Lawncare
When it comes to lawncare, there aren't any quick fixes. Trimming the grass regularly will encourage new shoots to grow, and keep down weeds. Many lawnmowers allow you to rais or lower the cutting height. Depending on the weather and the speed of growth you may need to adjust the height of cut.
In summer, for most gardens, the grass should be cut at least once per week. This will give the lawn the best finish, however close cutting will adversely affect the texture and colour of your grass. In dry weather, and during spring and autumn, mowing once per week should be adequate.
Prepare your lawn before you start mowing, making sure the grass is as dry as possible. You should also remove any debris (including dead leaves), and brush off dew and rain. A steady forward motion will give you the best results. Pulling the machine backwards and forwards will make the cut uneven, as will leaning on the handle. If you get tired, take a break!
The classic striped look to a lawn can be achieved by cuttin in straight, parallel lines. Each strip must be mowed in alternate direction - firs one east to west, next one west to east etc. And for the very finest stripes you must cut at right angles to your previous cut - east-west one week then north-south the next. It might sound like hard work, but it's worth it!
Lawn Care Calender
January - February
During mild weather cut the grass occasionally with a high cut height.
Ensure your equipment is maintained well - oil parts that require
it and ensure the equipment is kept dry. Keep off any frozen or
waterlogged grass.
March
Rake the grass well with a special rake or wheeled raking equipment. Spike the
lawn all over and apply lawn sand if necessary. Keep mower blades set high to
'top' the grass.
April
Now is the time to re-seed any bare patches, apply fertilisers and moss killer
if required. Mow regularly, lowering your mower blades
to about 3/4 inch.
May
Make your mowing more frequent, and treat with
selective weedkillers (or combined weed/feed solutions) to encourage growth.
June
You should now be mowing about twice per week, regular mowing will encourage
the best growth from your lawn. Water the lawn if required, make sure you
soak the ground thoroughly.
July
During July it would be good to treat the lawn with a second application of fertiliser
or weedkiller/fertiliser. Water the lawn as necessary. Also don't make your mower
blades too low.
August
Keep mowing twice per week regularly and watering when required. Remember, you
must have a licence to use a sprinkler or hand-held hose. During exceptionally
dry weather any cracks should be filled with a mixture of sharp sand and
soil.
September
Mower blades should be raised to allow the grass to thicken. This also protects
roots from winter frost and snow. You should also mow less often - once per week.
Apply autumn-winter fertiliser, weedkiller and mosskiller, available from Hilltop
Lawnmowers or all good gardening suppliers.
October
During October you should spike the lawn to assist with drainage, also raking
out thatch from the turf. A rotary mower with a collector should be used to
remove loose leaves. You can also brush into the lawn peat and
sharp sand.
November
Using a stiff broom, wormcasts should be removed from the lawn. If the grass
is very wet don't cut it, as this will compact the soil and encourage waterlogging.
Mower blades should be raised to about 1 inch height. Any "fairyrings" should
be treated with fungicide.
December
Continue occasional cutting during mild weather, removing any debris from the
lawn. Also ensure your garden equipment is serviced and maintained.