Actually the requirements for lawns will vary depending on factors such as soil type, amount of sunlight, traffic and wear and tear, drainage and climate. If you are unsure, speak to a qualified green keeper or qualified gardener and better still - have someone draw up a programme specially for your lawn.

Mowing

A quality luxury domestic lawn requires mowing at least fortnightly initially as from mid March to weekly through the season, until October, with either a rotary with roller and  box or cylinder mower.

Our demonstration lawn is mown frequently with a cylinder mower 1-2 times per week at around 5-10mm (minimum of 3/16th inch height or 5mm), increasing height to cope with drought conditions when necessary.  This gives a 1st class surface suitable for golf putting practice.

Feeding

To maintain adequate growth rates apply fertiliser in spring, and again in summer when conditions permit.  This will ensure the sward remains healthy and stand up to daily wear and tear from children and adults.  Never apply spring summer fertiliser in autumn. It will encourage fungal diseases.  It is beneficial to use an Autumn Winter fertiliser in October.

Lawn Treatments

Occasionally scarify lightly to discourage grass weeds and comb the sward upright before cutting.

Apply selective weedkiller to any weeds if you wish to have a weed free lawn.

For special occasions apply a iron sand based mosskiller when 10 days prior, when rain if imminent. This will give a deep green finish to the sward.

Please note that you should follow the manufacturers recommendations at all times. Engaging the services of a qualified professional will help ensure that your lawn is properly treated at the correct rates and prevent mishaps such as scorched patches.

Monitor your lawn all year round for signs of fungal diseases. Fusarium patch or snow mould is quite common from September until March in the UK.  Treatment with a systemic fungicide in the autumn may be necessary.

Some treatments can be dual acting and eliminate earth worms and insects. Worms can cause problems in fine turf. In the average lawn they are beneficial.  See our newlsetter issues 4 & 5 for details of the leather jacket. This insect can devastate entire lawns by consuming the roots.

Remember... Much of the work for a top class lawn takes place at the end or weather permitting out of the growing season

Have your lawns scarifed at least once per year to remove any thatch, dead grass and moss. Apply a mosskiller or autumn winter fertiliser if necessary will ensure that your lawn will be growing sufficiently over the winter.

If you have drainage problems consider installing land drains, improving the rootzone to enable surface water to drain away is also worth trying.

Deep spiking, (hollow tining if possible) and adding coarse sand can help.

Top Dress Annually

One of the most beneficial lawn operations is top dressing with special weedfree 70/30 compost.  This is undertaken every year on green and top quality lawns - especially after spiking. It is applied and then incorporated with the use of a tru-lute. This ensures a surface free from lumps and bumps and helps counter damage and compaction from daily traffic.

Ensure that piles of debris or compost are not left on lawns. It can take up to 8 weeks for lawns to recover and may require day to day attention such as seeding any patches.

Leaves should be removed from the surface and edges regularly (weekly) during the autumn