Frequently Asked Questions – Premier Lawns Perth
Over the years, we’ve had plenty of questions from Perth homeowners about keeping their lawns healthy. Here are the answers to the ones we hear most – straight from experience, not a script.
How often should I mow my lawn?
In the warmer months, every two weeks is ideal. When it cools down, every 4–5 weeks is usually enough.
The big thing is to avoid taking off too much in one go – it shocks the grass and slows recovery. Regular trims keep it dense and healthy.
What height should my lawn be mowed at?
Winter:-
Couch: 12–15 mm
Buffalo: 20–30 mm
Kikuyu: 15–20 mm
Zoysia: 20–25 mm
Summer:-
Couch: 10–12 mm
Buffalo: 15–20 mm
Kikuyu: 12–15 mm
Zoysia: 15–20 mm
These are general guides – things like sun exposure and the health of your lawn will affect what’s best. All summer grasses need at least 4 hours of sunlight a day to stay strong, especially in winter.
My lawn has gone spongy and is hard to mow – what can I do?
That spongy feeling usually means you’ve got too much thatch built up. For buffalo lawns, mowing low for a couple of cuts in spring can help, but for the best results – on any lawn type – we recommend vertimowing.
Buffalo needs a gentler approach because it doesn’t have underground runners like couch, but vertimowing will still strip out the excess thatch, improve water and nutrient flow, and let new growth come through.
When’s the best time for vertimowing in Perth?
Spring is perfect – your lawn’s in growth mode, so it recovers quickly. That said, we can vertimow through the other warm months with great results. It’s especially useful before summer so your lawn can soak up more water and nutrients when it needs them most.
Is there anything else I should do for my lawn in spring?
Spring’s the best time to get stuck into lawn rejuvenation – that could mean vertimowing, core aeration, a fertiliser boost, or a wetting agent to prepare for summer heat. It’s also a great time to level out uneven spots and patch bare areas before they get stressed by the warmer weather.
My lawn feels hard and compacted – how can I fix it?
If the soil’s compacted, the only real fix is core aeration. We remove small plugs from the lawn to open up the soil, which lets oxygen, water, and nutrients reach the roots.
Deeper roots mean your lawn is better equipped to handle hot spells, dry periods, and heavy use. Pairing aeration with fertiliser and a wetting agent gives the best results.
How often should I aerate my lawn in Perth?
Once a year is usually enough for most lawns, though high-traffic areas might need it twice a year. For sandy Perth soils, aeration can make a big difference in keeping your lawn green and healthy through summer.
Is there a right time to fertilise in Perth?
Yes – spring and autumn are ideal for a full fertiliser treatment. Spring helps your lawn bounce back after winter dormancy, and autumn builds root strength before the cooler months. Light top-ups every 6–8 weeks keep it looking good all year.
Parts of my lawn are green while other spots are brown and dry – what’s going on?
It could be a few things – patchy reticulation, poor water absorption in certain areas, low nutrients, or even a lawn disease (more common in winter). A quick inspection will tell us what’s going on and how to fix it.
I’ve got dogs – is it even worth trying to keep a lawn in good condition?
It depends on the size of the yard, the breed, and how active they are. Some lawns cope surprisingly well, others will always struggle. Sometimes it’s better to focus your efforts on the front yard and accept the back will be more “practical” than perfect.
Should I leave the clippings on the lawn or take them away?
Taking them away is better – leaving clippings adds to thatch build-up, which leads to a spongy, unhealthy lawn. Best to toss them in the green waste bin or use them as mulch in garden beds.
Cylinder mower or rotary mower – which is better?
Cylinder mowers cut the grass cleanly, giving a neater finish and helping the lawn stay healthy. Rotary mowers tend to tear at the blades, and over time they slowly remove soil, exposing the root system – which is bad news for lawn health.
If your lawn is fairly level without steep slopes, a cylinder mower is hands-down the better choice. They’re also part of what gives many WA lawns that signature manicured look.
Myth: Aeration is only for lawns in bad condition – true or false?
False. Core aeration benefits almost every lawn, even if it already looks healthy. By reducing compaction and improving nutrient uptake, it helps keep your lawn in top shape and prevents problems before they start.
Myth: Vertimowing will ruin my lawn – true or false?
False – if it’s done at the right time and at the right depth. After vertimowing, the lawn might look rough for a couple of weeks, but it bounces back thicker, greener, and healthier than before. We’ve seen it transform even the most tired patches into lush, even turf.