The Ultimate Guide to Winter Lawn Care
Winter has officially arrived in Perth, and while your lawn may be slowing down, that doesn’t mean it stops needing care. Western Australia’s unique climate—mild but dry winters, sandy soils, and warm-season grasses like couch and buffalo—means your lawn has its own set of seasonal needs.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of winter lawn care in Perth, so you can keep your grass healthy and looking great all season long. Plus, we’ll link you to some of our recommended products and guides to help you get the job done right.
Winter Lawn Care Dos (WA Edition)
Should I raise my mowing height during winter?
Yes—increase your mowing height by a notch or two. Leaving more green leaf helps your lawn make the most of limited winter sunlight and hold onto its colour for longer. It also improves weed resistance, which is especially important in WA where weeds can thrive during wetter months.
2. Is Winter a good time to service my lawn mower?
Absolutely. With slower growth in winter, you won’t be mowing as often—making it a perfect time to get your mower blades sharpened and engine serviced. That way, you’re ready to hit the ground running come spring.
3. Should I remove weeds in winter?
Yes, the sooner the better. WA lawns like buffalo and couch can become overwhelmed by broadleaf and wintergrass weeds if left unchecked. Identify and treat weeds early to prevent them from spreading.
🌱 Use our Weeds in Perth Lawns Guide to identify and treat common Perth lawn weeds.
🔒 For prevention, apply a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert or Barricade to stop new weeds from germinating.
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.
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.
4. Can I keep my lawn green with pigment products?
Yes! Perth lawns can lose their vibrant colour during winter, especially in cooler inland areas. A lawn pigment like ColourGuard Plus gives your lawn an instant boost of green, even if it’s gone dormant. It’s safe for all WA lawn types, plus kid- and pet-friendly.
ColourGurad Lawn Paint will instantly green your lawn. ColourGuard is a natural turf grass colourant that is environmentally friendly and 100% organic.
ColourGuard Lawn Paint will instantly green and fertilise your lawn. ColourGuard is a natural turf grass colourant that is environmentally friendly and 100% organic. It contains Nitrogen, Iron and Manganese in liquid form which is beneficial to use in winter if the lawn has gone dormant. Being liquid the turf can still take up the nutrients through the leaf.
Winter Lawn Care Don’ts (WA Edition)
Can I dethatch or topdress my lawn in winter?
No. These renovation jobs require strong regrowth to recover, and in WA’s cooler months, your lawn doesn’t grow fast enough. Hold off until late spring or early summer when your grass is actively growing again.
📆 Get tips on the best time to renovate in our Seasonal Lawn Maintenance Guide.
Exceed is a liquid fertiliser designed for fast uptake and visible results. Applied as a foliar spray directly onto the leaf blade, Exceed bypasses the soil absorption process entirely — nutrients are taken up through the leaf within hours rather than days, producing a visible green response significantly faster than granular alternatives.
This makes Exceed the product of choice when you want quick visible results — before an event, after a stressful period, or to top up colour between granular applications. It is particularly effective in cooler conditions when soil temperatures reduce the efficiency of granular nutrient uptake.
Exceed is safe for use on all turf types including Sir Walter Buffalo, TifTuf, Zoysia Australis and Nullarbor Couch. It can be applied through a hand sprayer, knapsack or hose-on applicator depending on the formulation selected.
Use Exceed in combination with a granular base fertiliser for best results — the granular provides slow-release sustained nutrition while Exceed delivers the immediate colour response.
2. Should I use granular fertiliser in winter?
Not ideal. Perth lawns slow their nutrient uptake in winter, meaning granular fertilisers are less effective. Instead, use a liquid fertiliser like Exceed, which is absorbed through the leaf and gives your grass a quicker boost.
3. Do I need to water my lawn in winter?
Usually, no. Perth winters often bring just enough rain to keep your lawn hydrated. However, if we’re having a dry spell and your lawn looks curled or crispy, give it a light water early in the day. Overwatering can lead to fungal issues, especially in shaded or poorly draining areas.
Perth winters may be mild, but your lawn still needs some TLC. With the right approach and a few key products from Lawn Doctor, you can keep your grass healthy now—and set it up for a lush comeback in spring.