Short answer: Start two to three weeks out. Book your mowing early, do the big tidy jobs first (weeding, pruning, mulch), mow and edge two or three days before guests arrive, then set up a plan so the lawn doesn't turn into a jungle while you're away in January.

Christmas sneaks up every year. One minute it's November, the next you've got family arriving, kids running around the backyard and a lawn that's grown a foot since the last mow. Here's a simple plan to get the yard looking its best without losing your weekends.

Why does the lawn go wild in December?

Late spring and early summer is peak growing season for most Australian lawns. Warm season grasses like buffalo, couch, kikuyu and zoysia love the heat, and in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth they can need a mow every week or two. In Melbourne and Adelaide, a wet spring followed by warm days does the same thing.

That's why December is also the busiest month for lawn mowing services. If you want the yard done before Christmas, book early.

Three weeks out: the big jobs

Get the heavy work done first, so the last week is just a tidy up.

• Weeding. Pull weeds from garden beds and paths while the soil still has some moisture. Weeds are easier to get out by the root after rain or a good water.
• Pruning. Trim back hedges and shrubs that are spilling onto paths or blocking windows. Leave any big cut backs for autumn, as summer heat can stress freshly pruned plants.
• Mulch. Top up garden beds with 5 to 7 cm of mulch. It keeps the soil cool, holds water and stops new weeds coming through, which saves you work all summer.
• Gutters and leaf litter. Clear gutters and rake up dry leaves and sticks, especially if you're in a bushfire prone area.

One week out: lawn care for a lush look

• Water deeply, not daily. A long soak two or three times a week, early in the morning, grows deeper roots than a quick sprinkle every evening. Check your local water restrictions first.
• Don't scalp it. Cutting the lawn short before an event is tempting, but taking off more than a third of the leaf at once stresses the grass and can leave brown patches in the heat. Raise the mowing height a little in summer. Our post on the right mowing height for your grass type has the numbers.
• Hold off on fertiliser in a heatwave. If you want a green boost, feed the lawn at least a week before, and only when it's not stinking hot.

Two or three days before guests arrive: mow and edge

Mow two or three days before the big day, not that morning. It gives the lawn time to recover, clippings time to settle, and you a buffer if it rains. Then edge along paths and driveways. Crisp edges make the whole yard look finished, even if the lawn isn't perfect.

A quick final check:

• Clear toys, hoses and anything the kids or the dog might trip over.
• Check play areas and the backyard for prickles. Bindii is common in summer lawns and very unfriendly to bare feet.
• Keep grass short around the edges of the yard and clear piles of rubbish or wood. Snakes are active in summer and like long grass and hiding spots.

Going away? Don't come home to a jungle

This is the one most people forget. If you're away for three or four weeks over January, a fast growing summer lawn can easily double in height. When you get back you'll be facing a much bigger job, and cutting it all down in one go is hard on the lawn.

A few options:

• Book a mow while you're away. A regular fortnightly visit through summer keeps the lawn at a healthy height and makes the place look lived in, which helps with security too.
• Ask a neighbour to water pot plants. Group pots together in the shade, and give the garden a deep soak the day before you leave.
• Turn off or adjust timers if rain is forecast, so you're not watering in a storm.

With Mowbuddy, you can book online and you don't need to be home. Your Mowbuddy gardener visits, mows and edges, and you get the invoice after the job.

Make summer easy with a regular service

If the lawn is always a step ahead of you over summer, a regular mow takes it off your list. Most Mowbuddy customers choose fortnightly in the warmer months, and you can switch to three weekly or monthly when growth slows in autumn and winter. One less thing to think about, especially with kids at home over the holidays.

Ready to get the yard sorted before Christmas? Get an instant quote in about 60 seconds. You'll see a price before you book, and a local Mowbuddy gardener does the rest. Not sure if we cover your suburb? Check our service locations.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I book a mow before Christmas?

Two to three weeks ahead is ideal. December is the busiest month of the year for lawn mowing, so the closer you get to Christmas, the harder it is to get the day you want.

When should I mow before a party or family visit?

Two or three days before. The lawn has time to recover and the clippings settle, and you've got a spare day if it rains.

How often should I mow my lawn in summer?

Most Australian lawns need mowing every one to two weeks in summer, depending on your grass type, rain and where you live. Fortnightly suits most backyards.

What happens if my lawn gets overgrown while I'm on holidays?

Very long grass takes more time and care to cut back. If it's above the knee or the yard is unusually big, your Mowbuddy gardener visits first and gives you a quote. Booking a mow while you're away avoids the problem.

Do I need to be home for the mow?

No. As long as your Mowbuddy gardener can get into the yard, you don't need to be there.