Put The Spring Back Into The Lawn!

Spring is an exciting time for gardening with the growth of new foliage and blooming flowers. It is also the perfect time to up the ante on curb appeal if you are looking to put your property on the market. The first thing a buyer will notice is the plush lawn in the front yard and the last thing he will remember is the beautiful and well kept backyard. Therefore, it is the perfect time to show your waking lawn a bit of TLC and spruce it up. Today on the blog, Joel Hawkins from Australia’s garden expert, Victa, offers his top tips to take care of the lawn and put the spring back into the garden.

Clear Debris

Start by clearing the lawn of any fallen leaves and branches. It is best to do this when conditions are dry as moisture will make leaves and debris stick to the lawn. While a good ol’ rake will do the job, a leaf blower or vacuum will speed up the process. “Make sure the lawn is clean from anything that’s too large for the leaf blower or vacuum to handle, such as larger branches and sticks,” says Joel Hawkins, Victa Category Manager, Lawn and Garden Products. 

Tackle Weeds
It’s best to get rid of weeds while they’re young and their roots are still weak; at this stage they can be removed by hand. Once weeds have taken hold they have to be dug up, leaving unsightly, grass-free patches in the lawn. A light application of weed killer is a good idea to prevent further sprouting, but be careful not to overdo it as this can burn the grass.

Aerate the Lawn
Give the grass a boost in spring by aerating the lawn. This will promote new root growth as air, water and nutrients can circulate freely. As a result, the plant roots will be strengthened and will grow more vigorous and dense, helping the lawn withstand the warmer temperatures to come. “Aerating can be done using a garden fork. Dig the fork 10cm into the soil and gently move it back and forth. For larger lawns, save time by hiring an aerating machine from a local hardware store or machinery hire centre,” says Joel. Avoid aerating during high heat as this will dry the soil and stress the lawn.

Mow the Lawn

It is advisable to cut the grass regularly with a mower that has sharp blades to keep the lawn looking healthy. Joel recommends mowing the lawn at least once a fortnight. “Infrequent mowing can cause a lawn to become stalky and less attractive,” says Joel. “Use a line trimmer for garden borders and hard to reach places.” Look out for any problem areas, such as bare spots where new lawn needs to be planted or high-traffic areas where fertiliser can be used to improve the grass.

Fertilise
Apply fertiliser to the lawn to break winter dormancy and give the lawn a helping hand. A slow-release fertiliser will help the grass grow stronger and healthier in preparation for stressful summer conditions. Know which fertiliser will work best with the lawn and soil type. Visit a local garden centre to choose from many different fertilisers including organic, chemical, granular or liquid.

Garden Tools at the Ready
Gardening equipment and power tools should be maintained to function at their best for easy and fuss-free gardening. Joel suggests sharpening the lawn mower blades to ensure a clean cut and to help the grass recover after every mow. Replace the mower oil to keep the engine running smoothly and to extend the life of the machine. Check the cutting line of the trimmer. Over time the line will weaken, causing it to break easily. Joel recommends visiting a Victa Gold Dealer for expert lawn care advice and all lawn mower servicing needs. 

Top tips indeed from the Australia's leading experts in garden and lawn care on how to spruce up the lawn and bring it back to life so that you can enjoy those long summer days outdoors!

Till next time... put the spring back into your lawn!

xox

Rani

FOLLOW LA MAISON JOLIE ON INSTAGRAM

IMAGES VIA VICTA