Before the rains (roughly August to October)
This is drainage season. Clear channels, gullies and downpipe outlets, check falls on paving, and repair any erosion from last summer before the first heavy storm tests it.
- Clear and test all stormwater routes
- Scarify, top-dress and feed lawn ahead of growth
- Service irrigation: heads, filters, controller programme
Through the wet season
Growth is fast, so mowing frequency and edge discipline matter more than feeding. Watch for waterlogged corners; they usually indicate a drainage detail that needs fixing while you can see the problem.
Dry, cool months
Reduce irrigation to what established planting actually needs and protect frost-sensitive species in exposed positions. Winter is a good window for hard landscape work, because the ground is dry and site disruption is lower.