How To Make My Lawn Really Green!

A green lawn is the result of a number of factors; does your lawn get regular sunshine? Does your lawn get excessive amounts of rain? Do you treat your lawn with fertiliser? Do you regularly thatch your lawn? This list goes on.

Below are a few tips on getting that lawn of yours GREEN.

1. Dethatch your lawn

Scalping and dethatching involves giving your lawn a low mow to remove the excess build-up of thatch (a layer of living and dead organic matter that sits between the green matter and the soil surface – usually due to poor soil aeration and drainage). Scalping can also be done to reduce the height of your lawn, especially if it has grown too long in between mows, or during a lawn renovation.

Scalping/dethatching is beneficial when done in spring and summer. Removing this thatch layer will help aid more nutrients and air reach your soil profile so it can more effectively feed your lawn. It will also help allow for proper drainage, helping prevent the risk of fungal issues.

2. Fertilize accordingly

Although the right amount of fertiliser can provide a perfect boost to your lawn, over-fertilising can burn roots or/and shoots if overapplied.

The amount of fertiliser required comes down to amount of nitrogen in the fertiliser, and the size of your lawn area. The table below from university of new Hampshire can be a useful guide as a rule of thumb:

3. 
   Mow with a well-serviced lawn mower

Please see our blog post on servicing your lawn mower here.

4. Mow your lawn regularly and properly

Make sure your lawn is dry before mowing, and ensure your mower blades are sharp. It’s important to be consistent when mowing your lawn, but never cut more than 1/3 of the lead blade of your lawn in one mowing session.

Please see Lawn Solutions Australia’s rule of thumb below:

Green couch: 5 to 30mm

Buffalo grass (Sir Walter): 30 to 50mm

Kikuyu: 30 to 50mm

Zoysia matrella (Sir Grange): 5 to unmown

Queensland blue couch: 5 to 30mm

Broadleaf carpet grass: 30 to 50mm

Hybrid Bermuda (TifTuf): 5 to 30mm

Fescue: 30 to 50mm

5. Get rid of your weeds

A standard weed killer would be Roundup Concentrate. It kills a range of difficult-to-kill weeds and is rainproof after 2 hours, a great benefit if you’re treating weeds pre-Spring. Please ensure you’re across safe use of this product and read safety directions.

6. Aerate your lawn

Aeration is the process of breaking down the layer of thatch that may have built up in your lawn during the Winter months. This allows for nutrition to get down, deep into the soils underneath your lawn. This should be considered if you’ve also had a lot of activity on your lawn e.g lots of foot traffic.

As a starting point, you can use your garden fork to poke holes throughout your lawn.

7. Make your lawn level

If you have small dips or holes, they can be top dressed. Once you’ve top dressed, leave the newly added soil to settle for a few days then spread any seed.

8. Paint it

Yes, you read that correctly. If all else fails, and you need to ensure your grass is green, we recommend Lawn Solutions Australia’s ColourGuard. It’s a natural looking lawn paint that contains plant based pigments and is 100% natural (safe for plants and pets).

If you have any questions on our tips for a green lawn, please let us know.