Lawns
Step 3: Aerating
Poor aeration causes poor root growth, making the grass sparse and weak.Increase aeration by using an ordinary garden fork in autumn: insert vertically and push in as deeply as possible every 15cm (6in) across the whole lawn.
If your problem is particularly bad, you may need to use a hollow tine fork which removes a core of soil and makes bigger holes.
Holes left in your lawn following treatment can be filled with coarse sand brushed over the surface.
Step 4: Scarification
Raking your lawn vigorously removes accumulated dead plant material (thatch) that prevents the penetration of rain and encourages plant diseases and makes the lawn feel 'springy' to walk over.Using a garden rake or a spring-tine rake, work on small areas at a time, raking vigorously.
This is hard work, so take your time - the job does not have to be completed in one go. The accumulated material should be removed and placed in your compost heap.
Scarification is best carried out in September as soon as the cooler temperatures reduce grass growth.
Step 5: Mowing
The height of the cut is crucial to maintaining a healthy lawn. If your lawn is used regularly it should not be cut to less than 2.5cm (1in) each week. Lightly-used lawns can be cut to 1.2cm (1/2in) - up to twice a week if the grass is growing well.Mow when the grass is dry and try not to overlap the previous cut.
Alternate cuts should be started in different directions to ensure the lawn is mown evenly. This prevents coarser grasses from becoming established.
In hot weather, and whenever growth is slow such as in spring and autumn, increase the length of cut and the time between cuttings.
Cuttings should usually be removed unless drought conditions prevail and you are prevented from watering.
Step 6: Trimming the edges
Adding a mowing strip ensures your mower can reach right to the edges, but there will still be grass to trim. Trimming the edge of your lawn neatly can 'set off' your whole garden.Normal lawn shears can be used but a pair of long-handled edge trimmers makes the job easier.
Trimming isn't necessary after every cut - every 7 or 10 days is about right.
Your Comments
- Lawn Maintenance
thanks mondaychild
its worked a treat, as you say it looked wrecked but as recovered and is actually green again....thanks.
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