Seasonal secrets - Greensleeves' guide to a healthy lawn all year round
A green and healthy lawn provides a relaxing environment to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and is also a crucial element of any home’s curb appeal. Cheryl Harper, Business Manager at Greensleeves Lawn Care, believes maintaining a green lawn requires a year-round commitment, as weather patterns and environmental factors can impact the health and appearance of your lawn. In this article, she gives her advice on how to keep your lawn green all year round.
Spring
Spring is the season when your lawn finally starts coming back to life after a long winter. However, there are a few things you can do to help your lawn recover from winter and set it up for success throughout the rest of the year. The first thing to do is to begin mowing your lawn more frequently. During winter, mowing is typically kept to a minimum. In spring though the grass will start to grow at a faster rate. It is essential to remember to cut your grass short at the start of spring. At Greensleeves, we recommend cutting your grass to roughly five centimetres to aid photosynthesis. As you increase your lawn mowing routine, make sure that you provide your lawn with sufficient nutrients. Like any other living organism, lawns require sustenance to grow and thrive, particularly during spring, when they strive to recuperate from the winter season’s impact.
Having seen our lawns suffer from last year’s extreme hot droughts, it is important to hydrate your lawn to help pre-condition it for the summer ahead. By giving your lawn a hydration treatment, it will set your lawn up to ensure it can withstand a repeat of such hot dry weather. Weeds also increase growth due to the warmer weather in spring and may attempt to overrun your lawn. Therefore, it is important to keep good weed control and remove any by pulling them out by the roots to prevent them from returning. You can use lawn seed to fill any gaps left behind by these intrusive weeds.
Summer
Throughout the summer months, it is essential to maintain your lawn’s health and appearance. At the beginning of June, we advise raking your lawn before mowing to control clover runners. As we move into July, when weather conditions are typically drier, it is recommended to leave the grass blades slightly longer to retain moisture. This is also a good time to consult an expert for treatments that can control weeds and stimulate growth. As August comes around, the lawn is likely to have become very dehydrated due to the hot and dry weather, so it is important to ensure it receives enough water, whether through a sprinkler, hosepipe, or water butts installed earlier in the year. Proper maintenance will keep your lawn lush and green throughout the summer season.
Autumn
In the Autumn, it is necessary to adjust your lawn care routine in order to prepare for the upcoming winter months. In September, raise the height of your mower blades to about four centimetres. This will thicken the grass and protect the roots from frost and snow. Scarifying the lawn at this time will also remove excess thatch and prepare for the winter while reducing the risk of lawn diseases such as moss and red thread. Aerating the lawn is also crucial to relieve compaction and ensure adequate drainage during winter rains. Removing leaves and debris regularly is also important to maintain the lawn’s health. Finally, it is important to continue removing leaves and debris to prevent bare patches. If you plan on having a bonfire party, it is a good idea to speak with a lawn treatment expert to help repair any damage caused by excessive traffic.
Winter
Winter lawn care starts properly in December, with a focus on keeping the lawn clear of leaves and debris to prevent the build-up of thatch. If – or when - the lawn is frozen, it is essential to avoid walking on it, as frost makes the blades brittle and susceptible to damage. Moss can also take hold during winter, so a continued lawn treatment plan is vital.
Moving into January, remove leaves and debris if the weather is mild. Moss invasions should be taken seriously and addressed promptly. In February, thorough raking, aerating, and scarifying can begin if the weather is mild. Water butts can also be installed to catch rainwater for use in the summer months. Attention should also be given to the lawn’s edges, repairing and reshaping them in preparation for the first cut of the year. Proper winter lawn care will ensure a healthy and vibrant lawn come springtime.
By following the above tips for each season, you can help your lawn stay healthy, vibrant, and green all year round. Always stay on top of regular maintenance tasks, such as watering, mowing, and fertilising, and address any issues as soon as they arise. However, keeping your lawn green all year round requires some effort and attention to detail. If you don’t have the time, you can always rely on the services of a professional lawn care company. Our local experts know how to identify issues with your lawn. It will save you time, energy, and often money.
For more information on how to keep your lawn green all year round, visit the Greensleeves website: www.greensleeves-uk.com/