How often should I water my lawn in Queensland summer?

Water deeply but infrequently - apply 20-30mm once or twice weekly if no rain. Brisbane's summer rainfall often provides sufficient moisture. Water early morning (before 10am) for best absorption and to comply with typical water restrictions. Adjust based on rainfall - many weeks nature provides enough or too much.

When is the best time to fertilize in Queensland?

Apply major fertilization in early spring (September) with 4-5g N/m² for rapid green-up after winter. Follow with autumn feeding (March) using high-potassium formula for winter hardiness. Avoid high nitrogen in peak summer (promotes disease) and winter (grass semi-dormant). Light applications in January and November maintain growth.

How do I control bindii (Jo-jo) prickles?

Apply selective broadleaf herbicide (MCPA/dicamba) in winter or early spring when bindii forms leafy rosettes, before flowering. Target late August in SEQ, earlier in North QLD. Don't mow 2 days before/after spraying. Hand-remove in July before seed formation for small infestations.

What's the ideal mowing height for different grasses?

Green Couch: 10-25mm summer (15mm optimal with cylinder mower), 20-30mm winter. Buffalo: 30-50mm year-round (up to 60mm in shade). Kikuyu: 30-50mm summer with weekly cutting essential. Queensland Blue Couch: 10-30mm for golf-green appearance. Zoysia: 20-40mm, mowing every 2-3 weeks.

How do I identify if brown patches are disease or drought?

Disease shows distinct round patches with dark margins, morning cottony mold, or leaf lesions - common after humid rain. Drought creates irregular patches with hard, dry soil. Pest damage allows grass to pull up easily revealing white grubs. Tug test helps: easy lifting with no roots indicates grubs, firm grass suggests disease or drought.

Can I use greywater or tank water on my lawn?

Yes, both excellent during restrictions. Greywater from laundry/shower permitted via subsurface application (not sprinklers) using low-sodium, phosphorus-free detergents. Rainwater tanks provide unrestricted watering anytime. Monitor for salt buildup with continuous greywater use.

What's the best grass for shady Queensland yards?

Buffalo grass (Sir Walter, Palmetto) leads with 50-70% shade tolerance, needing only 4-5 hours filtered sun. Zoysia handles moderate shade. Avoid couch or kikuyu which thin significantly with less than 5-6 hours direct sun. Keep shade lawns higher cut and avoid overwatering to prevent disease.

How do I treat lawn grubs (curl grubs)?

Identify by wilting patches and white C-shaped grubs when turf peeled back. Apply chlorantraniliprole (long residual, pet-safe when dry) or imidacloprid uniformly, watering in to reach roots. Treat late afternoon when grubs feed near surface. Preventive application in October-November stops beetle eggs developing.

Why does my lawn feel spongy underfoot?

Usually indicates excessive thatch buildup - undecomposed stems/runners above soil, common in over-fertilized kikuyu and buffalo. Dethatch (vertimow) in spring to remove brown layer. Core aerate to promote microbial breakdown. Keep thatch under 1cm thick through proper mowing and balanced fertilization.

How do I improve lawn on Queensland clay soil?

Core aerate annually, filling holes with coarse sand. Apply gypsum at 50-100g/m² for sodic clay (improves structure without affecting pH). Topdress with compost to add organic matter. Choose strong-rooted grasses like couch or zoysia. Water deeply but less frequently, allowing drying between irrigations.

Do I need to aerate, and how often?

Aerate if soil is compacted (water pools, can't push screwdriver in easily) or thatchy. Once yearly in spring sufficient for most lawns, especially high-traffic areas or heavy clay. Sandy, well-drained soils with low traffic need less frequent aeration. March or September ideal in Queensland when grass actively growing.

Should I overseed or start over with a weedy lawn?

If 50%+ desirable grass remains, rehabilitate with selective herbicides, aeration, and fertilization. For lawns >70% weeds or invasive types, spray out with glyphosate and re-turf ($10-15/m² for buffalo) or re-seed. Phased approach often works: heavy weed control in spring, then plug worst areas.

Queensland Lawn Care Guide | Local Grass Expert Advice

Queensland Climate & Growing Conditions

Growing Zone

Tropical (Aw/Am) to Subtropical (Cfa) to Semi-Arid (BSh)

Annual Rainfall

1150mm Brisbane, 2000mm+ Far North, 400-600mm inland

Temperature Range

5°C - 40°C (Brisbane extremes), year-round growth coastal

Growing Season

Year-round (tropical north), October - April (subtropical)

Year-Round Lawn Care Calendar

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

August Tasks

FertilizingHigh

Late winter application 4g N/m² as grass begins to green

Weed ControlHigh

Apply pre-emergent for summer weeds (crabgrass prevention)

MowingMedium

First spring mow late month, light scalp to remove brown tissue

WateringMedium

Resume irrigation as temperatures climb, 10-20mm weekly

Pro Tip: Tasks marked as high priority should be completed first for optimal lawn health. Adjust timing based on your specific microclimate and recent weather conditions.

Popular Grass Types

Green Couch (Cynodon dactylon)

Cynodon dactylon and hybrids

Medium Maintenance

Fine-textured with aggressive stolons and rhizomes, excellent drought tolerance and heat resistance

Advantages

✓Superior drought tolerance
✓Thrives in 30-37°C heat
✓Fast recovery from damage
✓Affordable establishment
✓Deep root system

Considerations

•Poor shade tolerance (needs 6+ hours sun)
•Weekly summer mowing required
•Can develop thatch
•Browns heavily in frost

Mowing Height

10-25mm summer (best at 15mm), 20-30mm winter

Water Needs

20-30mm weekly in dry periods (very efficient)

Best For

Full sun areas, sports fields, high-traffic zones

Browse Cities in Queensland

Common Lawn Problems

🔍Symptoms to Look For

•Rapidly expanding brown areas
•Scalloped or ragged grass edges
•Green-brown caterpillars visible at night
•Moths hovering at dusk

⚠️Common Causes

•Spodoptera mauritia larvae
•Warm wet conditions trigger outbreaks
•Multiple generations per season

Treatment Options

✓Chlorantraniliprole for long control
✓Bifenthrin for fast knockdown
✓Evening torch inspections
✓Soap flush test for detection

Prevention Tip

Monitor after rain events, treat at first moth activity, encourage bird predators

Need Help? Our AI lawn expert can help diagnose your specific lawn problems. Upload a photo for instant analysis and personalized treatment recommendations.

Annual Maintenance Schedule

Task	Frequency	Peak Months
Mowing	Most months	JanFebMarAprAugSep+2 more
Fertilizing	Seasonal	JanMarAugSepOct
Pest Control	Most months	JanFebSepOctNovDec
Watering	Most months	JanFebAugOctNovDec
Weed Control	Most months	FebMarAprMayJunJul+2 more
Aeration	As needed	MarSep
Dethatching	As needed
Seeding	As needed	Oct

Growing Season (Sep-Apr)

• Weekly mowing during peak growth
• Regular fertilization every 6-8 weeks
• Deep watering 2-3 times per week
• Monitor for pests and diseases

Dormant Season (May-Aug)

• Reduced mowing frequency
• Minimal fertilization
• Water only during dry spells
• Focus on weed prevention

Queensland Lawn Care Pricing Guide

Service	Frequency	Price Range	Annual Cost
Lawn Mowing	Per visit	$50 - $80	N/A
Fertilization Program	Quarterly	$80 - $120	$320 - $480
Weed Control Treatment	Per application	$60 - $100	N/A
Core Aeration	Annual	$100 - $250	$100 - $250
Pest Control (Grubs)	Per treatment	$75 - $150	N/A
Buffalo Turf Supply	Per m²	$10 - $15	N/A
Couch Turf Supply	Per m²	$7 - $12	N/A
Professional Full Service	Annual	$1500 - $2000	$1,500 - $2,000
Irrigation Installation	200m² system	$2000 - $3000	N/A

Budget Option

$1,920/year

DIY with professional help as needed

Average Cost

$2,325/year

Regular professional maintenance

Premium Service

$2,730/year

Full-service professional care

Factors Affecting Lawn Care Costs

• Lawn size (larger = higher cost)
• Terrain complexity and slope
• Current lawn condition
• Accessibility of property

• Service frequency required
• Local market competition
• Seasonal demand fluctuations
• Additional services bundled

💡 Money-Saving Tip: Bundle services with one provider for discounts, and consider DIY for simple tasks like mowing while hiring pros for specialized treatments.

Queensland Lawn Care FAQ

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🇦🇺 Queensland Lawn Care Guides