Lawn Restoration
Plan 2026–27

You already have this. Check the label for the correct application rate and whether a hose-end sprayer or watering can is recommended.

Apply across the entire lawn (not just the bare patch) in the morning. Water in well immediately after. Very low toxicity — lawn is fine for kids once dry, usually within a few hours.

Turn the system on manually and watch where the water lands. Is the central bare zone being reached? Note any misaligned or blocked heads.

If the centre isn't being covered, adjust heads yourself or book a retic technician for a 1-hour visit. This could be the single biggest fix.

~20–30 mins on the central bare area. Do this on a non-retic day such as Monday or Friday. Morning only.

Specifically the Buffalo variety (slow release granules). Do not over-apply — stick exactly to the rate on the bag or it can burn the lawn.

Spread evenly across the whole lawn. Immediately sweep any granules off paving — the iron stains. Water in well after applying. Kids & pets: keep off while wet, fine once dry (a few hours). Safe after that.

Second supplementary hand water session this month. Morning only, ~20–30 mins on the central zone. Choose a day that is not your Wed or Sun retic day.

Final extra hand-water session for May. Morning only, ~20–30 mins on the central zone.

Look at the central zone — is it holding moisture better after the wetting agent? Any new green Buffalo growth appearing at the edges of the bare zone? The lawn will still look rough overall heading into winter — this is normal. Note any changes for reference.

Water Corporation ban begins June 1. Switch the controller to off. Perth winter rainfall is normally sufficient for Buffalo. Only hand water if there has been no rain for 2+ consecutive weeks.

Wait until soil is moist after rain.
DIY: Push a garden fork 10–15cm deep every 15cm (~1 hour).
Hire: Coring machine from Kennards Hire, half day.
Pro: Book a lawn aeration service.

Product: Yates Gypsum Clay Breaker or Richgro Penetrant Soil Improver. Spread across the entire lawn and bare zone. Rain will work it in naturally over winter.

Note how the lawn is tracking. Some winter grass is expected in the bare zone — healthy Buffalo will crowd it out naturally once spring arrives. No fertilising now — Buffalo is dormant. The lawn will look rough and thin through winter. This is completely normal.

If there is an unusually dry stretch, give the lawn one light hand water session in the morning. Perth winters rarely need this.

Winter grass in the bare zone is expected — the Buffalo will take over as it warms up. Use this as a planning prompt: check your Wettasoil supply for the September reapplication, and confirm you have enough Scotts Lawn Builder Buffalo for spring.

Repeat your May application across the whole lawn before summer heat arrives. Check your existing supply — if enough remains, no need to buy more. Same method as before: apply in the morning, water in well immediately after. Fine for kids once dry.

Reticulation ban lifts October 1. Increase session duration from 10 min → 15–20 min on your Wed & Sun schedule.

Most important application of the year — Buffalo is actively growing again and will spread runners into the bare zone. Spread evenly, sweep granules off paving immediately, water in well. Kids & pets: fine once the lawn is dry, usually a few hours.

~20 mins on the central recovering area. Morning only. Choose a day that is not your Wed or Sun retic day.

~20 mins on the central recovering area. Morning only, non-retic day.

~20 mins on the central recovering area. Morning only, non-retic day.

~20 mins on the central recovering area. Morning only, non-retic day.

Look for new Buffalo runners spreading inward from the healthy edges. If more than ~50% of the bare zone has new green coverage, let it continue naturally. If less, proceed to re-turfing.

If less than ~50% has recovered by early November, patch with new turf rolls. Variety: Sir Walter or Palmetto to match your existing grass. For ~10–15 sqm: turf ~$80–120 + top dressing ~$50.

If the summer is harsh and stress signs appear (central browning again), apply a third soil wetting agent in January. Same method and product as before.