Get rid of things which shouldn’t be there!
Things like weeds, moss, and thatch can impact growth as they block important nutrients from making it to the root of the grass.
Weeds can appear in several different ways are very common in most lawns. There are multiple ways to eliminate weeds, pulling them out by hand or with a tool is probably the easiest. Make sure you pull out the entire weed, with their roots if doing it this way. If there is a lot of weeds, then you could try spraying them with a herbicide, just make sure it’s low in toxicity.
Thatch is dead leaves and grass that hangs around between grass and builds up. This creates some blockage and prevents nutrients from getting into the soil and the roots. The best way to remove thatch is by raking it away with the right tools or by using a lawn scarifier.
Moss are plants that don’t flower, and they love areas that have a lot of moisture or shade. If you don’t remove moss it will reduce the ability for your grass to grow. The only way to remove moss is by understanding the root cause of why it is there and then maintaining a good lawn.
Water build-up issues
Check the drainage of your lawn and make sure water doesn’t build up in any area. Generally, it comes down to two reasons why this is happening, either the soil doesn’t absorb water very well, or the landscape of your garden is poor.
Soil – If you have too much clay or thatch in an area this can contribute to water build-up. You may have to look at aeration to help the flow of water and air if this is the case.
Landscape – If your garden is not designed in a way where there is a gentle slope away from your house, so the water can flow then you may have to investigate fitting drains or gutters to remove any excess rainfall. You can also look at adjusting the area which is getting water built up or putting in some wet plants which love water.
Allow air and water to get to the roots
You can do this by aerating your lawn, which only really needs to be done every two or three years and you can do small patches if needed. The best way is by using a garden fork or aerating tools.
Bring your lawn back to life
By seeding your lawn with large quantities of seeds which are mixed with fertilizer, this will bring your lawn back to life and make it look amazing again. Make sure that you prepare your area first by aerating, mowing, and getting rid of things that shouldn’t be there.
Try and spread the seeds evenly and keep it moist which helps with germination, also don’t forget to add a top dressing to protect the seeds!
Mow correctly
When mowing your lawn, try to cut it about one-third of its current length. You will need to mow more frequently in the summer as the grass grows quicker, but in the winter colder months it will be less frequent. You should avoid mowing when the grass or soil is wet as it will damage the lawn.
Giving your lawn the best food
To give your lawn the best nutrients, there are many products available from your local supplies store. The type will depend on your soil and location, so best to ask someone at your store for advice. Generally, if you treat it a few times per year, in the spring with a nitrogen-rich lawn feed and autumn with a fertilizer with high levels of phosphate and potash then you should be fine.
Make sure you also water your grass often otherwise it will change colour, although be careful not to overdo it as too much can damage your lawn. Best to water in the cooler times, so early in the morning or just before dusk at night.
Use some top dressing to help improve the soil quality. Check with your local store which type will be best for your lawn.
