August lawn care in temperate areas

Bindii forms its prickly burrs in spring. Dig out plants or spot treat them with a herbicide whose label lists bindii and your grass type, before the burrs appear.

• What weed killer is safe on buffalo?

Winter grass and bindii are easiest to dig out, or to treat with a selective herbicide whose label lists the weed and your grass, while the plants are small.

• How do I get rid of winter grass?
• Can I pull out winter grass by hand?
• What weed killer is safe on buffalo?

Pull or spot treat winter grass before its seed heads drop seed into the lawn for next year. Then plan an autumn pre-emergent.

• Why does winter grass keep coming back?
• Can I pull out winter grass by hand?

Warm-season grass can't use fertiliser while it's dormant, so most of it is wasted. Wait until the lawn is growing again in spring.

• Should I fertilise in winter?

Walking on frozen grass breaks the leaves and leaves brown footprints. Wait until the frost has melted.

Warm-season lawns are dormant or close to it. Mow only when it has grown, and don't lower the height to make the mowing last longer.

Sharpen or replace the blade, clean the deck, and check the oil, air filter and spark plug (or the battery on a cordless mower) before the growing season starts.

• Spring lawn care guide for Australian lawns

A simple pH test before the growing season tells you whether your soil suits the grass. Follow the kit's instructions, and test a few spots across the lawn.