Spring Lawn Care

Spring has sprung, birds are busy nest building, green shoots are sprouting. With the warming of the soil, the lawn too has awoken from it's winter dormancy, meaning more work for the gardener. But work spent now will pay dividends in the summer when you are enjoying a verdant, healthy carpet of luscious green grass.

Eliminate Moss

Moss usually starts to appear in the spring and autumn. Thankfully, control is easy and there are a variety of products which will kill moss in a week or so. But moss occurs where there is an underlying problem, whether it be water-logging or a shade intolerant grass mix for example. It's important to address the cause of moss growth promptly.

Once the moss has been controlled, the entire lawn should be given a gentle raking to remove debris (a process called scarification). 

Repair Bare Patches

Bare Patches not only look unsightly, but are a magnet for weeds. Loosen the soil with a fork and spread a suitable grass seed mix, for example shade tolerant or a hard wearing multi-purpose seed - your garden centre will be able to advise. Once sown, water frequently to encourage fast germination and quick grass establishment.

Remove Thatch and Improve Drainage

Excessive thatch, the layer of dead stems and roots, is a common problem for established lawns. A thick layer of thatch can become a barrier, stopping water and nutrients reaching the soil. Raking with a wire garden rake, and regular mowing, should be adequate for thatch control. Aeration is also important to improve drainage and help the your grass grow healthily. Pushing the fork into the soil, about 10cm deep and 15cm apart , will allow water and air to reach roots and improve drainage.

Rev up your Mower

Now it's time to dust off the mower and mow the lawn. Set the mower to high cut for a grass length of about 3cm (1 ½"). Any shorter at this time of year will allow easier establishment of weeds like daisies and dandelions. Your lawn will need mowing regularly, and for most lawns once a week is about right, just don't cut it too short.

Nourish your lawn

It's a fact that lawns benefit from regular feeding. Without extra nutrients grass soon uses up plant food reserves in the soil and then turns pale and thin. Without food to develop side shoots and thickness, the lawn is open to invasion by weeds seeds and moss that thrives in low nutrient conditions. Give your lawn a feed at any time when it is actively growing and weather conditions allow. In spring and early summer your lawn will benefit from a treatment high in nitrogen (N), to promote growth, and you can enjoy a green luscious lawn.

This guide has been provided by lovethegarden.com

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