How to care for your lawn in spring

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. 

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.  

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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.