How to achieve the ultimate lawn renovation

Please keep reading about how to tackle your lawn renovation with these garden maintenance and lawn care tips.

Why Lawn Renovation Matters

A lawn renovation might sound like a big job, but it’s a game changer for achieving that vibrant lawn you’ve always wanted. The renovation process involves five simple, yet effective steps that anyone can follow. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your lawn a refresh, the results are worth the effort.A lawn renovation might sound like a big job, but it’s a game changer for achieving that vibrant lawn you’ve always wanted. The renovation process involves five simple, yet effective steps that anyone can follow. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your lawn a refresh, the results are worth the effort.

Why do I need to scalp the lawn?

The answer is simple; you need to scalp the lawn to remove thatch's build-up, and it's also an excellent time to reset the HOC (Height of cut). Thatch is the layer of organic material between the grass and the soil. While a little is necessary for a healthy lawn, thatch can cause issues when it builds up too much. 

You could be wasting money applying fertilisers to your lawn if it has a thick layer of thatch, which can build up so much that it prevents water and the much-needed nutrients from reaching the soil.  Be prepared; scalping the lawn will take longer than your regular mow, as you'll need to go over the area a few times, gradually lowering the blades each time. Your lawn may look miserable after it's been scalped, but it is an essential step and will help you improve your lawn game. 

It's also important to note that lawn scalping is only suitable for certain types of lawn. Blue couch, for instance, is fast-growing, resilient and has deep roots, so it copes well with scalping. On the other hand, Buffalo won't recover as quickly and has shallower roots. You could cut Buffalo back short, but less than you would with blue couch. 

Make sure you research and consider your grass type when considering scalping the lawn.

Spike aerators or even a pitchfork are sufficient for a small area when the ground is not very compacted, but core aerators will produce a much better result and can be hired on a daily basis from most hire yards. Core aerating removes plugs of soil from the ground, allowing maximum oxygen, water and nutrient uptake. Coring will leave holes in your lawn afterwards, which you will need to collect by either raking or mowing over them. The best time to core is when your soil is moist but not saturated.

Now that you've aerated the lawn, this is the perfect time to fertilise the lawn with a slow-release granular fertiliser such as Champion Lawn and Greens Grade Fertiliser. This mineral fertiliser will provide an initial charge to the soil and deliver sustained nutrients for up to three months. 

It's also the ideal time to fertilise using liquids, as they'll be able to get deep into the soil. Our favourites include Stimulizer, Activ8mate, Seaweed Secrets and Nature's Wetter Soil Activ8mate will help stimulate grass growth while feeding the soil, helping to green the lawn and ensuring it remains healthy for the summer ahead.

Using a screened, double-washed river sand mix is perfect, and you can find this via local sand and soil suppliers; they will help determine how much you need depending on the size of your lawn. When top dressing, aim for about 10mm of the thickness of your sand mixture, and it's essential to ensure the grass blade tips are still exposed to help with photosynthesis. The next part is easy, spread the sand evenly over your lawn. If you've got low points in the lawn, apply the mixture up to 10mm over the entire lawn. A second application may be required to improve the uneven parts of the lawn to ensure the grass tips are still visible.

 

 

Ideally, you should water your lawn early morning, ensuring you're using enough water to provide a good soaking deep down to the roots. Watering late afternoon or in the evening can encourage various lawn diseases.

Here’s What You Can Expect:

Scott’s Lawn Transformation:

"After all the weather events we've experienced on the Gold Coast over the Christmas/New Year period, my lawn was looking very tired and discoloured with the soil being constantly wet. So at the end of January, I decided to give it a good scalp to let it start from scratch, followed by plenty of nutrition using products from our Lawn Lovers range. The results after just 3.5 weeks are amazing! It’s because everything Plant Doctor does is based on the science of nature.

How It Works:

Our products like Activ8mate, Stimulizer, and Nature’s Soil Wetter are designed to work together, helping your lawn thrive. When combined with the right care steps, these products will help you create the lawn you've always dreamed of—without the hassle.

Seaweed Secrets – Concentrated Liquid Kelp

A powerful liquid seaweed formula to support plant and soil health.

Activ8mate – Liquid Fertiliser & Inoculant

Boost soil biology and plant growth with this premium liquid fertiliser.

Stimulizer – Super Concentrate Bio-Stimulant

A natural bio-stimulant to enhance plant resilience and growth.

Nature’s Soil Wetter – Super Concentrated

Improve water penetration and soil hydration for healthier plants.