Spring is when Auckland lawns wake up. As the soil warms through September and October, grass starts growing fast, and so do the weeds. A little work now sets your lawn up for a thick, green summer. Here's what we recommend.
Once growth picks up, most Auckland lawns need mowing every one to two weeks. Never cut off more than a third of the grass height in one go. Cutting too short stresses the lawn, lets light reach weed seeds and leaves bare patches when summer dries things out.
Broadleaf weeds such as clover, dandelion and onehunga weed (bindii) appear in spring. Onehunga weed is the one that leaves prickles in bare feet in summer, so it's worth treating before it sets seed. Pull small patches by hand, or use a selective lawn weed spray and follow the label carefully.
A spring feed with a lawn fertiliser gives grass the boost it needs to thicken up and crowd out weeds. Apply it when rain is forecast or water it in, and always follow the rate on the packet. Too much can burn the lawn.
Spring is a good time to sow seed. Rough up bare patches with a rake, sprinkle lawn seed suited to your lawn type, cover lightly with soil and keep it damp until it's established.
Crisp edges along paths, driveways and garden beds make the whole section look sharper. It's also a good time to lay weed mat in garden beds before the summer weeds take hold.
Hedges put on a burst of growth in spring. A light trim now keeps them dense and in shape, and makes summer trims quicker.
Kaler Mowing & Yard Solutions looks after lawns, hedges and gardens across Auckland, 7 days a week. Get a free quote for regular mowing or a one-off spring tidy-up.