If you live in Lismore or anywhere in the Northern Rivers, you’ll know that keeping your lawn looking lush can be a bit of a juggling act. Between the sticky summers, sudden downpours, and mild winters, it takes a bit of local know-how to keep your grass green and healthy. But don’t stress – we’ve put together this seasonal lawn care guide just for Lismore locals. Whether you’ve got Buffalo, Kikuyu, or Couch, we’ve got the tips to help you get the most out of your turf, year-round.
Water deeply a couple of times a week rather than daily. Early mornings are best to avoid fungal issues and minimise evaporation.
Set your mower blades a little higher during summer. Longer grass shades the roots and helps retain moisture – especially important in Lismore’s hot, humid weather.
Use a slow-release fertiliser if needed, but avoid overfeeding in extreme heat. Organic options like seaweed-based tonics are gentler and help with stress recovery.
The humidity in Lismore can lead to lawn diseases like dollar spot or brown patch. Improve air circulation and avoid watering at night.
Autumn is prime time to aerate – especially if your lawn has become compacted over summer or had heavy foot traffic. A garden fork or lawn aerator does the trick.
Apply a complete lawn food early in autumn to strengthen the roots before winter dormancy. Look for one with a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
As summer growth slows, it’s a good time to spot-spray broadleaf weeds before they go to seed. A weed-and-feed product can help too – just check it’s safe for your grass type.
Don’t let leaves pile up – they’ll smother your grass and invite fungal issues. A quick rake every week or so keeps your lawn breathing easy.
You’ll only need to mow every 3–4 weeks in winter. Don’t scalp the grass – leave it a little longer to soak up any available sunlight.
Avoid walking on your lawn when it's wet or frosty, as this can damage the grass and compact the soil.
Most lawns don’t need feeding in winter. However, if your lawn looks a bit sad, you can apply a slow-release fertiliser with low nitrogen content.
Let in more sun by pruning trees and shrubs that cast heavy shade over your lawn in winter. Lismore’s cooler months still get plenty of sun – make the most of it!
If your lawn feels spongy underfoot, dethatch it with a rake or dethatching mower. Topdress with a mix of sand and organic matter to even out low spots and improve soil structure.
Apply a high-nitrogen spring fertiliser to kickstart growth. This is especially important if your lawn took a hit over winter.
Mow weekly or fortnightly to encourage dense growth and discourage weeds. Remember: never remove more than a third of the grass blade at once.
Spring brings out the usual suspects – bindii, clover, and lawn grubs. Use a targeted treatment early before infestations take hold.
If you're looking to install or refresh a lawn in Lismore, these turf types perform best in our climate:
Each type has its pros and cons, but all can thrive with the right seasonal care.
With a bit of seasonal smarts and a few weekend sessions, you can keep your Lismore lawn looking the goods year-round. Whether you're dealing with tropical downpours or dry spells, following these lawn care tips tailored for our local climate will save you time, water, and money.
Need a hand with lawn maintenance or a full turf makeover? Give Lismore Gardeners a bell – we know how to treat your lawn like it's our own backyard.
