Your lawn needs more than just mowing!
To maintain a healthy and attractive lawn takes more than just a quick mow every couple of weeks. It's a year-round task, with the bulk of activity being in the spring and early summer months when it should be lightly trimmed once or twice a week! Below we have compiled a month by month guide to help you maintain a lawn that you can be proud of.
JANUARY
Try to keep off the grass if it is frozen or waterlogged. If the weather permits, aerate the surface with a solid or hollow tine spiking machine or garden fork.
Keep the surface free of leaves, twigs and other debris.
FEBRUARY
Again, try and keep off the grass if it is frozen or waterlogged. If not done in January and if the weather permits, aerate the lawn.
Keep surface free of leaves, twigs and other debris. If the surface is dry, brush away worm casts. If the weather is mild, you can even cut the grass with the mower blades set high.
MARCH
Rake the grass thoroughly to remove any debris and leaves. If the surface is dry, brush away worm casts.
Keep the mower blades high and just 'top' the grass, always using a grass boxes. Reduce the cutting height slightly for the second cut. Apply a light to medium weight roller. Within 2 or 3 days of the first cut, apply a spring lawn fertiliser. REMEMBER to water this in if there is no rain within 3 or 4 days of applying the feed.
APRIL
(Apply spring fertilisers if not done in March and REMEMBER to water in if there is no rain after 3 or 4 days.)
Apply a selective broad leaf weed killer (and moss killer if required). Increase the frequency of mowing to ideally weekly and then twice- weekly towards the end of the month.
Always use a grass box to remove Clippings. You can gradually lower the cutting height. Scarify the lawn to remove dead grass, moss and thatch. If a large amount of debris is removed, it may be worth going over the area again 2 or 3 weeks later. Re-seed sparse areas with a fine grass mixture and lightly cover with a good top-dressing. Roll the area if the weather permits.
MAY
Keep the mowing frequency to twice weekly and aim to be at your optimum cutting height by the end of the month. Apply a fertilizer if required. REMEMBER to water in if there is no rain after 3 or 4 days.
Water the grass if necessary but avoid excessive watering. Keep the lawn free of debris and apply weed killer if required. If not too dry, roll out any unevenness and bumps in surface.
JULY and AUGUST
Continue to mow frequently BUT try not to 'crop' the grass. Water during drought conditions, but do not overwater. Fill any cracks with a mixture of horticultural sand and top-soil. Lightly spike the ground if compacted.
Apply a summer fertilizer BUT remember to water in if there is no rain for 2 or 3 days afterwards.
SEPTEMBER
Decrease the frequency of mowing. Raise mower blades gradually to allow the grass to thicken and protect the roots from winter frost and snow.
Lightly scarify the area. Hollow tine spikes the lawn if it is compacted If required apply a top-dressing of horticultural sand or horticultural sand/loam mix. In worn areas, apply a mix of grass seed and top-dressing and try to keep moist. Apply an autumn fertilizer dressing but avoid applying it to newly sown seeded areas.
OCTOBER
Regular mowing can be reduced throughout this month. Remember to raise gradually the cutting height.
Keep the lawn free of debris and leaves. Towards the end of this month is an ideal time to lay turf.
NOVEMBER
If dry, use a stiff broom to remove worm casts from the grass. If dry mow if necessary, but with the blades set to their highest levels.
Treat fungicide. Keep the lawn free of leaves and other debris. This is the last month to apply any winter dressings.
DECEMBER
Keep off the lawn if wet or frosty weather is around. Keep the lawn free of leaves and other debris.