Tips for a Perfect Lawn

It’s not just about picking the right equipment for the job; the care of your lawn is just as important. We understand this so here are our tips for achieving that perfect lawn,

Springtime

Springtime is for sowing seeds and laying turf, ready for the growing season. As the warmer weather stimulates more vigorous growth, cut your lawn as often as possible to encourage a dense and even texture. Remember when mowing to vary the turning point to avoid undue damage and wear. Apply Spring fertilisers, weed and moss killers and if required continue with light scarifying.

As the ground firms up in drier weather, trim and if necessary repair, lawn edges. Continue mowing regularly, remembering to increase the cutting height in drier weather. - a slightly longer nap retains the moisture better and is less susceptible to burn. Also during drier weather, water lawns early morning or late evening.

Summer

During the Summer months, continue mowing regularly - twice a week if possible. Apart from stimulating healthy growth, this helps to suppress weeds. If the weather is particularly dry, raise the height of cut. Leaving weed-free clippings on the lawn will help preserve moisture.

Scarify lightly but not on drought conditions, and if possible aerate your lawns surface helping to get moisture to the roots. When dry and dusty, check and clean the air filter on your lawnmower engine.

Late Summer

New lawns can also be sown in the late Summer. These should receive their first cut before the season is over, trimming to a height of 4-5cm (1"-2"). Avoid walking on any new lawns until the following Spring.

For established lawns, raise the height of cut as the grass growth slows. Scarify vigorously to remove thatch and moss. If the lawn looks unhealthy or is compacted, spike the surface to improve aeration.

Your final job for the late Summer / early Autumn is to top dress your lawn with a mixture of peat, sand and loam to promote vigorous growth.

Autumn

Moving on into the Autumn, newly laid lawns should still be cut regularly to the height of 4-5cm. Reduce the frequency of mowing on established lawns. Spike, scarify and remedy any drainage problems.

As leaves start to fall, implement a regular collection programme. If any areas of lawn have suffered through being in the shade, now is the time to trim back trees and bushes. All prunings, deadfall and accumulated garden waste can be shredded, ready for the following Spring.

During November if weather permits, make your final cut of the year and give your mower a thorough cleaning. Use a scraper to remove all dried mud, grass and leaves and clean with a stiff brush, spraying all exposed parts of metal with oil. Now is a good time to get your lawnmower’s annual service to avoid the spring rush.

Clear your lawn regularly of leaves and debris, and keep off the grass if frosty or waterlogged to avoid damaging it.

Winter

Lastly, during the Winter months it is better to avoid walking on your lawn, particularly if frosty or waterlogged. When your lawn is dormant get your lawnmower serviced and blades sharpened for the following year.

When the worst of the Winter months are over, it is time to plan any new lawns or major repairs. March is the time to sow new seeds and lay turf. If the weather is mile and not too wet, scarify your lawns to remove dead thatch and moss. This is most effective if you’ve applied a dressing of moss killer a week or two before scarifying.

Once you see signs of lawn growth, it is time for the first cut of the season. Firstly scatter any tiny work casts with a broom and set the blade at its highest position to make the first sweep. Gradually lower your cut during the season until the desired level is reached. At this stage of the year, do not cut to close and remove any clippings.