Spring Checklist: Simple Steps Before the Perth Heat Arrives

Wondering how to prepare your lawn for summer in WA? Follow this August-to-October roadmap and hit November with grass that’s green, stress-free and water-wise.

Why Spring Matters in Perth

Perth’s Mediterranean climate means mild, showery winters and then, almost overnight, 40 °C scorchers. If you wait until December to fix dry patches, it’s already too late. Spring is the window to:

• Reset soil health while ground moisture is still high

• Audit irrigation systems before evap rates spike

• Create a buffer of nutrients so turf can power through the first heatwave

Below is a month-by-month plan (and a printable Spring Checklist at the end) to keep you on track.

Perform a Spring Irrigation Audit

August – Audit & Repair Mode

1. Run an Irrigation “Distribution Uniformity” Test

• Why it matters: Uneven sprinkler coverage equals dry rings that cook in summer.

• DIY method: Place 10-12 catch cups (identical tuna tins or coffee mugs will also do the trick) around one zone, run sprinklers for 10 minutes, then measure the water in each. Aim for < 20 % variation.

• Fixes: Swap clogged nozzles, adjust arc angles, or consider a matched-precipitation upgrade.

2. Tidy Up Winter Debris

Rake leaves, remove fallen branches and aerate any moss-prone patches. Better light = faster spring green-up.

3. Soil Test & pH Check

Ask Positively Green to test a core soil sample. Perth’s sandy soils often run alkaline after winter rains, so you may need a light application of a carbon rich organic acidifier to unlock bound up nutrients.

4. Early Weed Blitz

Hit winter broadleaf weeds now with a selective herbicide or organic alternative—before they flower and spread seed.

September – Switch-On & Feed

1. Restart Irrigation (First Week of Sept)

• Flush the lines, then run each zone manually, noting any misting or geysers.

• Re-check distribution uniformity after repairs.

• Program run times to twice per week (Perth metro watering roster) and schedule deep, early-morning cycles.

2. Renovation Lite

As temperatures are now warming up now is the time to remove organic build up with a vertimow dethatch, core and topdress with free draining lawn sand.

3. Wetting Agent Application

A good penetrant reduces hydrophobic soil issues that plague Perth sands. Repeat every 6-8 wks until end of autumn.

4. Micronutrient Boost

Manganese and iron chelates restore deep colour and prep chlorophyll production for longer daylight hours.

October – Fine-Tune & Protect

1. Set Summer Mowing Height

Set appropriate summer mowing height leaving 15-20mm blades on buffalo and 10-15mm blades on couch. Increase regularity of mowing so you are never taking more than 30% off the leaf in one cut.

2. Bugs, Grubs and Army Worm Watch

Apply and pre-emergent insecticide to give 6 months protection against bugs and grubs.

3. Second Fertiliser Pass

Use a slow-release, high-potassium blend to harden cell walls and improve drought tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Bite-Size Answer
When should I restart irrigation in Perth?	Turn systems back on in the first week of September after a distribution uniformity test.
What is a DU test?	It measures how evenly your sprinklers apply water across the surface; < 20 % variation is the goal.
Best fertiliser ratio for spring lawns in WA?	A balanced 15-2-11 starter in September, followed by a high-potassium slow-release in late October.
How often should I water once summer hits?	Stick to Perth roster – usually 2 x days per week. As temperatures increase, the total volume of water will need to increase.

Printable Spring Checklist

•  Audit sprinklers & run DU test (Aug)

•  Light rake and aerate shady areas (Aug)

•  Soil test + pH correction (Aug)

•  Winter weed blitz (Aug)

•  Flush & program irrigation (Early Sept)

•  Light dethatch / top-dress (Sept)

•  Apply quality wetting agent (Sept)

•  Apply starter fertiliser (Sept)

•  Micronutrients boost (Late Sept)

•  Set summer mowing height (Oct)

•  Check for grub and beetle activity (Oct)

•  High-K slow-release fertiliser (Late Oct)

Need a Hand?

If that checklist feels hefty, book a Spring Tune-Up with Positively Green. We’ll run the irrigation audit, tweak DU, and prep your turf for the Perth heat so you can enjoy the summer, not fight burnt patches.

Book a Spring Tune-Up – limited September slots available.