The traditional lawn that is synonymous with lazy summer days in England is under attack.
The main problem for lawns is that, due to our changing weather patterns, there is no longer the same predictable cycle that has helped lawns in the UK to establish over many centuries. In a recent survey by WRAP, 44% of gardeners reported that they mow their lawns a month earlier in Spring and 36% said they believed that their lawns grow all year. http://www.wrap.org.uk/wrap_corporate/news/gardeners_urged.html
LAWN TIPS
* Look at more drought resistant grasses – bluegrass, ryegrass and fescues
*Learn to accept that your lawn may turn brown when it is dry – it will grow again as soon as it rains.
*Aerate your lawn to stimulate root growth by spiking with a fork
* Over-mowing is the worst thing for dry lawns
* Raise the mowing height to at least 2 inches to keep the crown and roots cooler
* Very long lawns – grown to a height of 3 -4 inches will help keep down moss problems and crowd out some weeds.
* Establish good roots in your lawn before summer
WATER TIPS
* Water early in the morning or late evening to avoid evaporation.Allow water to soak into ground for maximum benefit
*Only water if absolutely necessary and from a renewable source (harvested rain water ideally)
*Under watered lawns do not need any fertiliser
*Water infrequently with thorough waterings to keep roots deep
* Never water in sunlight
Mon, Apr 27, 2009
Lawn Care