Frequently Asked
Spring Grass
Questions
🌸 Spring Lawn Care Canberra: FAQ Guide
Q1: What are the essential spring lawn care steps in Canberra?
A: As Canberra thaws, your lawn needs a focused spring routine to rebalance and prepare for summer:
Clean up debris - rake away leaves, twigs and wintery thatch to prevent mould and improve soil aeration.
Aerate compacted areas - core aeration creates air pockets that boost nutrient, water, and oxygen intake.
Apply balanced fertiliser - a light spring fertiliser with nitrogen supports new growth without overwhelming the lawn.
Overseed or patch bare spots - sow quality grass seed after aeration to promote density and a fresh spring look.
Early weed control - apply selective or pre‑emergent herbicides (e.g. Oxafert) before weeds establish.
Q2: When should I aerate in spring Canberra?
A: Aim for late August to early September, when the soil is warming but not yet dry. Bunnings and local experts agree – aerate before fertilising or seeding to maximise nutrient uptake.
Q3: What mowing adjustments should I make this spring?
A: Follow these mowing best practices:
Start mowing once the grass consistently grows above 5 cm.
Cut only one-third of the leaf blade to avoid stress (Southern Living "one-third rule").
Mow in mid-morning or late afternoon when grass is dry; wet mowing risks uneven cuts and disease (Southern Living & The Spruce).
Q4: Can I water my lawn in spring?
A: Yes, but sparingly. Rely on rainfall first; supplement with early-morning, deep watering (once per week, 10–15 mm). Overwatering can lead to fungus if the soil stays damp overnight.
Q5: Which fertiliser should I use in spring Canberra?
A: A balanced NPK fertiliser fuels green growth. Lawnpride and Yates recommend a spring-specific formula. Slow-release options with some potassium and iron are ideal for early season colour without promoting fast stress-prone growth.
Q6: When should I apply pre-emergent weed control?
A: Apply pre-emergent treatments in early spring to block weed seeds before germination. Products like Oxafert last several weeks; the ideal timing is late winter to early spring.
Q7: Is it safe to overseed in spring?
A: Yes! Spring is ideal for overseeding since warm-season grasses will grow quickly. Prepare by aerating/dethatching, choose quality seed, and keep the area lightly watered until established .
Q8: What pests should I watch for in spring?
A: Look for early armyworm, black beetle, or grub signs, birds digging or random bare patches. Catching pests early allows for targeted treatment before summer damage occurs (Turf Farm spring tips).
Q9: Is wetting agent use necessary in spring?
A: If your soil was dry or hydrophobic over winter, applying a wetting agent before spring watering helps evenly saturate the root zone and avoid shallow watering issues.
Q10: Can I upgrade my lawn in spring?
A: Yes - spring is perfect for minor renovations:
Spot seed sparingly or lay turf rolls in small patches if soil and weather conditions allow.
Major lawn overhauls are best saved for autumn, but small touch-ups spring well during warmer stabilising weather.
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Helpful knowledge
A professional lawn care program removes the guesswork from maintaining a healthy lawn in Canberra. In this guide, Nikolai from The Lawn Firm explains how structured seasonal treatments, soil care, fertilising, weed prevention, and pest monitoring work together to deliver long-term results. Learn why planned lawn care outperforms one-off treatments and how a consistent program keeps lawns stronger, greener, and easier to manage year-round.
Hydrophobic soil is a major cause of dry patch in Canberra lawns. In this guide, Nikolai from The Lawn Firm explains why clay soils become water-repellent, how to identify dry patch quickly, and the proven process to restore even moisture using aeration, wetting agents, correct watering, and light top dressing. Learn how to stop water runoff, rebuild root depth, and prevent dry patch returning year after year.
Clay soil drainage is one of the biggest challenges for Canberra lawns. In this guide, Nikolai from The Lawn Firm explains how to identify drainage problems, why clay soils behave the way they do, and how aeration, soil amendments, top dressing, and correct watering restore oxygen and root health. Learn how to stop water pooling, reduce disease and pests, and build a stronger, easier lawn suited to Canberra conditions.
Thatch build-up is a hidden cause of many Canberra lawn problems, from dry patch and pests to poor growth and disease. In this guide, Nikolai from The Lawn Firm explains how to identify excessive thatch, when it should be removed, and how dethatching, aeration, and light top dressing restore healthy soil contact. Learn how correct mowing, watering, and seasonal care stop thatch returning and keep lawns easier to manage year-round.
Stop seasonal weeds before they start. In this Canberra-focused guide, I explain how pre-emergent works, the exact timing I use for winter and summer weeds, and the step-by-step method that locks in an even barrier—prep, precise application, and correct water-in. Pair it with steady feeding, aeration, wetting agents, and good mowing for fewer weeds and easier lawn care.
Sod webworm thins Canberra lawns fast after warm nights. In this guide, I show you how to confirm caterpillars with a simple soap flush, stop fresh feeding with a well-timed treatment, and repair damage with light top dressing, overseeding, and a gentle feed. I also set out the prevention plan, steady mowing height, seasonal fertilising, aeration, wetting agents, and morning deep watering, so outbreaks are less likely next time.
Bindii turns Canberra lawns prickly in spring and summer. In this guide, I show you how to spot it early, prevent it with better mowing height, aeration, wetting agents, and steady feeding, and control active patches before burrs harden. I also cover aftercare, light top dressing, overseeding, and deep watering to keep dense turf bindii-free.
Lawn thinning fast in Canberra? I break down the three big culprits, curl grubs, armyworm, and sod webworm, and show you how I confirm activity (patch-pull, soap-flush, night checks), prevent outbreaks with a solid ACT-ready program, and repair damage step by step. Clear timing, local watering rules, and a simple recovery sequence make pest control straightforward.
Catsear (flatweed) looks like dandelion but spreads faster and hides from the mower. In this Canberra-focused guide, I show you how to identify it quickly, prevent outbreaks with better mowing height, aeration, wetting agents, and steady feeding, and control active rosettes before they flower. I also cover aftercare, light top dressing and overseeding, so dense turf shuts catsear out.
Moss takes over where grass is weak, shade, compaction, and surface water are the usual triggers in Canberra. In this guide, I show you how to identify moss quickly, fix the cause with light, drainage, aeration, smarter watering, and better mowing, then remove existing moss and rebuild density with top dressing, overseeding, and steady feeding.
Just laid new turf in Canberra? The first 6–8 weeks decide everything. In this guide, I walk you through a simple, Canberra-specific plan for establishing new lawn: how to water within ACT’s Permanent Water Conservation Measures, when to mow for the first time, when to fertilise, and how to manage traffic, weeds, and early problems. Follow my week-by-week steps for watering, mowing, feeding, and soil care.
Struggling with thin, patchy grass under trees or beside fences? In this Canberra-focused guide, I explain how I assess shade, choose the right grass types, and adjust mowing, watering, fertilising, and soil work so lawns in low light stay greener and thicker for longer. I also cover how to deal with tree roots, leaf build-up, weeds, and moss, and when it makes sense to switch from lawn to another surface.
Dog urine spots are a nitrogen problem, not a pH problem. In this Canberra-ready guide, I show you how to confirm urine burn fast, flush fresh spots within Icon Water rules, and repair dead patches with top dressing and overseeding. Then I outline a prevention plan: hydration, toilet-zone training, steady feeding, and dense turf, so your lawn holds its colour.
Brown rings, coin-sized spots, or orange dust on your grass? In this Canberra-focused guide, I show you how to identify dollar spot, brown patch, and rust, fix the cause with better watering, aeration, dethatching, and nutrition, and apply targeted control when needed. I also cover quick repairs, light top dressing and overseeding, so your turf recovers fast and stays healthy through Canberra’s seasons.
Paspalum, summer grass, and crowsfoot spread fast in Canberra’s warm months. In this guide, I show you how to spot each weed quickly, prevent outbreaks with better mowing height, aeration, wetting agents, and spring pre-emergent, and control active clumps before they seed. I also cover aftercare, raking, light top dressing, overseeding, and steady feeding, so thick turf shuts weeds out.
Nutgrass shoots past your lawn and spreads by hidden tubers, pulling the tops only makes it worse. In this Canberra-focused guide, I show you how to confirm nutgrass fast, fix the wet spots that cause it, and remove or control it with a simple, repeatable plan.
Dandelions spread fast in Canberra lawns through deep taproots and wind-blown seed. In this guide, I show you how to identify them quickly, remove them without snapping the root, and stop regrowth with a simple sequence: raise mowing height, feed for density, core aerate, improve watering with wetting agents, and overseed thin zones.
Onion weed spreads fast in Canberra lawns through stubborn bulbs and bulblets. In this guide, I show you how to identify it quickly (crush test, hollow leaves), remove it without spreading, and stop regrowth with the right sequence, careful lifting, repeat checks, light top dressing, overseeding, core aeration, wetting agents, and steady feeding. Keep the canopy dense and onion weed out.
Capeweed spreads fast in Canberra lawns, forming flat rosettes and bright yellow flowers that smother turf. In this guide, I show you how to spot capeweed early, prevent outbreaks with overseeding, aeration, fertilising, and higher mowing, and control active weeds before they set seed. I also cover aftercare, raking, light top dressing, overseeding, and fertilising, so healthy grass fills the gaps.
Thatch makes Canberra lawns spongy, patchy, and hard to wet. In this step-by-step guide, I show you when to dethatch, how deep to set the blades, and how to recover fast with aeration, light top dressing, overseeding, wetting agents, and a gentle feed. Follow my Canberra-tested sequence for even results and a stronger lawn, without the guesswork. Let The Lawn Firm handle the heavy lifting.
Creeping oxalis spreads fast in Canberra lawns, but you can stop it with the right plan. In this guide, I show you how to identify oxalis quickly, prevent it with better mowing, feeding, aeration, and wetting agents, and control active patches before they flower. I also cover aftercare, light top dressing, overseeding, and steady watering, so dense turf keeps oxalis out. For reliable results without the trial and error, let The Lawn Firm represent your lawn.
White flowers and flat, three-leaf clusters taking over your lawn? That’s clover. In this Canberra-focused guide, I show you how to identify clover fast, explain why it spreads in thin, compacted turf, and outline a simple plan to prevent and remove it, raise mowing height, feed for density, core-aerate, improve watering with wetting agents, and use targeted broadleaf control before flowering. For reliable results without the trial and error, let The Lawn Firm represent your lawn.
Seeing pale-green clumps with tiny white seed heads through winter? That’s winter grass. In this guide, I show Canberra homeowners how to identify winter grass fast, block germination with well-timed pre-emergent, and stop spread with the right mowing height, deep watering, aeration, and overseeding. For reliable prevention and control, let The Lawn Firm represent your lawn.
Hydrophobic soil makes Canberra lawns repel water and turn patchy. In this guide, Nikolai from The Lawn Firm explains clear, simple fixes: aeration, wetting agents, light top dressing, and a smarter watering plan. Stop the runoff. Get water to the roots. Keep your lawn green and easy to maintain, without the guesswork.
Spot, stop, and prevent African Black Beetle in Canberra lawns with my clear, step-by-step guide. I explain how to identify adult beetles and curl grubs, the tell-tale signs (brown patches, spongy turf, birds digging), and why a spring preventative treatment beats a summer scramble. For reliable results and less stress, let The Lawn Firm handle your lawn grub control in Canberra.
Thicken thin or patchy turf fast with overseeding tailored to Canberra’s climate. In this step-by-step guide, I walk you through timing, prep, seed choice, watering, and early care, plus the pro tips I use to get even, reliable coverage across ACT lawns. Pair overseeding with aeration, light top dressing, and a gentle feed for the best results. Leave the heavy lifting to the experts - let The Lawn Firm represent your lawn.
Level bumps, fix thin patches, and boost soil health with top dressing tailored to Canberra conditions. In this guide, Nikolai from The Lawn Firm explains when to top dress, what mix to use, and the exact steps for smooth, thick, healthy turf, plus why pairing top dressing with aeration, overseeding, and a light feed delivers the best results. Leave the hard work to the experts and enjoy a level lawn, fast.
Struggling with compacted soil or patchy grass? Discover how lawn aeration can revitalise your Canberra lawn from the roots up. In this expert guide, Nikolai from The Lawn Firm explains when and how to aerate, why core aeration works best for Canberra’s clay-heavy soils, and how professional lawn care services take the guesswork out of the process. Learn what tools to use, what aftercare to apply, and how to time aeration for maximum results. Let The Lawn Firm represent your lawn and bring it back to life - one plug at a time.
Transform your tired Canberra lawn into lush, green turf with this step-by-step renovation guide from Nikolai at The Lawn Firm. Learn exactly when to renovate, how to assess and prepare soil, the best turf choices for ACT conditions, and how to overseed, top-dress, and water for optimal results. Discover the benefits of professional guidance versus a DIY approach and how our expert aftercare keeps your lawn healthy for years to come.
Winter lawn care in Canberra isn’t about doing nothing, it’s about doing the right things. In this article, Nikolai from The Lawn Firm shares practical tips to help you protect and strengthen your lawn during the colder months. Learn how to mow less, water wisely, control weeds, and prepare your soil, so your lawn wakes up stronger in spring.