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How to care for your lawn in spring

Spring into action: Your ultimate guide to lush lawn care

Overview

Once the weather starts to warm, it’s time to show our lawns a little love to get them ready for a summer of outdoor enjoyment. From mowing techniques to choosing the right lawn fertilisers, we’re sharing lawn care tips for spring. 

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost, and store products out of the reach of children and pets.

Steps

1Clean up any debris and remove weeds

Give your lawn a fresh start by clearing away fallen twigs and branches. Don't forget to tackle any weeds that may hinder its growth. Weeding after rainfall is easiest, as the moist soil makes it easier to extract the roots. You can use a trowel, herbicide, or a hand weed puller to get the job done. 
Revitalise your yard as winter fades away

2Aerate your lawn

Some areas of your lawn may have become compacted during winter, especially in areas of high foot traffic. Aerating your lawn allows in oxygen, nutrients and water, so it’s an important step for ensuring your lawn’s health. 

Use a lawn aerator for larger spaces, or a garden fork or shoe fork for smaller areas. Space the holes about 10-15cm apart as you move across the lawn.  

For cool season grasses like perennial rye and fescue, aerate in early spring to encourage deep and resilient growth. If you have warm season grasses like buffalo, couch, kikuyu, or zoysia, plan to aerate in late spring.  
Revive your lawn's health with aeration techniques

3Apply a lawn booster followed by a top dressing

A lawn booster is a specialised, nutrient-rich fertiliser designed to make your grass greener and stronger, improving your lawn’s health and recovery. Apply a lawn booster, followed by a top dress mix (usually a blend of compost and soil) to improve soil structure and water retention. This combination revitalises dead patches, helps water conservation and ensures your lawn is nourished and healthy.
Discover the power of lawn boosters and top dress mix

4Scatter lawn seeds over any bare patches

If you have any dead patches or spots that need extra attention, sow some grass seed to get it up to scratch. Follow the instructions carefully. If needed, go ahead and cross-seed after the first germination. This involves applying a second round of lawn seeds after the initial germination phase, usually around 14 days later. This method ensures better coverage and promotes thicker, healthier grass growth.  

For most parts of New Zealand, spring is the prime time for growing a new lawn from seed, the mild weather offering optimal growing conditions. In cooler regions, it's best to wait until the middle of spring before sowing grass seeds.  
Unleash the power of lawn seeds

5Apply a turf starter

Give your lawn an extra boost with a turf starter. This health treatment and root booster provides the essential nutrients for new lawn seed germination and reduces transplant shock for freshly laid turf. As your lawn re-establishes its growth, remember to water it regularly and avoid walking on it until it's strong and flourishing.
Supercharge your lawn's beginning: Elevate growth with a turf starter

6Test your sprinkler system

Watering your lawn in spring can be a balancing act. When the soil retains water due to cool night temperatures, hold off on watering. However, if spring turns out to be dry and windy, it's time to give your lawn a drink. Checking the soil moisture by either testing with your finger or using a soil moisture metre will help you determine if it’s time to water. If the soil is dry, your lawn needs water; if it's moist, hold off for now.  

Spring is also the ideal time to inspect your irrigation sprinkler systems to ensure they're working efficiently and delivering water precisely where needed.
Navigating nature's quirks for a healthy yard

7Fertilise your lawn during spring

Spring is the ideal time to fertilise your lawn. It accelerates new grass growth, strengthens root development, and enhances the lawn's colour. 

If you reside in cooler regions, consider using a liquid fertiliser until mid-spring when soil temperatures rise. In warmer regions, a granular NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) fertiliser is an excellent choice. Granular fertilisers gradually break down over time, providing a longer period of nourishment.  

To determine the best NPK fertiliser for you, consider the grass type and growth stage. Different grass types will require varying nutrient levels. Check the NPK ratio on the fertiliser packaging and choose the one that aligns with your lawn's requirements. If unsure, conduct a soil test to identify any deficiencies and tailor the fertiliser accordingly. 
One time fertilisation for stunning results

8Mow regularly

Mow your lawn every two to three weeks to encourage growth, and then more often as required. When it comes to mowing, timing and height matter. In winter and spring, it’s essential to maintain a longer grass length and mow less frequently. This approach prevents potential damage like scalping and browning. Scalping is cutting the grass too short during lawn mowing, leaving the crown exposed and weakening the grass. Browning occurs when grass blades turn brown or yellow, usually due to lack of water or nutrient deficiencies. 

As spring arrives, bring out your lawn mower and give it a thorough sterilisation to prevent weed contamination from autumn. Use quick-drying methylated spirits, which won't harm your lawn. Remember to clean the mower catcher box, ensuring it's fresh for the new season.
Masterful mowing: Spring lawn care tips for timing and length

9For more seasonal lawn care tips...

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.