Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar for Brisbane (Month by Month)

Why Timing Matters for Brisbane Lawns

Brisbane's subtropical climate means your lawn has a distinct growing season (September–April) and a dormant or slow period (May–August). Doing the right task at the right time — fertilising when the grass can actually use it, treating weeds when they are vulnerable, aerating when the lawn can recover — makes the difference between a mediocre lawn and a standout one. This calendar is designed specifically for South East Queensland conditions with Couch, Buffalo, Kikuyu, and Zoysia grass types in mind.

Spring: September – November

Spring is the most important season for your lawn. This is when warm-season grasses break dormancy, start growing vigorously, and are most responsive to care. September: Apply the first fertiliser of the year as growth resumes. Apply pre-emergent herbicide for summer weeds if needed. Begin fortnightly mowing as growth picks up. October: Ideal month for core aeration — the grass recovers quickly during active growth. Overseed any bare patches with Couch or Kikuyu seed. Start monitoring for lawn grub activity. November: Apply preventative grub treatment (Acelepryn). Second fertiliser application. Mowing frequency increases to weekly for Couch. Watch for and treat any weed breakouts with selective herbicide.

Summer: December – February

Summer is peak growing season — your lawn grows fast but also faces its biggest challenges: heat stress, drought, grubs, and heavy tropical rain. December: Mow weekly (Couch) or fortnightly (Buffalo). Water deeply once or twice a week if rain is insufficient (25–30mm per session). January: Peak heat — watch for dry patches and increase watering if needed. Avoid fertilising during extreme heat (above 35°C). Grub damage is most common now — treat promptly if you see brown patches expanding. February: Apply third fertiliser application. Start planning autumn weed treatment. Reduce mowing height slightly for Couch as days begin to shorten. Summer storms may reduce watering needs.

Autumn: March – May

Autumn is weed treatment season and your last chance to feed the lawn before winter. March: Apply selective herbicide for winter weeds (Bindii, clover, dandelion) — they germinate now and this is when they are easiest to kill. Last fertiliser application of the year. April: Reduce mowing frequency as growth slows. Continue weed treatment if needed. Great time to topdress with sandy loam if your soil is heavy clay. May: Growth slows significantly. Raise mowing height by 5–10mm. Stop fertilising. Last selective herbicide application before winter. Overseed with winter ryegrass if you want green colour through winter.

Winter: June – August

Winter is the quiet season. Your lawn does not need much, and doing too much can actually cause problems. June: Mow only every 3–4 weeks at a raised height. Do not fertilise. Avoid walking on frost-affected grass (it damages leaf blades). July: Minimal maintenance. Continue infrequent mowing. This is a good time to maintain your mower — sharpen blades, change oil, clean the air filter. August: Towards the end of August, start watching for the first signs of spring growth. Plan your spring fertiliser and aeration schedule. Check for bare patches that will need reseeding in October.

Annual Lawn Care Task Checklist