Lawn care is an extensive topic, but by mastering the basics and following a consistent routine, you can achieve a thick, lush, and healthy lawn free of pests and diseases.
Understanding Lawn Care by Region and Season
Lawn care varies across South Africa due to differences in climate. The country has three primary climatic regions: winter rainfall regions (Western Cape), summer rainfall regions (KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg, and surrounding areas), and colder summer rainfall areas (Johannesburg and high-altitude regions). Each season also plays a critical role in lawn maintenance. Summer lasts from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November.
This guide provides a seasonal breakdown of essential lawn care tasks, including watering, mowing, fertilising, weed control, and disease prevention.
Lawn Care Throughout the Year
Summer Lawn Care
Watering & Mowing
In summer rainfall regions, watering should be reduced since rain is frequent. Only water when the grass appears dull or blue-green or footprints remain visible after a few minutes. Always water in the morning to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid cutting grass too low – gradually reduce height over three weeks to prevent scorching.
In winter rainfall regions, water efficiently if rain is scarce, focusing on deep watering once or twice a week. Do not cut grass too low, as longer blades retain moisture better.
Fertilising
Because grass is actively growing in the summer, fertilising is essential. In summer rainfall regions, apply Talborne Vita Nitro Boost 8:1:1 or 7:1:3 SR to sustain growth and keep the lawn lush. Apply before heavy rain or water heavily after application to dissolve the fertiliser properly. Some people recommend LAN for greening, but due to its high burning potential, it requires heavy watering for a week after use.
In winter rainfall regions, avoid fertilisers high in nitrogen since the grass may be stressed and dry. Instead, use Talborne Vita Green 5:1:5 to encourage general health and disease resistance. Any fertilising should be followed by thorough watering.
Weeding, Pests and Diseases
Weed control in summer can be challenging, especially in summer rainfall regions, as rain will wash away herbicides. Instead, focus on growing a thick, healthy lawn to suppress weeds naturally. Use selective broadleaf herbicides only on finer-leaved grasses, and avoid excessive herbicide use due to its potential environmental impact.
Pests and diseases also become more prevalent in summer rainfall areas. Watch for lawn caterpillars, mole crickets, and Parktown prawns (Johannesburg). Common diseases include dollar spot and brown patch. In winter rainfall regions, summer is a good time to apply herbicides if necessary, as it is the non-rainy period. Apply herbicides in the morning when it is cool and avoid spraying on windy days to prevent harming surrounding plants.
Autumn Lawn Care
Watering & Mowing
Watering must be increased as the rainy season decreases in summer rainfall regions. If the lawnmower blade was lowered in the summer, it should now be slightly raised. Never cut more than a third of the leaf blades at a time. In winter rainfall regions, light rain may begin, but efficient deep watering is still necessary. As rain increases, the lawnmower blade can be lowered gradually.
Fertilising
Autumn is an ideal time to strengthen the lawn before winter. In summer rainfall regions, apply Talborne Vita Green 5:1:5 to help the lawn withstand stress, drought, and disease. Potassium is particularly important for colder summer rainfall regions. After a dry summer, thatching and dead grass may be an issue in winter rainfall regions. Scarification and aeration can help, along with a light lawn dressing application and superphosphate to encourage root growth. If there are large bare patches, consider planting new grass plugs.
Weeding, Pests and Diseases
As the rainy period ends in summer rainfall regions, herbicide application can be done if necessary. Persistent weed issues may indicate acidic soil, in which case a soil pH test should be conducted. If the soil is too acidic, agricultural lime can help resolve the issue.
In winter rainfall regions, weed control should be tackled before the rainy season starts. Winter grass (Poa annua) is a serious problem in these areas, particularly in damp, shady locations. The best time to spray a pre-emergent herbicide like Kerb is in May, before the weed seeds germinate.
Winter Lawn Care
Watering & Mowing
In summer rainfall regions, winter is dry and cold, so watering may need to be increased slightly. However, since grass growth slows, excessive watering is unnecessary. The lawnmower blade should be raised to allow longer leaf blades to store more energy and provide better stress tolerance. Avoid walking on the grass in frost-prone areas, as this can encourage moss and algae formation.
In winter rainfall regions, the rainy season is in full swing. Mowing will need to be done more regularly, and the lawnmower blade can be lowered gradually. If the soil is compacted, aerate it using a garden fork to improve drainage.
Fertilising
Fertilising during winter is generally unnecessary in summer rainfall regions unless the lawn is struggling. If needed, apply 5:1:5 or 2:3:2 fertiliser to strengthen roots. Organic options like Fertilis (earthworm castings) can also be beneficial.
In winter rainfall regions, apply 5:1:5 to strengthen the lawn and keep it green during active growth. Superphosphate and 2:3:2 fertilisers are also effective in strengthening roots.
Weeding, Pests and Diseases
Weed growth is minimal in summer rainfall regions during winter, making herbicide application unnecessary. In winter rainfall regions, winter grass must be managed by spraying herbicide no later than June. Heavy rains may cause weeds to become problematic, so staying on top of weed control is essential. If applying herbicide, check the weather forecast and spray during a dry period.
Preparing for Spring
In late winter (August or early September), it’s time for Spring Treatment to prepare for new growth. This process includes scarification (using a garden rake to remove thatch), aeration (using a garden fork), and a light lawn dressing application. Adding superphosphate or 2:3:2 will encourage strong root growth. The treatment should only be done on runner-type grasses like Kikuyu and buffalo, not tuft-forming grasses like All Seasons Evergreen.
Spring Lawn Care
Watering & Mowing
In summer rainfall regions, the rainy season starts towards the end of November, so watering is still needed. It’s important to train the lawn to be water-wise by watering less frequently but deeply. In winter rainfall regions, rainfall may still occur, but as it tapers off, watering should be increased gradually.
Fertilising
Spring is an excellent time to fertilise as grass begins actively growing. In summer rainfall regions, apply 5:1:5 for general lawn strength, 2:3:2 for patchiness, or Talborne Vita Nitro Boost 8:1:1 if the grass lacks greenness. In winter rainfall regions, apply 5:1:5 to strengthen the lawn before the dry season.
Weeding, Pests and Diseases
In summer rainfall regions, watch for nutsedge grass and spray with Basagran if needed. As rain increases, fungal diseases and lawn caterpillars may become more prevalent. In winter rainfall regions, weeds germinate quickly after winter rains. Termites may also become an issue.
By following a structured seasonal approach, you can maintain a healthy, green lawn throughout the year.
Additional Lawn Care Considerations
Soil pH and Lawn Health
The health of your lawn is directly linked to the condition of your soil. Lawns thrive in slightly acidic soil, so adjusting the pH correctly is important. If your soil is overly alkaline, applying flowers of sulphur (60g per m²) can help balance it out. On the other hand, if soil acidity is excessive, avoid using ammonium sulfate or urea as they can increase acidity. Instead, opt for limestone ammonium nitrate, which has a neutral effect on soil pH while still providing essential nutrients for grass growth.
Lawn Disease Prevention and Treatment
Lawn diseases can affect the overall look and health of your grass, particularly in damp or humid conditions. Dollar spot appears as small, coin-sized bare spots, while brown patch causes larger dead patches. To prevent these diseases, apply a fungicide such as Dithane M45 or Bordeaux mixture (30g per m²) twice per season as a precaution, even if no signs of disease are present.
Another common lawn issue is fairy ring, a fungal disease that creates dark green rings in the grass. While this fungus is not particularly harmful, it can make the lawn look uneven. To manage it, aerate the soil by using a garden fork to improve water absorption, then alternate treatments of Bordeaux mixture and magnesium sulfate.
Common Lawn Pests and How to Handle Them
Lawn pests can quickly damage an otherwise healthy lawn. Caterpillars can appear in large numbers and feed on grass blades. If an infestation occurs, treat the area with Thuricide Concentrate.
Sod webworms burrow into lawns and leave behind small holes covered with fine webbing. In cases where only a few are present, inserting a stiff wire into the hole can eliminate them.
Ants and harvester ants are another common issue in lawns. If you notice a large presence of ants, use Protekta D powder mixed with water. A sweetened sodium fluosilicate bait can be applied to the affected areas for harvester ants. The ants carry the bait back to their nest, helping to control the population over time. Another great alternative is Bioway Multi Insect and Dustmite Killer, which is considered safe for use around humans, children, pets, birds, and other warm-blooded animals.
Lawn Equipment Care and Maintenance
Proper maintenance of lawn care equipment is essential for keeping your lawn in top condition. One important rule is to never refuel a petrol mower while it is on the lawn, as even a small fuel spill can kill grass.
Before storing your petrol mower for winter, add a few drops of oil into the cylinder through the spark plug hole and turn the engine a few times to lubricate the internal parts. For two-stroke engines, drain the fuel tank before storage to prevent damage.
If using a rotary mower, ensure that all blades are in good condition and replace any broken ones immediately. This prevents damage to the engine and bearings. Always wear closed-toe shoes when operating a mower—many lawn injuries happen due to improper footwear.
The Best Grass Types for South African Lawns
Choosing the right grass type for your lawn is crucial. Different varieties thrive in different conditions, so selecting the best one for your region can make lawn care much easier.
- Kikuyu: Fast-growing, hard-wearing, and excellent for high-traffic areas.
- Florida Grass: A fine-textured lawn grass, often used for bowling greens.
- Buffalo Grass: Coarse but durable; ideal for coastal gardens.
- Richmond Grass: Grows well in shaded gardens and warmer regions.
- Swazi Grass: A broad-leaved variety that grows quickly but struggles in dry spells.
- Kentucky Bluegrass: Grows from seed and tolerates shade but may need replanting after a few years.
Conclusion
By following a structured seasonal approach to lawn care and considering factors like soil health, pest management, and the right grass type for your climate, you can maintain a thriving, green lawn year-round. Taking care of your lawn is not just about mowing and watering—understanding the right fertilisers, managing diseases, and using proper equipment maintenance practices all play a crucial role in ensuring your lawn remains in peak condition.