If you’ve ever struggled with patchy grass, stubborn weeds or dry and lifeless turf, you’re not alone.
Lawn care can feel overwhelming, especially on the Sunshine Coast, where the combination of hot summers, occasional heavy downpours and sandier soil can make maintenance tricky.
The good news? With the right knowledge and a few essential products, anyone can achieve a healthy lawn – no matter their level of gardening experience. Whether you’re looking to revive tired turf, tackle tough weeds, or simply keep your lawn looking its best year-round, we’re here to help.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Sunshine Coast lawn care, from choosing the right products to simple, effective techniques for keeping your grass green and gorgeous.
Understanding your lawn: How to get healthy grass
Want to maintain a lush and healthy lawn? One of the most important first steps is understanding the type of grass you’re working with.
Different varieties thrive under different conditions and knowing what’s growing in your yard will help you make the best choices for watering, fertilising and general upkeep.
Common lawn types on the Sunshine Coast
Here on the Sunny Coast, we experience warm temperatures for most of the year, along with high humidity, seasonal downpours and sandy or clay-based soils.
These conditions mean that some grass varieties do better than others. The most common lawn types on the Sunshine Coast are:
- Buffalo grass: A popular choice for coastal areas, buffalo grass is hardy, drought-tolerant and thrives in both sun and shade. It has broad, soft blades that don’t need a lot of mowing, making it ideal for busy households.
- Couch grass: Loved for its fine, dense growth and vibrant green colour, couch grass is a fast-growing variety that does well in full sun. However, it does require regular maintenance, including mowing and fertilising, to keep it looking its best.
- Zoysia grass: Also known as ‘No Mow Grass’, this is a low-maintenance option that handles heat and humidity well. Zoysia grass has a slow growth rate but is highly durable, making it a great choice for lawns that see a lot of foot traffic, whether from pets or kids.
- Kikuyu grass: Known for its rapid growth and resilience, Kikuyu is a great option for high-traffic areas like family yards. However, it does need regular mowing and edging to keep it in check.
What affects lawn health?
Regardless of the grass variety you’re dealing with, all lawns rely on a few essential elements to stay green and strong.
Here are the main factors that influence lawn health on the Sunshine Coast:
- Sunlight: Most lawns need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your yard is shaded by trees or buildings, consider a shade-tolerant grass variety like Buffalo or Zoysia.
- Soil type: Many areas on the Sunshine Coast have sandy soil, which drains quickly but doesn’t retain nutrients well. If your lawn struggles with patchy growth, adding a top dressing or soil conditioner can improve its ability to hold moisture and nutrients.
- Watering needs: With our hot summers, many lawns require deep and infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow watering. A soaker hose can help you distribute water evenly and efficiently.
- Rainfall and drainage: Heavy rain can be a blessing for your lawn, but poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, which weakens grass roots. If your yard tends to hold water, aerating your soil and using a lawn restorer can improve drainage and promote healthier growth.
- Foot traffic: Whether it’s kids playing, pets running or regular mowing, foot traffic can take a toll on your grass. If your lawn has thinning or bare patches, using a lawn repair seed mix can help restore those areas quickly.
- Weeds and pests: Weeds compete with grass for nutrients and space, while pests like lawn grubs can damage your roots. Regularly applying a weed killer or fungicide can help protect your lawn and prevent infestations before they become a problem.
Essential lawn care tops for a healthy yard
A thriving lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Fortunately, with the right approach, maintaining a beautiful lawn can be easy and rewarding.
How much water should you use?
Watering is one of the most important aspects of lawn care, but many homeowners either overdo it or don’t water enough.
The key is deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow daily sprinkles.
Best lawn watering tips:
- Aim for 2.5cm of water per week, including any rain you get.
- Water early in the morning (before 9am) or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.
- Use a soaker hose for slow, even absorption.
- Avoid watering in the evening, as sitting moisture can lead to fungal disease.
Why fertilising matters
Just like any other plant, your lawn needs nutrients to grow thick, green and strong.
Fertilising helps replenish the essential nutrients that get depleted over time, especially in sandy soil.
Top fertilising tips:
- For overall lawn health and strength, sprinkle a lawn nutrient product over the grass surface or on the soil prior to laying turf.
- If your lawn looks thin or patchy, a top dressing and restorer soil mix can boost soil structure and nutrient retention.
- Apply fertiliser in early spring and later summer for best results, avoiding the peak of summer heat.
Dealing with common lawn problems
No matter how much care you give your lawn, there are certain things that will hurt your progress.
Here’s how to tackle some of the most common problems:
Bare patches and thinning grass
High foot traffic, pet urine, and poor soil can lead to bald spots. You can reseed these areas with a lawn repair product to encourage quick regrowth and aerate your soil for better root development.
Weeds taking over lawn
Weeds love to steal water and nutrients from your grass. We recommend using a weed killer or spot spray to target invasive weeds, plus regular mowing to keep them from spreading.
Lawn pests and fungal problems
Yellow patches and drying grass can be signs of a grub infestation, while brown spots and mould can point to fungal disease. Keeping your lawn properly drained and avoiding overwatering will help prevent these, along with fungicide and pest products.
Get discounts on essential lawn care products at STEPS Garden Centre
If you’ve been thinking about improving your lawn, now is the perfect time!
For the entire month of February 2025, STEPS Garden Centre is offering 10% off all lawn care essentials – so you can grab everything you need to create a greener and healthier lawn at a great price.
With the right products and a few simple techniques, lawn care can be made easy.
Don’t miss the chance to save 10% on top-quality lawn products and get expert advice from our friendly team.
Visit STEPS Garden Centre this February, stock up, and start your journey towards a healthier lawn!
