At Lawn 3 there is nothing we like better than a lush, verdant lawn that looks great all year round. Below are some general tips that any homeowner can instantly apply for a greener and healthier lawn.

Mowing

Mowing the lawn often leads to grass that’s too short and ultimately, a patchy lawn. This is a common issue among homeowners who want their lawn to look as manicured as those found on golf courses. However, what’s important to realise is that golf courses use growth inhibitors which restrict grass growth. This allows the grass to reach a height that allows it to prosper, but at a much shorter height than normal.

Why should you avoid cutting your grass short? There are several reasons:

– Domestic grass varieties are generally intolerant of very low cutting heights;

– Grass that’s too short encourages moss growth;

– Weeds have an easier time taking root in short grass;

– Grass that’s kept short cannot reach its maturing height;

– Roots receive no shade in hot weather;

– More watering is required for short grass.

– Results in stressed plants susceptible to disease.

How Short Should Grass Be Cut?

Longer grass results in a healthier lawn. As well, longer grass tends to grow more slowly, which means that far less mowing is required. Infrequent mowing gives grass plenty of time to recover following cutting.
Grass should not be cut any lower than one inch in the spring and fall, and 1.5 inches in the summer. Preferably, only 1/3 of the grass’s length should be cut each time. Longer grass provides a greater surface area for photosynthesis, which results in healthier grass. Leaving the grass longer also allows the ‘crown’ of the grass – the point from which grass leaves grow – to remain intact.

How Often Should You Mow?

Mowing once a week is usually sufficient. In spring when grass is growing more rapidly, mowing twice a week may be necessary.

Chafer Grubs
Chafer grubs are the larvae of the chager beetle. They cause problems on                   lawns by feeding on roots of grass                           plants. Read more…

Lawn Treatments
Lawn3’s range of lawn care treatments allows you to achieve the lawn of your                     dreams. Read more…

Leatherjackets
These are one of the most common lawn problems. They are the larvae                         stage of the Common Crane Fly.  Read                   more…

Moss
Most untreated lawns in the UK are plagued by moss. This plant has been                     around for over 400 million years.                           Read more…

Weeds
Not only do weeds make your lawn look unsightly, but they will also                               compete with your grass for light, water                   and nutrients. Read more…

What to do with Cuttings

Cuttings should never be left on the lawn. Even though they will eventually biodegrade and put nutrients back into the lawn, it will take several weeks for this to occur. During that time, successive cuts will form a thick sub-surface thatch that will begin to rot – providing the perfect damp and dark environment needed for moss to thrive. Leaving cuttings on your lawn will also cause grass to be tracked onto paths and into your home.

Keep Mower Blades Sharp

Check mower blades often for sharpness. Mowing with a dull blade will tear the end of the grass blade, leaving it ragged. Later, these will turn brown causing the lawn to have a dried out look.

Don’t Water in the Heat

Although it is normal for grass to turn yellow over 2 or 3 weeks in very hot weather, watering it when it reaches this point is not only futile, but can also destroy a lawn in record time. This is because the grass will only receive water on the surface, with no water penetrating the soil due to evaporation. The roots will turn upward to reach the water at the surface, which will be effective until the next hot and sunny day, when the now near-surface roots die in the heat.

Water on a Schedule

During summer’s heat, it’s important to make sure that watering happens regularly and frequently. If you are going to water, do it well and often so the roots still manage to find water deep in the soil. During the main part of the growing season, grass should be watered twice weekly early in the day. Otherwise just leave it – unless there are extenuating circumstances most lawns will come back to their original condition when the rain returns.