After summer, lawns can look a little worse for wear, especially if temperatures have been unusually high or if the grass has been exposed to direct sunlight.
Fortunately, there are a few simple tips to get your grass back in shape and ready for the colder months.
But before you take action, you can overlook one important thing that could change everything.
Airtasker gardening experts Leonardo and Domenico recommend going further by testing your soil’s pH.
They said: “Many people don’t realize this is such an important step, but we always recommend testing the soil pH and making adjustments to ensure it is in the ideal range for grass growth.
“Grass needs nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to grow well.”
Experts explained the science behind this important task: “If the soil pH is too acidic or too alkaline, it can prevent these nutrients from being absorbed by the grass roots, leading to poor growth and a patchy lawn.
“Note that the ideal range is typically somewhere between 6.0 and 7.5.
“If your soil’s pH is too low, it’s good to add lime or wood ash to raise it.
“If you do the tests and if it’s too high, add organic materials like sulfur or aluminum sulfate.”
By preparing the soil at the end of summer, you are setting yourself up for success in reseeding or building a new lawn by the end of September or October, as early fall provides ideal growing conditions.
Even if you don’t plan to reseed or lay a new lawn, this is still a good time to address ongoing lawn issues.
By aerating to reduce compaction, topdressing to promote healthier growth, or focusing on weed control and pest control to keep your lawn in top condition until fall.
