Maintaining your lawn in the spring is crucial for creating a healthy and lush turf that will last all season. With the right preparations and core activities, your lawn can transform into a green oasis. This article provides a detailed overview of the essential steps you need to take to ensure the health of your grass and promote growth. From mowing to fertilising, each step is important for an optimal outcome.
Quick overview:
- 🟢 Mowing: Start with light mowing in February to promote healthy grass growth.
- 🪓 Moss Removal: Use moss killers and aerate to ensure better air and nutrient access for grass.
- 🌿 Aeration: Improve soil structure and nutrient penetration with tools like spike rollers or aerators.
- 🍋 Lime Application: Test soil pH and apply lime to regulate acidity and enhance nutrient uptake.
- 🌱 Seeding Bare Spots: Use appropriate grass seed mixes and cover seeds for even turf coverage.
- 🚿 Watering and Fertilizing: Fertilize with nitrogen-rich organic matter and water regularly for lush growth.
Lawn mowing
The first step in maintaining your lawn is mowing the grass, which ideally should start in February. It’s important to start with a light mow, handling it gently and ensuring that the grass is not cut too short. This helps to stimulate the turf and prevents damage to the grass roots.
Removing moss and thatch
Moss is a common problem, especially on acidic and dark soils. To combat moss, it is recommended to use a special moss killer. In addition, scarifying can be an effective method for aerating the soil, which is essential for a healthy turf. Removing moss and thatch improves the grass’s access to air and nutrients.
Aeration
Aerating your lawn is an important step that improves the soil structure and drainage. This can be done using a spiking roller, a garden fork, or a hollow tine aerator. By regularly aerating, you make sure that the grass roots breathe easier and nutrients can penetrate deeper into the soil.
Liming
Liming is needed to correct the soil’s acidity. It is advisable to carry out a pH test to determine the need for lime. For sandy soil, a dosage of 1 kg per 10 m² is appropriate, while 0.5 kg per 10 m² is sufficient for clay soil. Adding lime not only helps stabilise the pH value, but also promotes the grass’s nutrient absorption.
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Reseeding bare patches
When reseeding bare patches, it’s important to use a grass seed mix that matches your lawn. After sowing, the seed should be lightly pressed and covered with a topsoil to increase the chance of germination. This helps to create an even and healthy turf, even in places where the grass previously failed to grow well.
Fertilising
Fertilising is a critical part of lawn maintenance, especially in the spring. Using nitrogen-rich organic fertiliser ensures that your grass gets the nutrients it needs for robust growth. A recommended dosage is 1 kg per 10 m², to be spread evenly over the lawn. This not only promotes growth, but also helps maintain a rich green colour.
Mowing and watering
Regular mowing and watering are essential for a healthy lawn. It’s recommended to mow the grass twice a week at a height of 3-4 cm. In dry periods, it’s important to water the lawn thoroughly once a week to provide adequate moisture for the grass. This helps to maintain a strong and green lawn during the hot summer months.
Regular maintenance for a strong, green lawn in summer
Carrying out these core activities provides the basis for a strong and healthy lawn that can thrive in the summer weeks. Regular maintenance is key to success, and by following these steps, you ensure that your lawn looks its best. For more tips and advice on lawn maintenance, follow Rodi Living and stay updated on the best practices to optimise your outdoor space.
