Autumn Lawn Care 101
Autumn in Australia marks a crucial transition for our lawns. As the warmth of summer fades, we must shift our focus to preparing our turf for the cooler months ahead. For most Australian lawns, comprised of warm-season varieties like Buffalo, Kikuyu, Couch, and Zoysia, autumn is the last chance to build strength before winter dormancy. At Lawn Doctor, we understand the unique challenges of Australian lawns, especially in Perth, and we're here to guide you through these essential autumn care steps.
Here's a comprehensive guide to maximising your lawn's winter resilience:
Clear Debris & Minimise Shade
As leaves fall and days shorten, ensure your lawn receives ample sunlight—regularly clear fallen leaves and debris to prevent them from smothering the grass.
Reduce shade from outdoor furniture and shade sails. Remember that at least four hours of direct sunlight is ideal, particularly for varieties like Sir Walter Buffalo.
Prune trees and shrubs to maximize sunlight exposure. Consider planting deciduous trees for optimal winter sunlight.
2. Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Autumn is prime time for cool-season weeds to germinate. Act proactively with a pre-emergent herbicide.
Winter Weeds compete for nutrients; therefore, a strong pre-emergent program is vital.
Recommended Products:
Barricade is a liquid pre-emergent herbicide that provides effective weed control in established turf before germination occurs. Applied through a pump or knapsack sprayer, Barricade penetrates more effectively than granular alternatives in dense or thatchy turf where granules may not reach the soil surface.
The active ingredient in Barricade inhibits the growth of germinating weed seeds, forming a protective zone in the soil that prevents establishment without affecting established turf. It is effective against wintergrass, crowsfoot, poa annua and a range of other broadleaf and grass weeds common in Perth lawns.
Barricade is the recommended alternative to OxaFert in situations where:
The lawn has heavy thatch that may prevent granular products reaching the soil
Previous granular applications have produced uneven results
A more targeted liquid application is preferred
Timing is identical to granular pre-emergents — apply before weed seed germination begins, targeting May to early June in Perth. Water in after application to activate the barrier.
Always follow label directions for rate and compatibility. Check label before use on Sir Walter Buffalo as some herbicide actives can cause sensitivity in buffalo varieties.
Freehand is a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents weeds from germinating. This powerful herbicide is labeled for the control and suppression of more than 60 of the toughest, most troublesome weeds.
OxaFert is one of the most practical and popular products we stock for Perth lawns — a granular pre-emergent herbicide and fertiliser combined in a single application. Instead of applying a separate pre-emergent and fertiliser, OxaFert does both jobs at once, saving time and reducing the number of products needed.
The pre-emergent component creates a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil that prevents germinating weed seeds from establishing a root system. It is effective against the most common winter weeds in Perth — wintergrass, crowsfoot grass and oxalis. Timing is critical: OxaFert must be applied before weed seeds germinate to be effective. In Perth, the target window is May to early June, before soil temperatures drop consistently below 15°C.
The fertiliser component provides a balanced nutrient feed at the same time, supporting colour and root health through the transition into the cooler months.
Apply with a rotary spreader at the recommended rate, then water in immediately. Do not apply to dry soil without watering in — the pre-emergent must be activated by moisture to form the soil barrier.
Compatible with Sir Walter Buffalo, TifTuf, Zoysia Australis and Nullarbor Couch. Check label for application rates specific to your variety.
3. Raise Mower Blades & Maintain Regular Mowing
Gradually raise your mower height to around 40mm, especially in shaded areas. This promotes thicker growth and helps block weeds.
Continue regular mowing to remove weed seed heads and prevent future germination. Mowing at around 25mm is acceptable in sunny areas.
4 Core are manual lawn corer/aerator, which have or 4 coring tines.
The coring tines remove plugs up to 126mm long and 12.7 (or 1/2″) in diameter to increase air and water flow to the roots of the turf and soil reducing compaction in the process.
MADE BY US HERE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
4. Aerate & Decompact Soil
Summer activity compacts the soil, hindering water and nutrient absorption. Aerate your lawn using a garden fork or aerator sandals, especially in heavily shaded areas that retain moisture.
This is especially important in areas with heavy clay soils, which is common in Perth.
Decompaction prevents roots from rotting and ensures healthy growth.
5. Strategic Fertilisation for Winter
Fertilising in late April or May is crucial for winter resilience. Use a slow-release, granular fertilizer with iron, manganese, and trace elements.
Fertilising encourages strong root growth and helps the lawn compete against winter weeds.
Recommended Products:
Knights Coastal Special Lawn Mix is a granular fertiliser formulated specifically for the conditions Perth lawns face — sandy, free-draining coastal soils that leach nutrients quickly, and a climate that demands consistent colour and root health through both dry summers and cooler winters.
The balanced nutrient blend replenishes the nitrogen, potassium and trace elements that Perth's sandy soils cannot hold between applications. Unlike high-nitrogen products that push rapid lush growth, Knights Coastal is formulated for steady, sustained feeding — building genuine root depth and lawn density rather than quick but shallow top growth.
Apply with a rotary spreader at the recommended rate and water in immediately after spreading. Suitable for all lawn varieties including Sir Walter Buffalo, TifTuf, Zoysia Australis and Nullarbor Couch.
Best used as part of a year-round fertilising program with applications in autumn (April/May), late winter (August) and spring (October). The autumn application is the most critical — it builds the nutrient reserves the lawn draws on through winter.
20kg BAGS DO NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE THURSDAY DELIVERY - STORE PICK UP ONLY
Eco-Prime Emerald is a easy to use fertiliser for your lawn. 20 kg bags.
THIS DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE THURSDAY DELIVERY - STORE PICK UP ONLY
Baileys 311 is a premium, fully granulated, balanced formula of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements iron and manganese.
THIS DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE THURSDAY DELIVERY - STORE PICK UP ONLY
6. Water Wisely
With increased rainfall, avoid overwatering. Water only when necessary, and do so in the early morning.
Avoid water logging, as this can cause root rot.
7. Lawn Pest Control
Be vigilant for pests like Armyworm, especially after humid periods.
Use contact or residual insecticides as needed. Residual products offer longer-lasting protection.
Recommended Products:
1.5 kg per 100sqm.
Acelepryn GR is Australia's leading professional-grade insecticide for lawn pest control, used extensively by turf managers, sports ground curators and lawn care professionals across the country. For homeowners, it represents the same level of protection in an easy-to-apply granular format.
Acelepryn GR controls the full range of turf-damaging insects including armyworm, lawn grubs (African black beetle larvae), billbug, cutworm and mole crickets. Its active ingredient, chlorantraniliprole, works through contact and ingestion with very low mammalian toxicity — making it one of the safest insecticides available relative to its efficacy.
In Perth, armyworm is the primary target. Armyworm populations peak in late summer and autumn (February to April) and can devastate a lawn in a matter of days if not treated promptly. Acelepryn GR provides both curative treatment for active infestations and preventative protection applied ahead of the known risk period.
Apply with a rotary spreader and water in immediately after application. A single application provides season-long protection in most conditions. Compatible with all turf varieties.
Autumn is the most important time of year to prepare your lawn for winter. By following these tips and using high-quality products from Lawn Doctor, you’ll set up your lawn for a healthy, winter. Visit our website for expert advice and the best lawn care solutions tailored to Perth conditions