Lawn Doctor

If your lawn is looking sorry for itself after Cyclone Narelle, you're not alone, and the fix might be simpler than you think.

But here's what most people miss about recovering a Perth lawn after heavy rain:

Our sandy soils go hydrophobic. That means after intense rainfall, water actually beads off the surface rather than soaking in. Your lawn can look completely saturated on the surface while the roots below remain dry. It sounds counterintuitive, but it happens all the time in Perth gardens.

The fix isn't complicated, it's just a matter of doing the right things in the right order:

✅ Wetting agent first (not after you fertilise)
✅ Aerate before you feed
✅ Wait for visible new growth before applying fertiliser
✅ Don't skip the pre-emergent: Narelle likely washed in a serious amount of w**d seed

We've put together a full step-by-step recovery guide on the blog, written specifically for Perth conditions. Including product recommendations, variety-specific advice for Sir Walter, TifTuf, Zoysia Australis and Nullarbor Couch, and what to watch for with fungal disease and armyworm in the coming weeks.

Link in the first comment 👇

Did you know April is actually one of the most critical months for your lawn? 🍂

While most people put the mower away and forget about it until spring, the lawns that come out looking great in September are the ones that got a little attention right now.

The two things that matter most this month:
1️⃣ Pre-emergent herbicide: winter w**ds like wintergrass and oxalis are about to germinate. Pre-emergents only work BEFORE this happens. Miss the window and you'll be hand-w**ding all winter.
2️⃣ Armyworm treatment 🐛: populations peak right through autumn in Perth. They feed at night, so you often don't notice until the damage is done. The soap water test: pour soapy water on a patch of lawn. If caterpillars surface, treat immediately.

We've put together a full 6-step autumn checklist on the blog — everything you need to do, in the right order, with the right products for Perth conditions.

Link in the comments 👇

🚨 Perth lawn owners — autumn is the most CRITICAL time of year for your grass. Here's why:
Two threats are hitting lawns RIGHT NOW, and most people don't even see them coming until the damage is done.

🐛 Armyworm — these caterpillars move in overnight and can strip a lawn bare by morning. If you've noticed large brown patches appearing out of nowhere, or birds repeatedly pecking at your lawn, check it NOW. Pour soapy water on a patch — if larvae surface within minutes, you've got them.

🌱 Winter w**ds — while you're watching for armyworm, w**d seeds are already in your soil, just waiting to germinate. Miss the March–April window to apply a pre-emergent herbicide, and you'll be fighting wintergrass and oxalis all season long.

The good news? Both are 100% beatable if you act NOW.
✅ Confirm armyworm with the soapy water test
✅ Treat with Acelepryn GR granules
✅ Clear any existing w**ds
✅ Apply a pre-emergent (granular or liquid) and water it in
✅ Feed your lawn to help it recover strong
We've put together the full Autumn Action Plan — what to look for, when to act, and exactly which products to use. 👇
🔗 Read the full guide here: https://www.lawndoctor.com.au/lawn-garden-tips/armyworm-preemergents

Tag a neighbour whose lawn could use a heads up! 👇

Armyworm & Pre-Emergents: Your Autumn Action Plan — Lawn Doctor Perth lawns face a double threat every autumn — armyworm attacks and w**d seed germination. Learn how to fight armyworm and apply pre-emergent herbicide at the right time to keep your lawn healthy all season.

It’s Saint Patrick’s day and the day we celebrate everything green - except those pesky winter w**ds. To us lawnies and turfies, St Pat’s day means it’s time to apply our pre emergents. 🍀🍀 We all know, not all clover is good luck and while we wish we were all rolling in clover, not on our beautiful lawns.
Come in store and see our amazing staff, or order on line. We have Spartan, barricade, oxyfert and more.
Lawn Doctor Turf Farm “We’re Your Lawn Experts” 🍀🍀🍀

Lucky kids - Long anticipated resurfacing work at Palmyra Primary School has seen the oval transformed, replacing the old Kikuyu surface with premium TifTuf Hybrid Couch. The school had been experiencing ongoing surface coverage issues since 2023 following complete bore failure, making long-term recovery difficult under heavy use. With very active students, constant community access and persistent Sting nematode pressure, the site needed a surface built to handle serious demand. TifTuf delivers exactly that - offering exceptional wear tolerance, faster recovery, improved drought resilience and a stronger, more consistent playing surface for students and the wider school community to enjoy for years to come. It is a major investment in both the function and future of this space, and a fantastic outcome for the school.
Lawn Doctor Turf Farm "We're Your Lawn Experts"
Choose the Joy of Natural Lawn

TiffTuff to the Rescue 💪💪
Who would use synthetic turf when you can use natural grass!!!!
Some great feedback from Tania at www.addasplashpools.com.au
"As discussed this morning we are thrilled with how the Tiff Tuff grass has thrived in our Terracrete Permeable pavers. This area is used as a spare car spot for our daughter’s car and the Tiff Tuff is handling the wear and tear very well. We planted it in late November, and it required lots of cuts, then it got very hot, so it was touch and go if it would survive but it’s been amazing! We are in Freo, so its dealing with coastal environment too – impressive tough grass!"
Lawn Doctor Turf Shop "Your Lawn Experts"
the Joy of Natural Lawn

Our Farm manager Ben enjoying a beautiful evening admiring the Australis. I think he is also admiring his X # # #😊

Zoysia Australis is now available in Perth and what a journey it has been. WA’s strict biosecurity border controls and the distance to keep the plant viable as we trucked it across the country nearly made it impossible. Terry refused to give up and now we can offer this beautiful grass to the WA market🤗🤗🤗
Our first pallet went out this week.
Lawn Doctor “Your lawn experts”

🤣Disclaimer: We help grow great lawns… but we can’t guarantee visibility of small children.

Thanks for the laugh and the review, Gordon!