Maintaining Your Lawn

In periods of drought, watering can help new and existing lawns. If really dry weather follows the sowing of grass seed, water the area with a fine spray keeping the seedbed constantly moist until the grass is about 40mm high. Once the lawn is established, sprinkle the lawn with plenty of water (enough to reach the roots) approximately 10mm to 20mm at a time. This will secure a deeper root system. A little water does more harm than good although it encourages growth it also produces a shallow root system that will wilt when under drought pressure.

Raking/Scarifying

Although relatively important it is hard work and normally one good raking / scarifying a year in the spring is all that is required. Use the special type of spring rake for this purpose – do not use an ordinary garden rake. This can be done by a contractor or machine from a hire company.

Benefits of raking/scarifying:

• Moves the dead grass which prevents drainage and stunts growth.

• Aerates into the crown of the grass plants.

• Improves water movement to the root zone.

• Encourages the formation of new shoots.
  
  

Spiking

Spiking can be done once a year however this is hard work and only needs to be done when renovating a neglected lawn or if the soil is badly drained or compacted. It is also desirable to spike the lawn prior to top dressing in autumn. Spiking can be done with an ordinary garden fork with a special hollow-tined machine or with a solid spike machine.

Benefits of spiking:

• Aerates to the grass roots.

• Improves soil drainage.

• Stimulates the growth of new roots.

• Makes the lawn more resistant to drought in summer.

Top Dressing

Apply a Starter Fertiliser at establishment then apply Fertiliser at approximately 6-8 weeks after sowing. Ensure the soil is moist when applying and water in thoroughly to avoid burning.

For a first rate lawn apply a top dressing on an annual basis. The mixture is usually made up of peat loam and sand. Minor hollows will be removed which have developed and an improved soil surface is gradually built up.

Benefits of top dressing:

• Stimulates the formation of new shoots.

• Promotes the development of runners.

• Encourages denser growth of grass.