How to Care for your Lawn in Winter, Summer, Autumn & Spring
Just like the rest of your garden, your lawn behaves differently across the seasons. Growth speeds up, slows down, toughens up or takes a breather — depending on the time of year.
Of course, climate and soil types vary across Australia, so results can differ depending on where you live. But this easy seasonal guide will help you give your lawn what it needs, when it needs it.
Feeding
Fertilising your lawn across the seasons
Regular feeding is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your lawn strong, green and growing well.
Ideally, lawns should be fertilised three times a year — spring, summer and autumn. But if once a year is more your pace, make it spring.
Using a quality, slow-release lawn fertiliser has some big advantages:
- Fertilising the average lawn takes around 10 minutes
- One application can feed your lawn for up to three months
- Slow-release formulas reduce the risk of nutrient runoff into surrounding soil, waterways and bushland
- Concentrated formulas give excellent coverage from a small bag
A little feed really does go a long way.
watering
Watering your lawn across the seasons
A well-fed, regularly maintained lawn will cope with dry conditions far better than one that’s neglected.
If your lawn is larger than a small courtyard and local water restrictions allow, consider switching from hand watering to a sprinkler system. It saves time and makes consistent watering much easier.
Choose a quality sprinkler:
- Look for adjustable spray patterns so you’re not watering paths or driveways
- Use a tap timer so you don’t forget to turn it off
- If water struggles to soak in, use a soil wetter
SPRING
Spring lawn tasks
Most lawns grown in Australia are warm-season grasses, which slow right down over winter. As spring arrives, lawns often look thin, pale or patchy — but the good news is they’re about to bounce back.
Fertilise
Spring is the most important feeding time of the year. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to kickstart growth and set your lawn up for summer. If you only fertilise once a year, do it now.
Watch watering
Spring weather can be unpredictable. Nights are still cool and soils may hold moisture longer than expected. Push your finger into the soil — if it’s still damp, hold off watering.
Mowing
Get your mower serviced and blades sharpened. If you’ve been mowing with a catcher over winter, now’s the time to switch back to mulch mowing. See more tips on mowing in our Complete Guide to Lawn Care.
Weed Watch
Weeds wake up in spring too. Thickening your lawn with fertiliser helps crowd them out naturally. If weeds are already present, use Scotts Lawn Builder + WeedKill (check suitability for your lawn type — especially Buffalo).
Always read the label before use.
SUMMER
Summer lawn task
Summer is the toughest season for lawns, with heat, wind and dry conditions all at play. You can’t control the weather — but you can help your lawn cope.
Fertilise
Apply a second slow-release feed in early summer, about three months after spring feeding. Avoid fertilising once daytime temperatures consistently reach 30°C or higher.
Get water-wise
Water early in the morning so moisture reaches the roots before heat and evaporation kick in. Evening watering can increase humidity and fungal risk. If watering is restricted, use a soil wetter to help water go further.
Mowing
Raise the cutting height to leave grass slightly longer. This shades the soil, cools roots and reduces moisture loss. Mulch mowing helps insulate the lawn and reduce evaporation. Mow early or late in the day to avoid scorching.
Weed watch
Some weeds thrive in summer. Take care with weed control products during hot weather. Scotts Lawn Builder Weed, Feed & Green Up is designed to work while watering, even in warmer conditions.
Always check suitability for your lawn type.
Visit our Summer Lawn Care guide for more tips on lawn maintenance this summer.
AUTUMN
Autumn lawn tasks
As temperatures cool, lawns (and gardeners!) get some welcome relief. Autumn is all about repairing summer damage and preparing your lawn for winter.
Watering
Don’t forget windy days can dry lawns just as quickly as hot ones. Make the most of rain or water regularly.
Mowing
Growth slows, so mowing becomes less frequent. Keep fallen leaves cleared to maximise sunlight.
Tip:
If leaves are the issue rather than grass height, raise the mower to its highest setting, fit the catcher and use it like a vacuum.
Aerating
Aeration helps improve air and water movement in the soil. A garden fork works well for most lawns, but clay soils benefit from a hollow-tined aerator. Every couple of years is usually enough.
Top-dressing
Apply a mix of sand, loam and organic matter after aerating to improve drainage and soil structure.
Weed watch
Bindii starts growing in autumn. Treat now to avoid painful prickles later. Use Scotts Lawn Builder Weed, Feed & Green Up.
Read the label to confirm suitability.
WINTER
Winter lawn tasks
Across much of Australia, lawns slow right down in winter, with minimal maintenance required.
Watering
Winter can still be dry. Check moisture deep in the thatch before watering. Water in the morning — afternoon watering before cold nights can cause frost damage.
Mowing
Most lawns only need mowing two or three times over winter. Switch to catching rather than mulching to reduce fungal risk. Keep leaves cleared and trim overhanging branches to improve light.
Aerating
Compaction can be an issue in winter. Aeration helps improve water, oxygen and nutrient movement into the soil.
Weed watch
Most weeds are dormant, but bindii and some broadleaf weeds can still be treated with Scotts Lawn Builder Weed, Feed & Green Up.
Top tip
The most conspicuous weed is likely to be Winter Grass. Winter Grass stands out as bright green clumps. It’s best removed by hand — selective lawn weeders won’t control it. Use a daisy grubber to remove the plant and roots, then dispose of it in your green waste bin.
Check lawn variety suitability before use.
Discover more on Scotts YouTube channel
Looking for more lawn care tips to keep your lawn healthy throughout the year? Visit our YouTube channel for all your essential lawn tips and tricks.
