G’day, Nikolai here from The Lawn Firm. Winter in Canberra brings freezing nights, frosts, and slower lawn growth. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore your grass. In fact, what you do in winter can set the stage for a lush, healthy lawn come spring. Here’s how I guide my clients to care for their lawns through Canberra’s coldest months.

Understand What Happens to Your Lawn in Winter

Most lawns in Canberra, like Buffalo, Couch, and Kikuyu, are warm-season grasses. That means they go dormant or slow right down during winter:

Growth slows or stops completely
Colour fades to a dull green or brown
The lawn becomes more vulnerable to weeds and compaction

This is normal. The key is to support your lawn quietly while it rests.

Mow Less, But Keep It Clean

You don’t need to mow much in winter, but don’t let the grass get too long:

Mow only when needed, usually every 4 to 6 weeks
Keep your mower blades sharp to avoid damaging slower-growing grass
Remove any fallen leaves or debris that could smother the lawn and invite disease

Ease Up on the Watering

With Canberra’s winter rain and reduced evaporation, most lawns need little to no extra water:

Water only if it’s been dry for an extended period
Always water in the morning to avoid overnight moisture and potential fungus

Watch Out for Weeds

Because your lawn is growing slowly, weeds can take over quickly:

Common winter weeds include Winter Grass, Creeping Oxalis, and Clover
Winter is an ideal time to apply a broadleaf weed treatment

We build weed control into our winter treatment packages to stop weeds from gaining ground.

Strengthen Soil and Roots

Now’s a good time to focus on your soil:

Apply a soil conditioner or wetting agent to improve water absorption and prep for spring
Consider a potassium-rich fertiliser to strengthen roots without promoting top growth

These help set your lawn up for a strong comeback when the weather warms.

Let The Lawn Firm Handle the Rest

Winter might feel like a break from lawn care, but it’s actually a key time to prepare for spring. At The Lawn Firm, we help Canberra homeowners with seasonal treatment plans that take the guesswork out of lawn care.

We stay on top of what your lawn needs, even when it’s dormant, so it stays weed-free, strong, and ready to grow when spring hits.