The Secret to a Thriving Kiwi Lawn: Soil, Water, and Care That Lasts
Whether your lawn is freshly laid, well-loved, or a new Just Grass installation, long-term lawn health comes down to a few key things: what’s under your feet, how you water, how you mow, and how you maintain. Here’s your easy reference guide to keeping that lush green look thriving through every New Zealand season.
Know What’s Beneath: Your Soil Matters Most
Before you think about mowing or fertiliser, it’s your soil that sets your lawn up for success.
Test your soil – A simple pH test kit from Bunnings or Mitre 10 will tell you if it’s acidic or alkaline. Most Kiwi lawns do best between pH 6 – 6.5.
Clay soils (common in Wellington & many coastal areas) hold water but can get compacted — meaning shallow roots and poor drainage. Aerate once or twice a year to keep oxygen flowing.
Sandy soils (found in parts of the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel) drain fast and dry out quicker — use organic matter or compost to boost water-holding capacity.
Tip: A 1 cm topdressing of compost or screened soil once a year improves structure, drainage, and nutrient flow — your lawn will thank you with deeper roots and more resilience in summer.
2. Watering Wisely — Less Often, But Deeper
New Zealand weather can flip from soaking rain to dry spells quickly, so watering smartly saves both your grass and your water bill.
Deep, infrequent watering (about 20–25 mm once or twice a week) encourages deep roots — shallow watering leads to weak lawns.
Early morning is best. Watering at night can leave the surface damp and encourage fungal disease.
Use the footprint test: If your footprints stay visible after walking on the lawn, it’s time to water.
For artificial turf, rinse occasionally in dry, dusty months to keep fibers clean and cool — particularly in high-traffic or pet areas.
3. Mow Like a Pro — Not Too Short!
Scalping your lawn (cutting too low) is one of the most common mistakes we see.
Aim to cut only one-third of the leaf blade each mow.
Most NZ lawns love being kept at 40–50 mm high — taller blades protect roots from heat and keep weeds down. We recommend cutting no more than 1/3 off at a time.
Keep mower blades sharp — dull blades tear grass, turning tips brown.
Mix up your mowing direction every few weeks to prevent compaction and ruts.
If you’ve got synthetic turf, a quick brush-up every couple of months keeps the fibers upright and even.
4. Feeding Your Lawn — Fertiliser and Timing
Grass, like people, does better with the right nutrition at the right time.
🌿 For Natural Lawns:
Spring: A balanced fertiliser (with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) wakes the lawn up after winter.
Summer: Use slow-release or organic fertilisers to avoid burning and reduce run-off.
Autumn: Feed again to strengthen roots before winter.
Winter: Skip heavy feeding — just keep debris and leaves off.
Pro tip: Liquid seaweed or fish-based tonics improve soil microbes and root strength — great for sustainable growth.
🌾 For Artificial Lawns:
No fertiliser needed — but if nearby garden beds spill soil or organic matter onto the surface, a light brush or blower keeps things tidy and drainage clear.
5. Pests, Weeds, and Lawn Diseases
Even the healthiest lawns can face a few unwanted visitors.
Weeds: Regular mowing and a thick, healthy lawn are your best defence. Hand-pull or spot-treat if needed.
Common NZ pests: Watch for grass grub and porina caterpillars, especially in spring and autumn. Yellowing patches or loose turf can be a giveaway.
Natural control: Beneficial nematodes, neem oil, and organic soil conditioners can reduce pests without harsh chemicals.
Fungal issues: Brown patch, dollar spot, and rust thrive in damp, shaded lawns — improve airflow and avoid overwatering.
For artificial turf, pests aren’t an issue — but do keep the surface clean to avoid mould in shaded or damp spots.
6. Long-Term Sustainability — Keeping It Green the Smart Way
A sustainable lawn doesn’t just look good — it works in harmony with your environment.
Choose drought-tolerant species like tall fescue or couch if you’re in drier areas.
Collect rainwater in barrels for summer watering.
Mulch clippings instead of bagging them — it returns nitrogen to the soil naturally.
Go organic: swap chemical sprays for natural options like vinegar-based weed control or biological pest products.
Hybrid & artificial options: If you’re tired of constant mowing or patchy growth, a hybrid system (natural grass over a stabilising turf base) or premium artificial turf can cut water use dramatically and still look lush year-round.
7. Simple Year-Round Lawn Care Calendar
Season Key Tasks
Spring Aerate, overseed bare patches, fertilise, water deeply
Summer Mow high, water early, control weeds, feed lightly
Autumn Topdress, aerate, fertilise for root health
Winter Reduce mowing, keep leaves/debris off, rest the lawn
The Just Grass Takeaway
Whether you’ve chosen a natural, hybrid, or artificial lawn, ongoing care makes all the difference. Think of your lawn as a living (or living-looking!) system: healthy soil, consistent watering, and smart mowing mean years of enjoyment with less work over time.
If you’re ever unsure about what’s right for your property, the Just Grass team is here to help — from soil testing and seasonal maintenance plans to choosing eco-friendly lawn solutions that suit your lifestyle.
💬 Want More Help?
Talk to our team about our Healthy Lawns Program — we’ll check your soil health, adjust watering plans, and bring a professional service keep your lawn looking perfect through every season.
