Why your lawn stops growing in winter

As the nation shivers through a frosty start to the season, one major perk to winter to Australia has emerged — and it’s quite unexpected.

Oh, winter in Australia.

The sun sets before 5pm, the mornings are foggy, and we cling to our extra-hot cappuccinos with one sugar just to make the commute to work bearable.

We’re such a summer-loving nation that as soon as the temperature hits single digits, half the country declares it too cold and jets off to Europe.

But amid it all, there’s one major perk to the winter in Australia.

You don’t need to mow your lawn.

Yes, that’s right.

Does anyone actually enjoy mowing the lawn? Picture: iStock

Most Australian lawns experience slower growth during winter due to lack of sunlight and cooler temperatures, meaning that you won’t need to mow as frequently.

In fact, a colleague whose lawn needs to be mowed every 7-10 days during the summer has gone seven weeks without mowing it. And it’s barely grown.

The most common Australian grasses are C4 grasses, otherwise known as warm-season grasses.

This includes varieties such as couch grass, kikuyu, and buffalo grass, and they’re often the choice for Aussie lawns due to their strong heat and drought tolerance.

They are also self-repairing, making it a great choice for families with four-legged friends running around.

They flourish best in summer, spring, and early autumn, where temps can range from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius.

In winter, warm-season grasses tend to go dormant to conserve energy. During this time, they will experience very minimal levels of growth and will often tend to lose colour.

Most Australian lawns go dormant in winter. Picture: iStock

It’s the one break we can catch in winter. Picture: iStock

But just because your grass is looking a little worse for wear doesn’t mean it doesn’t require any care.

To care for your lawn during winter, it is recommended that weeds and debris are removed and a winter fertiliser or treatment is applied.

This way, your lawn stays healthy and ready for growing come Spring.

For those with cool-season lawns (C3), you will likely continue mowing as usual. These varieties don’t share the same drought tolerance or durability as warm-season lawns and generally thrive in the cooler months.

They grow best in temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees, so they tend to stay green and active throughout autumn and winter, especially in southern and elevated parts of Australia.

Avoid ever mowing your grass when it’s wet. Picture: iStock

In terms of maintenance, ensuring the grass is kept between 6-8 centimetres makes for better insulation.

Bunnings Australia recommends not mowing your lawn when it’s wet. It can spread disease through your grass, so be aware of any bacteria in your lawn. Wet grass can also get stuck on your lawnmower’s undercarriage and cause issues for your machine.

For those dreading the regular mows during summer, enjoy it while you can. You’ve only got a few months left!

Originally published as Why your lawn stops growing in winter