An Introduction to Lawn Maintenance.

Well established lawns need regular maintenance to keep them in a healthy condition. The amount of maintenance depends upon the local climate and the size and type of the lawn. The main tasks are mowing and watering.

Mowing a Lawn

Regular cutting of the lawn maintains a neat appearance and helps create a dense, healthy sward.

Mowing is needed more regularly in warm, moist conditions, although during a drought it is best not to mow at all.

Delay mowing in very wet or frosty conditions.

Fine lawns benefit from brushing before cutting. This raises the grass leaves and also helps to remove dew and dry the surface.

The frequency of cutting depends upon the climate. Little and often is usually the best way.

Keep the height of the lawn mower set to remove the top 1/3 of the length, mowing more frequently in the summer months.

High quality lawns can be cut as low as 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) but only if this can be done every 2-3 days.

Utility lawns should be left to grow to 1-2.5 cm (1/2- 1 inch) to protect the surface against wear.

Meadow gardens need infrequent mowing, raking thoroughly and removing cuttings and debris.

Watering a Lawn

Once grass is well established it resists drought fairly well, but will turn brown. To keep the growth and colour at the maximum, regular and thorough watering is essential during prolonged dry periods. It is better to do this early in the morning or in the late evening.

Fertilizing a Lawn

Regular applications of fertilizer to the lawn, as with all plants, can help to keep it vigorous and healthy. This is the easiest way to provide nutrients and fertilizers are available in organic and inorganic forms. The amount of fertilizer applied depends upon the local climate and the drainage of the soil. Read the manufacturers instructions carefully.

Annual Lawn Maintenance

To reduce the risk of pests and diseases several other tasks should be carried out at regular intervals.

Remove leaves that have fallen from neighbouring trees.
Aerate and scarify the lawn.
Apply lawn sand to kill moss.
Apply pesticide/fungicide to control pests and diseases.
Re-cut edges and carry out any restoration work necessary.