Easy fixes for a lacklustre lawn that even non-green thumbs can use

A thick, healthy layer of green grass can be the biggest complement your home’s appearance, and it’s often the first thing a visitor will notice and comment on.

But lawns sometimes need more attention than we realise to look their best, especially after winter. Brown, patchy or thinning grass can occur for a number of reasons, but tips will help you overhaul a tired-looking lawn with minimal effort.

High traffic areas

High foot traffic from people or pets can create worn, brown batches around the entrance to your home, the fence, deck, or clothesline. While you can attempt to fix this by spreading extra lawn seeds, they’re unlikely to be able to overcome heavy footfall. Instead,  consider placing a few flat stepping stones around the area that’s most affected to create a pathway.

Extreme weather

After a very hot summer or a very cold winter, you will notice your lawn suffering, but that can be treated with a regularly ‘lawn routine’.

This starts with aerating your lawn once or twice a year depending on your soil type. You should also rake out weeds and clear leaves from the surface as these will stop the growth of healthy grass. Remember to provide the grass with the correct nutrients via a fertiliser or feed product when needed.

Reviving a large section of weather-damaged grass will take time and a lot of patience but it can definitely be done if you keep up this process.

Too much shade

Grass areas that rarely receive sun due can often appear brown due to the lack of vitamin D.

If the shade is created by an overhanging tree, try pruning a few branches to create a space for the sun to enter, rather than lopping down the whole tree.

But if it’s created by something more permanent, such as a shade-sail or roof, then try turning the grass area into a shade-friendly garden. There are plenty of flowers and shrubs that will thrive in the shade, while also adding splashes of colour to your garden. Your local nursery can advise on what’s best for your area.

Pet problems

If you have started noticing that small patches of your lawn are brown or yellow, then your pet’s likely the problem.

Urine has high levels of nitrogen and will cause the grass to brown quite quickly. While these patches should revive with care after one or two weeks, if it becomes a consistent problem then prevention is important.

Train your dog to pee in one hidden area of your lawn by giving him or her a specific landmark such as a rock or a tree. Take the dog on the lead towards this spot each time he needs to go, and reward him for doing the right thing. Otherwise you could also look into food additives for your dog’s meals to balance the PH levels in their urine.

How long do you spend taking care of your lawn? What is your biggest struggle with lawn care?