


Has your Couch lawn become patchy, think, or looking a little worse for wear? The good news is you don't need to replace it. Couch grass is a tough, fast-growing lawn that responds really well to simple DIY renovation.
With a weekend of work and the right products, you can encourage your lawn to grow back thinker, greener and healthier.
Before you get started, gather a few basic tools:
Start by mowing your Couch grass lower than usual. This removes old leaf material and allows sunlight to reach the runners, which are responsible for producing new growth.
After mowing, rake up all the clippings and any dead grass or thatch sitting on the surface.
Rosemount Turf Tip: If your mower has a catcher, empty it regularly so it doesn't leave clumps behind.
If your lawn feels hard underfoot or water tends to sit on the surface, it's probably compacted.
Use a garden fork to make holes across the lawn by pushing it into the soil every 10-15cm. Wiggle the for slightly before pulling it out. This simple job helps air, water and nutrients reach the roots.
If you have a larger lawn, you can hire a core aerator for most equipment hire store.
Once you've finished mowing and aerating, it's time to feed your Couch grass. Choose a quality lawn fertiliser to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to recover and produce healthy new growth.
ProPlus Natural Carbon Fertiliser is an excellent choice if you're looking to improve both your lawn and the soil beneath it. It helps strengthen root development, improves soil structure and water retention, supports beneficial soil microbes and provides long lasting nutrition to encourage a healthier, more resilient lawn.
Alternatively, Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is ideal for promoting lush green growth and a thicker lawn. Its blend of quick and slow release nutrients delivers an immediate colour boost while continuing to feed your lawn over time, helping Couch grass spread and fill in thin or bare areas.
Whichever fertiliser you choose, apply it evenly according to the label directions and water it in well to help the nutrients reach the root zone.
Water the lawn thoroughly after fertilising so the nutrients can soak into the soil. Over the following weeks, continue watering deeply when needed rather than lightly every day. Deep watering encourages stronger roots and improves drought tolerance.
Regular mowing is one of the easiest ways to thicken Couch grass. During the growing season, mow every 5-7 days and avoid removing more than one third of the leaf blade at a time. Frequent mowing encourages the lawn to produce more runners, helping it naturally fill in patchy areas.
If your lawn has uneven spots or bare patches, apply a light layer of sandy lawn topdressing after aerating. Keep the layer thin so the grass isn't buried, and the Couch runners will quickly grow through as the weather warms.
The best time to renovate Couch grass is during spring and early summer when the lawn is actively growing. Warm temperatures help the grass recover quickly and spread into any bare areas.
Renovating your Couch lawn is a simple DIY project that can make a huge difference to its appearance and health. With a little preparation, regular watering, and a combination of fertiliser, you'll create the ideal conditions for your Couch grass to recover, grow thicker, and stay greener throughout the growing season.