Spring growth is here and your lawn is ready for it.
October marks the start of serious growth season across New Zealand. The soil’s warming, weeds are on the move, and your lawn is hungry for nutrients. If you tackle a few key jobs this month, you’ll set yourself up for a greener, denser, and more resilient lawn all summer long.
How to Know Your Lawn Is Ready
- Grass colour lightens slightly — it’s used up winter nutrients and ready for a feed.
- You’ve mown once or twice since winter — active growth has begun.
- Weeds are appearing more quickly — soil is warm enough for new growth.
- Soil feels soft and warm underfoot — not sticky or cold.
If that sounds like your lawn, it’s time to get started.
1. Feed for Colour and Strength
After winter, your lawn’s energy reserves are low. Feeding now builds strong roots and vibrant colour before the summer heat arrives.
What to do:
- Apply a spring fertiliser to boost growth and recovery.
- LAWNZ Spark Liquid Fertiliser provides a quick, visible green-up.
- LAWNZ Amplify Granular Fertiliser delivers slow, steady nutrition for lasting results.
- Water afterwards if rain isn’t expected within 24 hours.
North Island:
- Warmer nights mean you can feed early in the month.
- Apply fertiliser at the recommended rate — steady, even growth stays healthier in humid conditions.
South Island:
- Wait until frosts have mostly gone and soil feels warm to the touch (around 10 °C).
- Early–mid October is ideal for your first major feed.
💡 Tip: Mow first, then feed — shorter grass helps fertiliser reach the soil evenly.
2. Stay Ahead of Weeds
Warm, moist spring conditions bring weeds to life and once you can see them, they’re already spreading.
What to do:
- Pull small patches by hand after rain when soil is soft.
- For bigger areas, use a selective herbicide that targets weeds, not turf.
- LAWNZ Cleanse Herbicide suits mature lawns (6 months +).
- LAWNZ Preserve Herbicide is gentle enough for new or young lawns.
- Check your forecast — apply when calm and dry for best results.
North Island:
- Treat early. Warm, humid conditions help weeds multiply quickly.
- Clover and broadleaf weeds are common now.
South Island:
- Growth is slower, so this is your window to spot-treat before weeds set seed.
💡 Tip: Thicker lawns reduce bare soil, stopping new weeds from sprouting.
3. Mow Little and Often
Gentle, consistent mowing encourages dense, healthy grass.
What to do:
- Mow every 7–10 days while growth is active.
- Follow the 1/3 rule: only cut the top third of the blade each time.
- Keep blades sharp for clean cuts.
North Island:
- Expect faster growth, weekly mowing helps keep it even.
- Keep blades higher to protect against heat stress.
South Island:
- Weekly mowing is usually enough as soil warms gradually.
- Focus on even height, not cutting low.
💡 Tip: A tidy edge around paths instantly makes your lawn look neater with minimal effort.
Bonus: Patch and Repair
If winter left bare or thin areas, October’s warmth is perfect for reseeding.
- Loosen the soil, sprinkle seed, and keep it damp for 2–3 weeks.
- Match your seed to your existing lawn for a consistent finish.
- Water lightly once or twice daily until seedlings establish.
Key lawn care jobs this October
Growth is surging, focus on these three seasonal priorities.
-
Feed for colour + strength (Spark or Amplify)
Spring feeding builds deep roots and lush colour before the summer heat.
Spark gives an instant boost; Amplify sustains growth for weeks. -
Patch bare spots with fresh seed
Soil warmth and mild rain mean quick germination.
Loosen soil, spread seed, and keep damp for 2–3 weeks. -
Stay ahead of weeds
Hand-pull or spray early while growth is still manageable.
LAWNZ Cleanse for mature lawns; LAWNZ Preserve for new or young lawns.
In Short
October is about building strength before summer. Feed, mow, and manage weeds consistently, and tackle these one-off jobs to reset your lawn for the season ahead.
