10 Month Lawn Care Guide Liverpool

January

There is generally little maintenance work to be done in the month of January. Avoid using the lawn in very wet conditions and particularly in frost. During fine spells, turfing can take place and repair work can be carried out using turf. General debris, such as leaves/twigs, can be removed. Light brushing can be carried out to remove dew and surface moisture from fine lawns. This is a good time to ensure all lawn care equipment is serviced and cleaned.

February

Although conditions can be mild do not be tempted to mow the lawn. Worm casts can be scattered by brushing with a birch broom or similar. Turfing and repairs using turf can be carried out providing the ground is not waterlogged and frost free.

March

As soon as the weather conditions improve the grass will show signs of growth. Lightly rake the lawn to clear the surface, be careful not to rake heavily as this will damage the grasses. A light rolling, e.g., with the mower roller will help to settle the surface if heavy winter frosts have been experienced. A top cut on a good dry day can be carried out, ensure the mower blades are on a high setting to avoid removing too much grass. It is unlikely more than one or two cuts will be required in March. This is a good month for inspecting the lawn for any signs of disease and dealing with moss. Ensure any Moss Killers (e.g., Lawn Sand) has time to fully work before raking out the moss (e.g., 14 days). The edges of the lawn can be neatened with a half moon and damaged areas with turf.

April

Any coarse grasses can be dug out and the areas turfed (ensure these areas are filled with sifted soil to prevent hollows). Mow regularly enough to keep the lawn tidy but do not set the blades at a low cutting height. If conditions are good and the grass is actively growing fertiliser can be applied at this moment. It is important that the grass blades are dry and that rain is expected. If in the unlikely event of no rain for 3 – 4 days, irrigate (water) the fertiliser in. Selective weed killers can be used at this time but it is more prudent to wait until May when the grass is going to be growing more vigorously.

May

This is normally a good month for the use of selective weed killer, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the product is designed for lawn use. Make sure the grass is dry and there is moisture in the soil. Weed killers should be used in good still weather conditions. Mowing can now be carried out on a more regular basis and the mowing height should be gradually lowered to the normal summer setting, but remember not to scalp the lawn.

Regular mowing once or twice a week is normal at this time of year Remember to vary the direction of cut and to mow at a steady pace do not push the mower backwards and forwards, work in a forward direction for a uniform cut and for your own safety Keep an eye on moisture levels and only water if signs of stress appear grass is very resilient and overwatering, is more harmful in the end than drought. If you do need to water do it in the evening and ensure the water has fully penetrated the lawn not simply wetted the surface. If possible have a water storage system set up prior to the hot dry months. This avoids any problems with hosepipe bans.

June

Mowing will now be in full swing twice a week will be a normal routine, if however, the weather is dry and hot raise the height of cut so as not to stress the lawn. Light raking prior to mowing helps to ensure an even cut and reduce the survival rate of coarser grasses and clover. Weeding and feeding can also take place but be very aware of the need for a dry lawn with moist soil. Quick acting liquid feeds are very safe and if granular feeds are used make sure you water them in thoroughly if conditions remain dry. In hot dry conditions, be prepared to water the lawn on a regular basis. Light spiking will help moisture penetration. Apply water in relatively small droplet sizes. Do not flood the area but ensure the water is soaking into the soil evenly.

July

Regular mowing should be carried out at least once a week on utility lawns and twice a week on fine lawns. If weeds present a problem use a selective weed killer designed for lawn use. If the lawn shows signs of colour loss use a liquid “green up” fertiliser. If the weather is good then it’s probably time to get the BBQ into action.

August

Follow the main plan for July this is the last month for the use of high nitrogen feeds any weed killer should not be used beyond this month. Repairs or seeding can take place towards the end of the month. If the lawn is showing signs of stress due to drought then a few good Soakings will help. Remember if you only water a little and often then the roots will be most active at towards the surface. It is better to give a good soaking less often and allow the water to soak deep into the turf. This will not only allow the moisture to remain for longer but also encourage the roots to go deep in search of the water. This will then mean that watering will not be required as often.

September

September Grass growth normally begins to ease at this time of year and mowing may not have to be carried out as regularly as in previous months. The height of cut can also be raised. This is a good month for carrying out repairs and scarifying some of the thatch out of the surface. Aeration by deep spiking also helps healthy root development and surface drainage. Top dress with a good quality material and work into the holes if possible. Use an acidifying fertilizer to discourage worms and ensure the nitrogen content is low with higher phosphate and potassium for root health. Any sign of disease can be treated with a proprietary fungicide. Red thread, however, does respond to nitrogen provided no other diseases are apparent.

October

Unless the weather is unusually mild, mowing will cease to be a major requirement in this month. If mowing is required then raise the cutting height and ensure the grass is brushed lightly prior to mowing to disperse moisture. Light scarifying or raking and top dressing can be carried out as long as some growth is occurring. Leaves and other debris should be removed on a regular basis. This is a good month for re-turfing bare patches and general renovation with a compatible turf. Nitrogen feeds should not now be used, but if the lawn is not green enough then a feed with plenty of iron may be applied. Watch for fungal disease from and if the grass looks as if it is dying in patches or similar then apply a fungicide. Remember to follow the instructions carefully.

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