As we come into the Spring (at last I hear you cry!), we start seeing those little signs of brighter things ahead. The mornings and evenings are lighter, the crocuses and narcissuses are creating a bit of colour, the camellia are in flower and some trees have buds of green. So whilst the garden and borders are starting to show signs of colour, how can garden owners transform their lawn from the scrappy, bumpy and flooded mess it may now be?
Lawn care should start in early spring for the best results, particularly with this mild winter we have had. Do not attempt to mow if your ground is still really wet or frozen however. Start with a high cut setting (around 4-5cm) and only mow if you can see that your lawn is growing.
Poor Performing Grass - Re-Instatement and Rejuvenation
Is your lawn worse for wear, riddled with weeds or suffering from poor nutrition? You can rejuvenate your grass in a number of effective ways:
- At the beginning of each lawn season, apply granular fertiliser
Grass fertiliser, applied as granules (or micro granules for fine turf) or as natural improvements using organic manure and green compost - Natural nutrition added to top dressing using green compost mixed with fine sports sand
- During growing seasons, apply both low and high nitrogen compounds
- Lawn seed can be applied to any bare patches in the lawn. Cover any grass seed with 0.5 -1 cm of top soil and water it at least once a day until the new grass becomes established
Grass Scarifying
Scarifying is key to helping your grass flourish. Scarifying involves raking out dead grasses and opening up the sward (top level of soil), enabling new-season grass to grow and mature.
Just one treatment of scarification on an established section of grass can result in visible improvements after only 2 weeks. New, vibrant grass will begin to grow, bringing a rich green colour to your lawn.
Regular surface penetration of up to 2.5cm will avoid build-up of thatch
Promoting Grass growth - Verti Draining and Lawn Spiking
Verti draining and spiking, also known as lawn aeration allows oxygen into grass roots and provides a channel for surface water to reach drains.
Huge benefits to grass roots are gained when soil structures are opened up and de-compacted, enabling vital oxygen to enter.
Ground conditions are key to achieving the optimal benefit. Fine turf surfaces must be properly prepared with comprehensive watering to soften up the ground is spiked. You an buy a household spiker from your local DIY or garden store. For a super smooth finish, use a roller to make the lawn flat and looking gorgeous and glossy!