Fertilising Your Lawn for Strong Growth
Fertilising provides your lawn with essential nutrients for healthy growth and colour. Use a quality fertiliser suited to your turf type and apply it during active growing periods.
Fertilising Your Lawn the Right Way
Fertilising your lawn correctly helps improve colour, growth and overall lawn health. While applying fertiliser might seem straightforward, getting the timing, product and application method right makes a big difference to the results.
With the right approach, fertilising becomes a simple part of regular lawn care rather than a guessing game.
When to Fertilise Your Lawn
Timing is one of the most important factors in effective lawn fertilising. Most warm season turf varieties such as buffalo, couch, kikuyu and zoysia respond best when fertiliser is applied during active growth periods.
As a general guide:
- Mid spring – when the lawn starts growing again after winter
- Mid to late summer – around Australia Day, to maintain growth and colour
- Early to mid autumn – after Easter or Anzac Day, to strengthen the lawn heading into cooler months
Avoid fertilising during winter when growth slows, as nutrients are less effectively absorbed.
Types of Lawn Fertiliser
There are two main types of fertiliser commonly used on home lawns – granular and liquid. Both can be effective when used correctly.
Granular Fertilisers
Granular fertilisers are a popular option because they are easy to apply and provide longer-lasting results. These products release nutrients more slowly, feeding the lawn over an extended period.
Before applying:
- Measure your lawn area to calculate the correct amount
- Read the label for application rates and safety instructions
- Use a fertiliser spreader where possible for even coverage
If spreading by hand, apply using a smooth, consistent motion. Walking up and back, then across the lawn in the opposite direction helps achieve even coverage and reduces the risk of over-application in patches.
Liquid Fertilisers
Liquid fertilisers are absorbed quickly through the leaf of the grass, providing a fast boost in growth and colour. They are ideal when the lawn needs a quick response or during periods of active growth.
When applying liquid fertiliser:
- Measure your lawn area first
- Mix and apply according to label instructions
- Spray evenly using a consistent walking pattern
Pay attention to the width of your spray pattern to avoid doubling up in certain areas.
Watering After Fertilising
Watering plays a critical role after fertiliser application. Before irrigating, sweep or blow any fertiliser off hard surfaces to prevent staining.
Most fertilisers require watering in to move nutrients into the soil and reduce the risk of lawn burn. This can be done using a hose and sprinkler or by timing application just before light rainfall.
Around 5–10 mm of water is ideal. Heavy rain can wash nutrients away before they are absorbed, so avoid fertilising just before significant rainfall.
Always check the product label to confirm watering requirements, as some liquid fertilisers do not need to be watered in.
The Results You Can Expect
In the weeks following fertilising, you should notice improved colour, stronger growth and a more resilient lawn. Regular fertilising, combined with proper mowing and watering, helps your turf stay healthy and better resist weeds and stress.
Need Advice on Fertilising?
Different turf varieties and soil types can benefit from different fertilising approaches. If you are unsure when or how to fertilise your lawn, Blue Lake Turf Farm can provide advice based on your turf type and local conditions.
