Winter Lawn Maintenance Myths (And What Actually Works)

When winter arrives in Australia, many homeowners believe their lawns need less attention. But winter lawn care is just as important as any other season if you want a healthy, green lawn come spring. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation out there about what you should or shouldn't do. In this guide, we’ll tackle common winter lawn maintenance myths and explain what actually works, so your lawn can thrive even in the cooler months.

While your lawn grows slower in winter, that doesn’t mean it stops needing nutrients. In fact, applying a light, balanced liquid fertiliser like Pure Balance or an iron-rich product such as Pure Iron+ can help maintain colour, improve stress tolerance, and support root health. A properly fed lawn in winter is far more likely to bounce back faster when temperatures rise.

Tip: Avoid high-nitrogen granular fertilisers in winter. These stimulate leaf growth when the plant is dormant and can be a waste of time and money. Instead, opt for liquids.

Even in winter , your lawn still needs moisture. Though rainfall may be more common, it doesn’t always provide enough water to support healthy turf. Dry winds, frost, and compacted soil can all reduce moisture absorption. If the soil is dry a few centimetres down, give your lawn a deep water.

Dormant lawns may not need to be watered at all, but if there is a prolonged dry spell, a monthly watering will help keep the soil moist and help prevent it from becoming hydrophobic.

Tip: Water in the morning during winter to reduce the risk of disease caused by excess overnight moisture.

Lawn growth slows in winter , but it doesn’t stop entirely. Letting your lawn get too long can shade the lower shoots, weaken the turf, and increase disease risk. Instead, raise your mowing height slightly and mow less frequently to keep things tidy and encourage light and air into the canopy.

Tip: Always mow with sharp blades in winter to reduce stress on the grass.

Winter weeds like Poa annua (Wintergrass), clover and bindii can germinate and spread quickly when your warm-season grass slows down. Left untreated, they’ll go to seed and return even more aggressively next year.

Control them early using targeted post-emergent herbicides like Odessa or Bow and Arrow. For long-term prevention, apply a pre-emergent like Spartan in late summer before the winter season begins.

Tip: Stay on top of weed control throughout winter so you’re not fighting a bigger battle in spring.

Lawn pigments like Pure Colour aren’t just for aesthetics. These turf-safe colourants bond to the grass blades, allowing them to breathe and photosynthesise while also protecting against winter frost and UV damage. They’re widely used by sports fields and golf courses across Australia.

Tip: Apply Pure Colour after mowing and when no rain is forecast for 24 hours.

Some pests, like Lawn Army worm, remain active during early winter. If the weather has been mild, you may still notice signs like birds digging, soft patches, or yellowing turf. Using a treatment like Fortune Ultra in winter can help protect your lawn.

Many liquid fertilisers, pigments, and herbicides are designed to work effectively in cooler temperatures. Products like Pure Iron+ and Odessa are still active in winter, especially when applied on sunny days when the lawn is dry.

Tip: Follow the label instructions and apply in optimal conditions for best results.

Don’t let outdated myths steer your winter lawn care routine. With the right approach, targeted fertilisers, smart mowing, and proactive weed control, your lawn can stay healthy, green, and well-prepped for the growing season ahead. Embrace the power of liquid fertilisers and keep up your maintenance through winter, and your lawn will thank you come spring.