Why Fertilizer Matters for all types of turf

Fertilizer isn’t just extra food — it’s essential nutrition that strengthens your lawn where it counts: at the roots. At Instant Turf Melbourne, we want you to know exactly how the right fertilizer benefits your turf:

✅ Deep, Strong Roots: A well-fertilized lawn develops a robust root system that stands up to Melbourne’s changing seasons, heat and foot traffic.
✅ Rich Colour and Density: Nitrogen-rich fertilizers help create that deep green colour and dense growth that naturally crowds out weeds.
✅ Better Pest and Disease Resistance: Healthy turf is far more resilient to common pests and diseases, so you spend less time and money on treatment.
✅ Improved Drought Tolerance: Strong roots and balanced nutrients help your lawn draw water from deeper in the soil, staying greener for longer in dry spells.
✅ Faster Recovery from Stress: Whether it’s heavy foot traffic, a tough summer, or sudden cold snaps, a well-fed Buffalo lawn recovers faster and maintains its vigour.
✅ Balanced Growth: The right fertilizer promotes steady, healthy growth — not too fast or too thin — so you avoid over-mowing and keep your lawn strong.
Understanding the N-P-K Ratio

When you’re shopping for lawn fertilizer, you’ll see three numbers on the bag — this is the N-P-K ratio:

• N (Nitrogen): Encourages lush green leaf growth.
• P (Phosphorus): Supports strong root development — crucial for new turf.
• K (Potassium): Boosts overall plant health, helping with drought, disease and cold tolerance.

At Instant Turf Melbourne, we recommend adjusting the ratio depending on whether your turf is newly laid or well established.

Our Fertilzser Tips for Turf in Melbourne

1. For Newly Laid Turf

When you lay new turf, the priority is strong root development. We recommend using a quality starter fertiliser with extra phosphorus to help roots knit into your soil quickly. Apply it just before or immediately after laying, and water it in well — this gives your new turf the best start.

2. For Established Turf

Once your turf is established, ongoing feeding keeps it green and healthy. A slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer high in nitrogen is ideal for maintaining colour and density over time.

✔️ Spring: A balanced slow-release feed gets your lawn growing strongly as temperatures rise.
✔️ Summer: If your lawn is under stress from heat or foot traffic, a lighter feed helps maintain vigour — just avoid over-fertilizing during extreme heat.
✔️ Autumn: This is one of the most important feeds of the year. An autumn feed with a bit more potassium strengthens roots for winter and helps protect against disease.
✔️ Winter: Grass naturally slows its growth in Melbourne’s cold months. Many lawns don’t need a winter feed, but a light application of a winter-specific fertilizer can help maintain colour and hardiness if needed.

Organic vs Synthetic — What Do We Recommend?

At Instant Turf Melbourne, we know there’s no single right answer.

Synthetic Fertilizers: Great for precision feeding, quick results and clear nutrient levels — just be sure to follow the instructions to avoid burning your lawn.

Organic Fertilizers: These feed your soil as well as your lawn, improving structure over time and releasing nutrients gradually. Many of our customers prefer organic options for long-term soil health and sustainability.

A good approach for Melbourne lawns is to combine both: use synthetic for predictable results at key times, and organic fertilisers to keep soil healthy year-round.
Instant Turf Melbourne’s Top Fertilizing Tips

✅ Read the Label: More is not better — follow the recommended rates exactly.
✅ Use a Spreader: A broadcast or drop spreader ensures even coverage, so you avoid stripes and burnt patches.
✅ Always Water In: After feeding, water your lawn thoroughly to help nutrients reach the soil and roots.
✅ Avoid Feeding Stressed Lawns: If your lawn is dry or heat-stressed, give it a drink and time to recover before fertilising.
✅ Soil Testing: For the best results, test your soil every few years — it helps you choose the right fertiliser for your lawn’s unique needs.
We’re Here to Help Your Lawn Thrive

At Instant Turf Melbourne, we’re more than just your turf supplier — we’re your trusted partner in creating a lush, resilient lawn you can enjoy year-round. Choosing the right fertilizer, using it correctly and timing it well will help your turf stay strong and beautiful in Melbourne’s unique climate.

Need help picking the perfect turf or want more practical lawn care advice? Just ask our team — we’re always here to help you grow your best lawn yet.