With lawns remaining popular with Perth households and providing pleasant, cool surroundings and a safe playing area the maintenance of lawns becomes vital. With this in mind, mowing your lawn regularly at the correct height for different lawns becomes a major part of growing a healthy lawn.

Frequency

One of the frequently asked questions is how often should my lawns be cut? In Australia we have warm climate lawns so during the growing seasons of Spring and Summer the lawns should be mowed every 7-14 days and extended out to monthly in Winter.

Most contractors generally use cylinder or reel mowers preferably as they cut the grass cleanly whereas rotary mowers may slash and bruise the leaves. In saying this most home owners that use a rotary mowers do an acceptable job. It is important whatever mower you use to collect the clippings as to lessen the thatch build up in the lawn. In small amounts thatch provides some give in the surface making it suitable for play but as more and more accumulates the management of the lawn becomes difficult. Not only collecting your clippings helps reduce thatch, cutting your lawns at a correct height, not over watering and fertilising play a significant part in the managing your lawns.

Watering and Fertilising

Another frequently asked question is how much and how often to water? With our water restrictions in Western Australia you are only allowed to water 2 days a week if you are using the scheme water, and you will find it hard to maintain your lawn growing and looking good during the heat of Summer. With this in mind you may have to hand water in between your sprinkler days. If you have a bore you have a better chance keeping your lawn looking good as you are allowed to water 3 days a week.

Some people think they have to water daily in Summer, but longer less frequent watering helps promote deeper roots, a more drought tolerant and healthier lawn. Also applying wetting agents twice a year, aerating your lawn and regular fertilising all combines to give you a great looking lawn.

We use Baileys Fertilisers and wetting agents and on our lawns and gardens. Remember a little often is better than a lot all at once which will only give you rapid growth and thatch. There are many different types of fertilisers to use during the growing season, don’t hesitate to ask us for our advice.