Six things to do in April before winter sets in — in the right order, with the right products.
Lawn Doctor Tips · Autumn Edition · Perth, WA
⚠️ Pre-emergent window closes April — act now before weeds germinate. Shop treatments →
April in Perth is a deceptive month. The weather softens, the days shorten, and it's easy to think your lawn can look after itself until spring. But autumn is one of the most important lawn care windows of the year — and what you do now will directly determine how your lawn comes out the other side of winter. This checklist covers everything you need to do in April, in the right order, with the right products.
Step 1
🌱 Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide — Before Weeds Germinate
This is the single most time-sensitive task on the list. Autumn is when winter annual weed seeds — wintergrass, crowsfoot and creeping oxalis — begin to germinate in Perth soils. The critical point: pre-emergent herbicides only work before germination. Once weeds are up, it's too late for prevention and you'll be fighting established weeds all winter instead.
Apply in March to April. If you can already see weeds, spot-spray them first, then apply your pre-emergent to stop the next generation from taking hold.
⚠️ Perth Lawn Alert
Timing is everything. Pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before weed seeds germinate — not after. Once weeds are visible, prevention is no longer possible for that generation.
Liquid formula applied with a sprayer for more even coverage. Better penetration on dense or thatchy turf. Can be mixed with other treatments.
Step 2
🌿 Do a Final Fertilise Before Growth Slows
As temperatures drop, your lawn's growth rate will naturally slow. But a well-timed autumn fertilise is one of the best investments you can make in your lawn's winter resilience. The goal isn't to push rapid green growth — it's to build root depth and carbohydrate reserves so your lawn enters winter with the energy it needs.
Apply in late March to mid-April. Don't fertilise late in May or into June — pushing new leaf growth heading into cold nights can weaken the plant.
Liquid hose-on option for a quick, easy autumn boost. Fast-acting and simple to apply across the whole lawn.
Step 3
🐛 Treat for Armyworm and Lawn Grubs
Don't let the cooler weather fool you into thinking pest season is over. Armyworm populations in Perth peak between February and April, and they can strip a lawn bare overnight. The caterpillars feed mostly at night, so the damage accumulates before you see it.
⚠️ How to Check for Armyworm
Mix a bucket of soapy water and pour it over a 30cm patch of affected-looking lawn. If armyworm is present, the larvae will surface within a few minutes.
Signs Your Lawn Has Armyworm
✓
Large, irregular patches of lawn that look "scalped" or brown
✓
Birds or wildlife repeatedly pecking at your lawn — they're feeding on the larvae
✓
Visible caterpillars in the thatch, especially in the early morning or evening
✓
Damage that appears or spreads very quickly over just a few days
✓
Grass blades that look chewed or ragged at the tips
⚡ Pro Tip
A lawn heading into winter well-fertilised and in good condition will recover from armyworm damage significantly faster than a stressed, underfed one. Steps 1, 2 and 3 work together.
The gold standard for armyworm and lawn grub control. Granular application, highly effective, and safe for birds, bees and pets when used as directed. Water in well after application.
Step 4
💧 Apply a Wetting Agent — Don't Rely on Rainfall Alone
This one surprises many Perth homeowners. You'd think that as rainfall increases, soil hydration takes care of itself. But Perth's sandy soils can become hydrophobic — water runs off or through the soil without actually reaching the root zone — regardless of how much rain falls.
A wetting agent breaks down the waxy coating causing this, allowing water to penetrate evenly. Applying one in autumn means your lawn gets the full benefit of winter rainfall.
Easy to apply and long-lasting through the cooler months. Great for Perth sandy soils.
Step 5
✂️ Lower Your Mowing Height Gradually
No product needed for this one — just a small adjustment to your mowing routine that makes a meaningful difference through winter. Gradually reduce your mowing height by about 5–10mm over a few cuts. Don't make a dramatic drop all at once — scalping in autumn removes too much leaf area at exactly the point when the plant needs to photosynthesise efficiently.
A slightly lower cut reduces fungal disease risk, prevents thatch build-up, and keeps your lawn looking neat even when growth has slowed to a crawl.
Recommended Heights for Autumn
✓
Sir Walter Buffalo: 30–40mm
✓
TifTuf & Nullarbor Couch: 15–25mm
✓
Zoysia Australis: 20–30mm
Step 6
🌾 Considering a New Lawn? Autumn Is a Great Time
Many Perth homeowners assume spring is the only time to lay turf — but autumn has some genuine advantages that make it worth serious consideration.
Why Autumn Works
✓
Lower establishment stress — cooler temperatures mean turf doesn't dry out as rapidly, reducing watering demand in the critical first few weeks
✓
Less weed competition — summer annual weeds are dying off, giving new turf a cleaner start
✓
Ready for spring — turf laid in April has the whole winter to establish roots, so it hits spring running
✓
Easier scheduling — installation teams are generally less booked in autumn than during the spring rush
Order fresh-harvested turf online for delivery across Perth. Sir Walter Buffalo, TifTuf Hybrid Couch, Zoysia Australis and Nullarbor Couch all available.
