Lawn care Q&A

Q. We have ‘goat tracks’ in our lawn where we walk all the time – to the clothesline, side gate and compost heap. Is it possible to rejuvenate the lawn in these spots, and keep it flourishing, or am I wasting my time?

A. Most lawns are fairly resilient when it comes to general wear and tear, but you end up with dirt tracks in areas with constant foot traffic. Unless you can change your normal walking route, there’s little point trying to revive the lawn there. A better solution is to install a gravel path, or lay steppers, and landscape around that with lawn or plants to incorporate it into the existing landscape. It’s also a tidier and more stable surface to walk on.

Q. Is it really that important to feed a lawn? If so, when, and with what?

A. Absolutely! Lawn needs to be fed and watered regularly to ensure it performs at its best. Ideally, it should be fed with a slow-release lawn fertiliser in spring, summer and autumn. Regular care encourages it to grow lush, which will help crowd out weeds, make it less prone to damage from pests and diseases, and enable it to better withstand dry conditions.

Q. Where I live, drought periods seem to be getting longer and more regular. I’m thinking of redoing my lawn. Which turf varieties cope best with dry conditions?

Most lawn types can tolerate dry conditions to a degree, however, rigorous breeding has created more drought-tolerant cultivars of Kikuyu, Couch and Buffalo. Also, consider the native grass varieties that are naturally adapted for Australia’s hot and dry climates. Contact local suppliers of turf or native seed for more information.

Are you after more advice to get the best out of you lawn? Read our article Reviving your lawn for spring!