Is Your Lawn Ready for Spring? 7 Questions to Ask a Gardener

Spring in Australia isn’t just about dusting off the barbie and digging out the outdoor furniture—it’s also prime time for giving your lawn some love. After a chilly winter, your patch of green might be looking a little worse for wear. Whether it’s bare spots, stubborn weeds, or just a lack of that lush, vibrant look, now’s the season to fix it.

But where do you start? And more importantly—what should you ask a gardener if you’re thinking of bringing in some professional help? Here’s your go-to guide for getting your lawn spring-ready and knowing exactly what to discuss with your local tradie.

Why Spring Lawn Care Matters

Winter can be tough on Aussie lawns. Between frost in cooler states, wet conditions in others, and reduced sunlight overall, lawns often emerge in spring looking patchy or pale. This is the time of year when your lawn is primed to bounce back, but only if you take the right steps.

Spring is the season of growth, meaning weeds will also take advantage of the sunshine and rain. Neglecting your lawn now could make summer maintenance much harder—and let’s be real, no one wants to spend December weekends battling crabgrass or re-seeding dead patches.

A  gardener or lawn care specialist can get your lawn into top shape, saving you time and hassle while ensuring it thrives through the warm months.

What to Ask a Gardener Before You Start

If you’re thinking about hiring a gardener, asking the right questions upfront makes all the difference. Here’s a handy list to take with you:

1. What type of grass do I have—and is it suitable for my area?

Not all lawns are created equal. From Kikuyu and Couch to Buffalo and Zoysia, each grass type has different maintenance needs. A good gardener will identify your grass, explain its strengths and weaknesses, and advise if overseeding or replacing it is worth considering.

2. How should I deal with weeds before summer hits?

Bindii, clover, and dandelions love Australian lawns in spring. Ask your gardener whether you should go for spot treatments, a pre-emergent herbicide, or if hand removal is best. They’ll know which solutions work locally—and which ones won’t cause more damage than good.

3. Does my soil need testing or improvement?

Soil health is often the secret to a lush lawn. A gardener can check your soil’s pH and suggest fixes like lime, gypsum, or fertilisers. This step alone can save you hundreds in wasted products that don’t suit your soil type.

4. When should I fertilise, and with what?

Timing is everything. Too early, and the nutrients may wash away. Too late, and your lawn might not benefit fully before summer heat arrives. Ask your gardener to recommend the right fertiliser for your grass type and climate.

5. Do I need aeration or topdressing?

Compacted soil is common after winter rains. Aerating (removing plugs of soil) or topdressing (adding a thin layer of soil or sand) can encourage better growth. A gardener will let you know if your lawn actually needs this step or if a simple fertiliser program will do.

6. What’s the best mowing schedule for spring?

Mowing too low or too often can harm new growth. A gardener can set up the right routine for your lawn—whether it’s weekly, fortnightly, or just a quick tidy-up before guests arrive.

7. How can I water more efficiently?

Water restrictions are common in parts of Australia, and overwatering isn’t good for lawns anyway. Ask your gardener about the best watering practices for your grass type, or even whether it’s worth installing an irrigation system.

DIY vs Hiring a Gardener

Sure, you could attempt a DIY lawn revival. But between knowing which products to buy, how to apply them correctly, and when to do it all, things can get overwhelming fast. Missteps like fertilising at the wrong time or mowing too low can actually set your lawn back.

A gardener, on the other hand, comes with the right tools, knowledge, and experience. They’ll spot issues you might miss—like fungal infections or compacted soil—and fix them before they become expensive problems.

Plus, if you’ve got a bigger block or a hectic schedule, hiring someone takes the stress off your plate so you can enjoy the results without spending every weekend covered in grass clippings.

Common Lawn Issues in Spring (and How a Gardener Can Help)

• Bare patches: These may need overseeding or even turf replacement.

• Weeds: A gardener can recommend safe, effective treatments.

• Moss or fungus: Often caused by poor drainage, a gardener can identify and correct the root cause.

• Yellowing grass: Usually a sign of nutrient deficiencies or compacted soil.

• Uneven growth: Could be due to poor mowing techniques or underlying soil issues.

A professional knows how to tackle each issue efficiently—and prevent it from coming back.

The Cost of Hiring a Gardener

The good news? Hiring a gardener doesn’t have to break the bank. Rates vary depending on your location, block size, and the services needed. Some tradies charge hourly, while others offer fixed prices for lawn mowing, weeding, or seasonal clean-ups.

Think of it this way: a small investment in spring can save you from bigger expenses later—like replacing dead turf or dealing with an overrun of weeds.

And thanks to platforms like ServiceSeeking.com.au, finding the right gardener is easier than ever. You can compare quotes, read reviews, and hire a trusted local tradie with just a few clicks.

How ServiceSeeking.com.au Makes It Simple

Instead of ringing around for quotes or guessing who’s reliable, ServiceSeeking.com.au connects you with gardeners and lawn care pros in your area. You simply post your job, set your budget, and get matched with available tradies.

The best part? You can see reviews from other homeowners before making your choice. That way, you know you’re hiring someone who’ll actually deliver results—without the stress of trial and error.

Final Thoughts

A great lawn doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of smart seasonal care, especially in spring. Asking the right questions sets you up for success, whether you’re reviving a tired patch or prepping for backyard entertaining.

If you want to skip the guesswork, hiring a local gardener through ServiceSeeking.com.au is a simple, affordable way to get your lawn looking its best before summer hits. You’ll save time, avoid costly mistakes, and have a lawn that’s ready for anything—from barefoot cricket matches to Christmas BBQs.

So—take a look at your lawn today. Is it really ready for spring? If not, it might be time to bring in a pro.