Category: Lawn care

Lawn care

Reviving Your Lawn this Spring: Mowing Low and Topdressing for Success

Written by David October 3, 2023October 3, 2023 Leave a Comment

Spring is a season of renewal, and there’s no better time to revitalize your lawn after the winter months. Two essential components of lawn renovation in spring are mowing your lawn low and topdressing. In this article, we’ll explore these techniques and how they contribute to the overall health and beauty of your grass.

Mowing the Lawn Low

Timing is Key

As spring begins, it’s time to give your lawn its first trim of the season. However, the secret to successful mowing in the spring is to start when your grass is still dormant but just before it starts actively growing. This typically falls in early to mid-spring when the soil temperature has risen, and the grass is beginning to green up.

Set the Right Mowing Height

When mowing low in the spring, it’s crucial to set your mower at the appropriate height. For most cool-season grasses, a height of around 2 to 2.5 inches is ideal for the first mow of the season. Mowing low at this time helps remove dead grass, thatch, and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter.

Follow the One-Third Rule

Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade’s height in a single mowing session. Removing too much at once can stress the grass and weaken it. If your grass has grown too long over the winter, consider gradually lowering the cutting height in subsequent mows until you reach the desired height. However, as a one off during a lawn reno when you are trying to get your lawn back looking its best you can scalp the lawn and mow it right back using the lowest setting of your mower. It is important to note that if you are doing this you must ensure the lawn is getting enough water and nutrients to survive otherwise it will die off. It is best to only scalp the lawn once it has come out of it dormant stage and is starting to grow again.

Mulch or Bag

Mowing low in the spring also involves deciding whether to mulch or bag the clippings. Mulching the clippings can return valuable nutrients to the soil, while bagging can help remove thatch and debris more effectively. The choice depends on your lawn’s specific needs and your preference. Generally, during a lawn renovation you will want to remove the thatch and clippings to assist with aerating and allowing new grass to grow through.

Topdressing for a Healthy Lawn

Understanding Topdressing

Topdressing is the process of applying a thin layer of soil or a mixture of soil and organic matter to the surface of your lawn. This technique can help improve soil quality, level uneven areas, and enhance the overall health of your grass.

lawn topdressing with sand, light layer and thick layer

Choose the Right Material

Selecting the right topdressing material is crucial. Compost-rich topsoil or specialized topdressing blends can provide the necessary nutrients and organic matter to support grass growth. However, top soil may have the seeds of weeds within it which may create another issue going forward. Ensure that the topdressing material is free of weeds and pathogens. Washed river sand is another popular option. It provides a good source of nutrients for the soil and doesn’t carry any weeds. It may however have some small rock remaining within the mixture so take care during your first mow.

Application Method

Spread the topdressing material evenly across your lawn using a shovel, wheelbarrow, or a broadcast spreader. Aim for a layer that is approximately ¼ to ½ inch thick. Be cautious not to smother your grass by applying too thick a layer. Ideally, you want to still be able to see the tips of the grass through the top dress material.

Work in Conjunction with Aeration

For best results, consider aerating your lawn before topdressing. Aeration creates holes in the soil, allowing the topdressing material to penetrate deeper and enhance root growth. This can be done by coring the soil and removing plugs or using a folk and aerating boots.

Water and Care

After topdressing, water your lawn thoroughly to help the topdressing material settle and make contact with the soil. Regularly monitor your lawn’s moisture levels and continue with proper watering and maintenance. Fertilizing the lawn is important during a lawn renovation and can be done a few days prior or after the topdressing.

Mowing your lawn low and topdressing it in the spring are valuable techniques for rejuvenating your lawn after the winter months. By following these steps and carefully considering the unique needs of your lawn, you can set the stage for a vibrant, healthy, and lush green space that you’ll enjoy throughout the growing season. Remember that consistent care and maintenance will help ensure the long-term success of your lawn renovation efforts.

Lawn care, Lawn Equipment, Lawn varieties

Scarifying and dethatching your lawn: Why and when.

Written by David April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

Lawn maintenance involves more than just watering and mowing your lawn. When your lawn becomes established it may require further attention in the form of scarifying and dethatching. These process will take your lawn to the next level.

Scarifying and dethatching are two lawn maintenance practices that can help improve the health and appearance of your lawn.

Scarifying involves using a tool, such as a rake or a special machine, to cut through the surface of the lawn and remove any dead grass, moss, and other debris. This process helps to aerate the soil and promote healthy root growth by allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil.

Dethatching, on the other hand, involves removing the layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates on the surface of the soil over time. This layer, known as thatch, can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass, which can lead to a weak and unhealthy lawn.

Some of the benefits of scarifying and dethatching your lawn include:

Improved nutrient absorption: By removing thatch and debris from the surface of your lawn, you can improve the absorption of nutrients and water by the roots of the grass, which can promote healthy growth.
Enhanced root growth: Scarifying and dethatching can also help to promote root growth by allowing air and water to penetrate deeper into the soil. This can help your lawn become more resilient to drought and other stresses.
Reduced risk of disease: Thatch buildup can create a breeding ground for pests and diseases. By removing this layer of dead material, you can reduce the risk of disease and pests taking hold in your lawn.

The best time to scarify or dethatch your lawn depends on the type of grass you have and the climate in your region. Generally, it is best to carry out these tasks during the growing season when the grass is actively growing and can recover more quickly from the stress of the process.

For warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda or Zoysia, the best time to scarify or dethatch is in late spring or early summer. For cool-season grasses, such as fescue or bluegrass, it is best to do this in the fall when the grass is growing most vigorously. It is also important to avoid scarifying or dethatching during periods of drought or extreme heat, as this can stress the grass even further.

Lawn care

How often should I use fertilizer on my lawn?

Written by David March 12, 2023March 12, 2023

The frequency with which you should apply fertilizer to your lawn depends on several factors such as the type of grass you have, the soil type, and the climate in your area. However, as a general guideline, most lawns require fertilization about four times a year: once in early spring, once in late spring, once in summer, and once in fall.

In the spring, the first application should be done when the grass starts to grow actively. This application will help to promote new growth and enhance the lawn’s green color. The second application should be done in late spring, just before the hot summer months begin. This application will help to strengthen the grass and prepare it for the stress of summer.

In the summer, the third application should be done around mid-summer. This application will help to maintain the lawn’s growth and green color despite the stress of heat and drought.

In the fall, the fourth application should be done when the temperatures start to cool down. This application will help to promote strong root growth and prepare the lawn for the winter months.

However, it’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and you should adjust your fertilization schedule based on the specific needs of your lawn. It’s also important to read and follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, as over-fertilizing can damage your lawn.

Lawn care

What are the different types of lawn fertilizer?

Written by David March 12, 2023March 12, 2023

There are several types of lawn fertilizers, which are designed to meet the specific needs of different types of grass and soil conditions. Here are some common types of lawn fertilizers:

Slow-release fertilizers: These fertilizers release nutrients gradually over a longer period, providing consistent and even feeding to the lawn.
Quick-release fertilizers: These fertilizers provide a quick boost of nutrients to the lawn, but the effects may not last as long as slow-release fertilizers.
Organic fertilizers: These fertilizers are made from natural materials, such as compost, manure, and bone meal. They are slower acting than synthetic fertilizers, but they can improve soil health over time.
Synthetic fertilizers: These fertilizers are made from chemicals and provide a quick boost of nutrients to the lawn. However, they may not improve soil health in the long term.
Liquid fertilizers: These fertilizers are applied with a hose or sprayer and are absorbed quickly by the grass. They are often used for quick feeding or spot treatments.
Granular fertilizers: These fertilizers are applied in solid form and dissolve slowly over time. They are often used for regular feeding and maintenance of the lawn.

It is important to know which type of lawn you have to ensure the fertilizer helps to assist with lawn care and maximise the results.

Lawn care

Why do I get weeds and how do I get rid of them?

Written by David March 12, 2023March 12, 2023

Weeds are simply unwanted plants that grow in a particular area. There are a number of reasons why you might get weeds, including:

Soil conditions: Weeds tend to thrive in soils that are nutrient-poor, compacted, or with poor drainage. If your soil is in poor condition, it can be more difficult to grow the plants you want and easier for weeds to take over.
Lack of maintenance: Weeds can also be a sign of neglect. If you’re not regularly maintaining your lawn or garden by watering, fertilizing, and pruning, it can create an environment where weeds can grow and spread more easily.
Lack of mulch: Mulch is a layer of material, such as leaves, bark, or grass clippings, that is spread over the soil to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. If you’re not using mulch, it can make it easier for weeds to germinate and grow.
Seed dispersal: Weeds can also be introduced to your garden by seed dispersal from neighbouring plants, wind, or animals.

To prevent weeds, it’s important to maintain healthy soil conditions, regularly maintain your garden, use mulch, and take steps to prevent seed dispersal.

There are several ways to get rid of weeds, including:

Hand-pulling: You can remove weeds by pulling them out by hand. This method is best for small areas or isolated weeds.
Mulching: Mulching around plants can help prevent weeds from growing. A layer of mulch helps to block sunlight, which is necessary for weed growth.
Herbicides: Herbicides are chemicals that are specifically designed to kill weeds. They come in two main types: selective and non-selective. Selective herbicides only kill certain types of plants, while non-selective herbicides will kill any plant they come into contact with.
Boiling water: Boiling water can be an effective way to kill weeds in a small area. Simply pour boiling water over the weeds, being careful not to burn yourself or nearby plants.
Vinegar: Vinegar is an acid that can kill weeds. Mix vinegar with water and spray it on the weeds. However, be careful not to spray it on any plants you want to keep, as it will kill them as well.

It’s important to note that some methods may be more effective than others depending on the type of weeds you’re dealing with, the size of the infestation, and your specific circumstances. Also, always read and follow the instructions carefully when using any herbicides or chemicals.

Lawn care

How and when to mow your lawn

Written by David September 8, 2022September 10, 2022

It might seem like an easy question but how often should you mow your lawn and how low should you cut it? These can be the difference between having a brown backyard or thick luscious turf.

Your turf is in and starting to get long, how do you know it’s time to start mowing? When you initially lay turf you will need to wait a little longer before your first mow. It is best to wait 6-8 weeks. This enables the root system to become established and hold the grass down so the turf doesn’t move and lift when mowed. However, after the initial mow you will want to mow more frequently. Depending on climate and seasonal factors, roughly every 4 weeks is a good time between mows. During the wet season or when growth can occur faster you may want to mow your grass every 1-2 weeks. This will help with keeping a good height without having to cut it back to far. During the dry or cooler seasons you may only need to to mow every 4-6 weeks as the grass growth will become more stagnant.

How low should I cut my grass?

The ideal length to mow your grass is just above the brown/yellow root. This will assist in maintaining the beautiful green colour of your lawn and keeping it healthy. If you cut it too low you will scalp the grass and may affect its regrowth. You lawn will also look brown and unappealing. If on the other hand if you cut it too high the grass can become high and spongy unless you are mowing it every week.

Lawn care

How to best look after your lawn

Written by David September 2, 2022September 3, 2022

You have just laid your new turf and want to make sure it looks its best long into the future. How do you maintain your grass through mowing, watering and fertilizing to ensure you have the best lawn on the block.

How do you water your lawn for best results?

This may seem like a fairly straightforward question, however considering factors such as when to water, how long, and how often the question becomes more complex. Let’s start with when you should water your lawn to get the best results. Watering at night is often thought to be the best time to water if you have an irrigation system set up. This minimises evaporation which can occur during the heat of the day and doesn’t allow the water to seep into the soil and get to the roots. Minimising evaporation allows the water to reach down to the grass roots and keep the soil wet. A healthy root system assists with helping the grass survive during periods of low water.

In some environment if the grass remains wet for too long it can become susceptible to fungal growth. This fungus can affect the health of the grass, impacting the colour appearance of the lawn and the grass leaf shredding during mowing rather than giving a clean cut.

If you live in a wet environment where the grass doesn’t dry out quickly it can be more beneficial to water during the day rather than at night so the water doesn’t sit too long resulting in fungus growth.

How long should I water my lawn for?

When watering your lawn, you want to water it for long enough for the water to get down into the soil and be effective in giving the grass a good drink. However, you don’t want to flood the ground so much it becomes soggy, or you waste water and it just washes away. So, how long should I water the lawn for? Generally, a good 20 to 30 minutes is a good period of time to water the grass to get the best results.

How often should I water my lawn?

It is often said that you only need to water established grass once per week. A good water once per week helps develop a good solid root system for the grass which assists with drought tolerance during dry periods or water restrictions. However, watering the grass daily will keep it green and luscious. If it is not possible to water daily, try to water at least a few times per week or you may start to notice your grass becoming brown in patches and not growing at a fast rate.

The recommended routine

In summary, as discussed above the recommended watering routine involves watering for 30 minutes daily at night with an irrigation system. This will result in a luscious green turf which will be the envy of your neighbours.