The Secret Beneath Your Lawn: Why Soil Health Matters in Perth
- Paul Dean
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
A healthy, green lawn doesn’t start with fertiliser or a fancy mower—it starts with the soil. At Positively Green, we understand that soil health is the foundation of every thriving lawn in Perth. And in our local climate, free-draining sandy soils paired with the right biological activity are key to long-term lawn success.
What Is Soil Health and Why Is It Important?
Soil health refers to the soil’s ability to support plant growth and function as a dynamic, living ecosystem. It’s not just dirt—healthy soil is teeming with microorganisms and structured in a way that supports deep root growth, nutrient uptake, and water movement.
Key Benefits of Healthy Soil:
Deep, resilient turf roots
Efficient drainage and water use
Strong microbial activity for nutrient cycling
Greater resistance to disease and stress
Reduced need for synthetic inputs
What Makes Lawn Soil Healthy in Perth?
In the Perth metro area, sandy soils are naturally free-draining, which is ideal for developing deep, drought-tolerant roots. The goal is to maintain structure and biological life without increasing heaviness or waterlogging.
At Positively Green, our soil specialists—led by turf expert Mike Maartensz—assess four critical elements when evaluating your lawn:
1. Microbial Activity
Microorganisms play a vital role in breaking down organic material and making nutrients available to plants. Healthy microbial populations improve turf health and boost disease resistance.
2. Soil Structure
In Perth’s sandy profiles, maintaining openness and drainage is essential. Over-compaction reduces oxygen flow and impairs root development, so managing foot traffic and regular aeration are key.
3. Nutrient Balance
Sandy soils don’t hold nutrients well, so precise, scheduled applications of high-quality fertilisers tailored to your lawn’s needs are essential.
4. pH Range
Most lawn grasses grow best with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Outside this range, nutrient availability drops—even when you're applying the right products.
How Do I Know If My Soil Is Healthy?
A professional soil test is the best way to understand your lawn’s needs. We’ll assess:
pH level
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) concentrations
Soil texture and structure
Signs of biological activity or imbalance
💡 Book a professional soil consultation with Positively Green for just $99—redeemable off your first service invoice!
Why Soil Testing Makes the Difference
Even in sandy soils, nutrient imbalance or biological deficiency can stop your lawn from thriving. Testing gives you the confidence to apply exactly what your lawn needs—nothing more, nothing less.
Benefits of Soil Testing:
🎯 Targeted treatments for precise improvement 💰 Save on fertilisers with custom plans 🌱 Better turf health through tailored care
How We Improve Soil Health (Without Heavy Organics)
We don’t promote bulk composting or soil-heaviness. Instead, we recommend smart, seasonal practices aligned with Perth’s sandy conditions:
1. Biological Stimulants
Support microbial activity with soil-friendly liquid applications—no bulk compost required.
2. Aeration
Helps combat compaction and promotes deeper root development in sandy profiles.
3. Fertilisers Suited to Sand
Use granular and liquid blends specifically designed for quick-draining soils, ensuring nutrients are absorbed before they leach away.
4. Choose the Right Turf Variety
Some turf types handle sandy soils better than others. Sir Walter Buffalo, Kikuyu, and Wintergreen Couch are great options depending on your lawn goals and location.
Ongoing Lawn Care = Ongoing Soil Care
Great soil health isn’t a one-time fix—it’s part of a seasonal routine. Here’s how to support it long term:
✅ Schedule seasonal aeration to maintain structure ✅ Apply fertilisers with iron and trace elements ✅ Avoid compaction during wet conditions ✅ Monitor pH and nutrient levels yearly ✅ Support microbial life with soil-safe additives
Build a Better Lawn from the Ground Up
If your lawn is underperforming, start by looking below the surface. At Positively Green, we specialise in building strong lawns from the soil up—without adding unnecessary weight or using the wrong products for Perth’s conditions.
Let our team create a tailored plan for your lawn based on science, experience, and your goals.
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