Winning the war on weeds - Winter

​There are a variety of factors that affect grass growing conditions, such as, sunlight, moisture and temperature.

We can all joke about a Townsville winter as it is a far cry from the cold and frost experienced in southern cities and states. Undoubtedly, it is the best time of year in North Queensland with glorious days and crisp nights. 
 
Whilst, we certainly cannot compare temperatures, the shorter days and colder nights can slow down grass growth. String some cold nights together and the soil temperature drops as well.  The grass will be almost dormant, hibernating until the weather begins to warm again.
 
This is the reason that you can shift from mowing your lawn every seven days to every fortnight or three weeks over Winter. 
 
Whilst the grass is asleep, the older grass leaves will die in continuous cold weather causing the lawn to look brown (just like deciduous trees that regrow their leaves in Spring). Cold wind can cause the grass blade to lose its moisture. Given the opportunity weeds can take advantage of the lawn’s weakened state to fill every possible gap.
 
Our first recommendation would be to not treat your troubles in winter. An all-out assault on weeds when your grass is not actively growing will leave your lawn weak and vulnerable.
 
The most important thing is to get your lawn healthy BEFORE Winter as a healthy lawn will always try to outcompete any invasion of weeds. 
 
Ideally, do all fertilising, herbicide application, aerating and topdressing before Anzac Day.  Otherwise, we recommend that you wait until the first week of August.
 
Our tips for winning the war on weeds during Winter are:

• Focus on getting your lawn healthier

 

• If you can pull the weed before it seeds (except for nutgrass as it is difficult to remove by hand)

 

• Water less frequently.  Without the relentless hot days and high evaporation your lawn is not as thirsty. Stick to deep watering, but not as often. Overwatering in winter will leave the ground boggy and encourage the growth of bad bacteria and disease. Just remember, to adjust your watering schedule accordingly as the weather warms up again.

 

• If you have let your grass grow a bit longer, it is best to slowly get it back to proper height without the shock of being cutting it all at once. We would recommend doing this in the second half of Winter.