Winter Lawn Care Guide: What to Do (and What to Avoid) This Season
Winter has arrived, and while your lawn might not need as much attention as it does in the warmer months, there are still a few key steps you can take to keep it healthy and looking its best. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential winter lawn care dos and don’ts to help you care for your turf throughout the colder season.
Quick Navigation:
Should I raise my mowing height over winter?
Is winter a good time to service my mower?
Should I remove weeds in winter?
Should I apply lawn pigment in winter?
Can I renovate my lawn during winter?
Should I use granular fertiliser in winter?
How often should I water my lawn in winter?
Raise Your Mowing Height
During winter, it’s recommended to increase your mower height by a notch or two. Longer grass blades help capture more sunlight and nutrients, supporting overall health and colour retention. Taller grass also helps to suppress weed growth by shading the soil surface.
Service Your Lawn Mower
With lawn growth slowing down, winter is the perfect time to get your mower serviced. By having it checked and maintained now, you’ll be ready to go when spring arrives.
Control Weeds Early
Don’t wait until spring—address weeds as soon as they appear. Tackling them early reduces the risk of them spreading and going to seed. Not sure what weeds you’re dealing with? Our Ultimate Weed Guide can help with identification and treatment.
To prevent future weed outbreaks, consider using a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert or Barricade. These products stop weed seeds from germinating, giving your lawn a competitive edge.
Apply Lawn Pigment for a Winter Green-Up
If your lawn is losing its colour during winter, especially in frost-prone areas, a product like ColourGuard Plus can help. This organic pigment absorbs into the grass blade and restores a vibrant green hue—safe for all lawn types, kids, and pets. Learn more about ColourGuard Plus here.
Avoid Renovating Your Lawn
Lawn renovations such as dethatching and top dressing are best saved for spring and summer when your grass is actively growing. In winter, the slower growth makes it difficult for your lawn to recover from these more intensive tasks.
Hold Off on Granular Fertilisers
Granular fertilisers release nutrients gradually through soil moisture, but if your lawn is dormant or growing slowly, those nutrients may go to waste. Instead, opt for a liquid fertiliser like Exceed, which is absorbed through the leaf for faster results. Read more about Exceed Liquid Fertiliser here.
Don’t Overwater
In most parts of Australia, natural rainfall during winter provides sufficient moisture for your lawn. Additional watering is usually unnecessary—unless there’s a dry spell. If you notice your lawn blades curling or looking dry, a light watering may be needed. For more on this, check out our Winter Watering Guide.
By following these simple tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure your lawn stays strong and healthy throughout winter—ready to thrive again when spring rolls around.
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