Month-by-month actions for a greener verge, even in summer heat.

Between sandy soils, coastal winds and rigid sprinkler rosters, keeping a WA lawn lush can feel like a full-time gig. Good news: it isn’t—if you follow the right seasonal mowing and fertiliser schedule. Our horticulturalists blended local Bureau of Meteorology data with AI-driven growth-rate tracking to create this easy, actionable calendar.

January & February: Survive the scorch

• Raise the deck to 40 mm – Longer blades shade the crown and reduce evap.
• Apply slow-release organics (3 kg/100 m²) first cool morning after New Year.
• Spot wetting-agent pellets in hydrophobic patches—Perth sands repel water.

March & April: Autumn recovery

• Drop height to 30 mm for a tighter surface before winter.
• Spread high-potassium fertiliser (N-P-K ≈ 10-5-14) to strengthen roots.
• Overseed couch or buffalo thin areas—soil is still warm for germination.

Need crisp borders? See our guide: Whipper-Snipping 101.

May & June: Pre-winter hedge

• Last granular feed of the year by mid-May.
• Reduce watering to once weekly unless rainfall tops 25 mm.
• Mow at 25 mm right before first heavy rain; this lowers fungal risk.

Add a light prune to natives while you’re out—read hedge-trimming tips for WA natives.

July & August: Iron out the yellow

• Liquid iron & seaweed tonic every four weeks keeps colour without surge growth.
• Aerate with a garden fork—clay pockets form under heavy winter foot traffic.
• Hold mowing if growth stalls below 15 mm/week; scalp damage is real.

September: Spring launch

• First mow of the season at 30 mm; remove only one-third of blade length.
• Apply nitrogen-rich fertiliser (20-5-10) plus wetting agent to prep for heat.
• Resume two-day watering roster (12 mm each session).

October & November: Growth mode

• Mow fortnightly (couch) or weekly (buffalo) at 30 mm.
• Top-dress bare spots with compost-sand mix 1 cm thick.
• Check retic pop-ups for overspray—Water Corp fines start at \$100.

Common questions

What height suits buffalo vs couch?
Buffalo thrives at 30–40 mm; couch tolerates 20 mm but 25–30 mm is safer in summer.

Can I fertilise and wetting-agent on the same day?
Yes—apply wetting agent first, irrigate, then spread fertiliser. Follow with a 6 mm soak.

Do I really need to catch clippings?
Mulch in summer to conserve moisture; catch in winter to reduce thatch.