or when leaf blades are wet, as this can cause stress and damage to your lawn.

Tip: Check out our advice on how to mow your lawn like a pro.

Edge your beds

“The difference is in the details – trimming the edges of your lawn has a remarkable impact on its overall appearance.” – Adam deLongville (@trustedgarden)

A clean edge takes a lawn to the next level. A defined boundary creates a sense of order in your outdoor space and shows attention to detail, further enhancing the visual appeal of the lawn. Use a line trimmer or edger for precise results. “With practice, your lawn will exhibit a polished and professional look,” says Adam.

Tip: Learn how to trim your lawn edges.

Don’t forget to aerate

“Aerating the lawn improves air circulation, water absorption and nutrient penetration.” – Mick Hayes

Over time, the soil under the lawn becomes compacted, limiting the turf’s ability to take up water, air and nutrients. Use a coring machine or a spiked aerator during the warmer months (from spring to late autumn) to create holes or air pockets in the ground to alleviate compaction. “It enhances root growth and overall lawn health,” says Mick.

If your lawn faces constant foot traffic or doubles as a parking lot, try to aerate the grass once in late spring and again in autumn. For sandy soils, aerating once a year in late spring should be adequate. 

Use a slow-release fertiliser

“Feeding the lawn promotes a lush green appearance, enhances disease resistance and helps suppress weeds.” – Adam deLongville

Fertilising provides the lawn with essential nutrients, encouraging grass blades to grow lush and thick; this gives your lawn a healthy appearance. Feed three times a year – spring, summer and autumn – with a slow-release granulated fertiliser.This will feed continuously over the season, rather than providing nutrients all at once.

Tip: We’re sharing advice on how to fertilise your lawn.

Watering your turf

“Establish a consistent watering schedule to keep your lawn adequately hydrated.” – Mick Hayes

Watering the lawn is important for growth, developing a lush green colour and maintaining overall grass health. It’s also great for building resilience against environmental challenges, like drought and moisture stress.

Tip: Remove the hassle of watering by installing an automated irrigation system; it saves you time and effort, while delivering moisture efficiently and effectively.

Want to put these lawn tips into practice?

Check out our great range of turf options to suit your outdoor space or garden.

Photo Credit: Getty Images