Whether you’re caring for a brand-new lawn or looking to revive a tired patch of turf, knowing how to maintain it properly is the key to a healthy, lush result that will be the envy of your neighbours.
We’ll walk you through five essential lawn care steps to help you grow and maintain green, vibrant and weed-free grass all year round.
Five important steps to keep your lawn looking and feeling great
Wondering how to look after your lawn? Let’s dive in!
Water: The Foundation of Lawn Health
Like all living things, the most important ingredient in lawn maintenance is water. It might seem simple enough, but getting it right is a fine art. While many turf varieties are labelled 'drought-tolerant', don't be fooled. Your lawn will never look its best without proper watering.
Here are some tips to help:
- In Queensland, we always recommend watering in the early morning. Watering before the sun makes itself known in the morning gives the moisture a chance to sink deep into the soil without evaporating. It also allows the grass to dry during the day, which reduces the risk of diseases and fungal growth.
- Aim for deep watering twice a week during dry seasons for about 15 minutes each time, so you reach those deep roots.
- Avoid shallow watering as it results in weak roots and leaves your turf vulnerable to stress and weeds.
Watering Tip by Turf Type:
- Sir Walter and Soft Leaf Buffalo love regular deep watering.
- Zoysia is drought-tolerant but thrives with a consistent schedule.
- Couch varieties like Wintergreen need slightly more frequent watering in warmer months.
Watering to this plan promotes a deep root system, giving your lawn every chance to survive through drier spells and remain lush year-round.
Read more of our lawn watering tips.Fertiliser: Feed Your Lawn
A healthy lawn needs fuel. Applying fertiliser gives your grass the essential nutrients it needs for lush growth and deep green colour.
- Use a well-balanced, slow-release fertiliser three times a year: early spring, early summer and mid-autumn.
- Choose the right product: granular for long-lasting impact, liquid for a quick green-up, or organic for a gentler approach.
- Fertilising at the right time builds a dense root system that naturally resists weeds and other lawn diseases.
Bonus: Fertilised lawns often need less weed control and pest control due to their improved resilience.
Lawn Mowing: Timing, Techniques and Tools
Lawn mowing isn't purely about aesthetics (though this is a great bonus!). It's essential to your lawn's health. Done correctly, it promotes new growth and helps maintain a weed-free lawn:
- Follow the one-third rule: The lawn's leaves play an important role in protecting the plant, so only one-third of the leaf should come off each time you mow. A lawn that has been “let go” and has become too long will stress if it is scalped down to the stalk.
- Sharpen your mower blades frequently, your lawn will thank you for it! Dull blades tear the grass, causing brown tips and inviting disease.
- Frequency matters: In summer, mow weekly for fast-growing varieties like couches and Sir Walter. In cooler months, mow fortnightly or as needed. Slower growing varieties like Zoysia only require a mow every 10 days to even a fortnight.
- Aim to mow your lawn after the morning dew is gone and it is dry. Wet grass is much harder to cut and will leave clumpy clippings behind.
If you're really going for that neat and tidy look that will wow your neighbours, then lawn edging and trimming garden beds can keep your space polished.
Aeration: Let Your Lawn Breathe
Over time, foot traffic and weather compact the soil beneath your turf, limiting the flow of air, water and nutrients to the roots. That’s where aeration comes in.
Aerating is exactly what it sounds like: getting more air into your lawn. It involves creating small holes in the soil to relieve compaction.
Some form of aeration once a year, ideally in spring or early summer, will allow water and nutrients from fertiliser to penetrate the root system of your lawn. Manual tools like a garden fork can work for smaller lawns, while machine hire is better for large areas.
Aerated lawns absorb fertiliser and water more efficiently, leading to better new growth and stronger roots.
Pest & Weed Control: Prevention is Key
No one wants to see their lush lawn destroyed by lawn grubs or weeds. Staying ahead of pests is one of the most overlooked yet essential steps in a successful lawn care program.
Lawn grubs are common in South East Queensland from September to March. These relentless pests are looking for the lushest lawn on the street to feast on. Luckily, if they find their way to your place, they are easy to treat with insecticides. But prevention is the best defence.
Here's how to keep those pests and weeds under control:
- Apply a product like Acelepryn, a barrier-type insecticide that will not only treat existing grubs, but also provide a forcefield against them for about three months. Even better, it has a very low odour.
- Use weed control strategies, such as selective herbicides or hand-weeding, to keep invasive plants at bay.
- Regular mowing and fertilising make it harder for weeds to take hold.
Check out our detailed lawn grub treatment guide for more expert advice.
Seasonal Lawn Care Advice
Brisbane’s subtropical climate means your lawn’s needs will change with the seasons:
- Spring: Ideal for fertilising, aeration and new turf installation.
- Summer: Focus on deep watering, pest monitoring and mowing.
- Autumn: Feed the lawn to build winter resistance.
- Winter: Mow less often, reduce watering and clear fallen leaves to allow sun exposure.
Common Lawn Care Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even with the best lawn care tips, lawns can throw a few curveballs your way. Here are some of the most common issues Brisbane homeowners face, and how to avoid them without too much drama.
Problem: Yellow or Brown Patches
This could be from overwatering, poor drainage, compacted soil or even pet wee. Avoid it:
- Check your watering routine: less is often more for a healthy lawn.
- Aerate the area to improve drainage.
- Rinse pet wee spots with water to dilute the nitrogen.
- Use a soil wetting agent to help water penetrate properly.
Problem: Weeds Taking Over
When your lawn thins out, weeds creep in. Avoid it:
- Keep your lawn thick and healthy with regular mowing and fertilising.
- Pull weeds out by hand or spot-spray with a selective herbicide.
- Avoid mowing too low, which weakens your turf and gives weeds a head start.
Problem: Lawn Grubs and Other Pests
You’ll notice dead patches, birds pecking or a spongy feel underfoot. Avoid it:
- Treat with a safe, effective grub control product like Acelepryn.
- Water the lawn after applying to help the treatment work its way in.
- Prevent future outbreaks with regular lawn inspections, especially in warmer months.
Got a different issue? Reach out to the West Turf team for advice — we’ve seen it all and are happy to help you find a solution that works.
Why Choose West Turf for Your Lawn Care Needs?
At West Turf, we’re more than just turf growers. We’re your go-to source for professional lawn care in Brisbane. Whether you’re starting with a new lawn or need help maintaining a lush green lawn year-round, we offer quality service, fully insured gardening services and guidance.
From supplying animal-friendly, drought-tolerant turf varieties to helping you develop a sustainable lawn care program, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Need additional lawn care services? Ask us about turf delivery, installation tips, and more. Let us help you achieve a lawn that makes your street green with envy!
