5 Tips for a Healthy Lawn
1. Watering – Water less frequently but more deeply! The recommended amount of water for most lawns in most climates is one inch, once a week. One way to measure this is to place containers around your lawn. Water as usual and note how long it takes for the containers to fill up to one inch. This is how long you need to water. Also take note of which areas do not get so much water and may need the use of a sprinkler. When the surface of the lawn feels dry it’s time to water again. This will ensure that the grass roots grow deeply.
2. Cutting – Always cut the grass to the recommended height for the type of grass you have. Some people recommend that you use the highest setting but we do not recommend this. It is much better to find out the recommended cutting height for your particular type of grass and use this.
3. Aeration – Aeration prevents soil compaction by allowing air, water and nutrients into the soil. Machines for aerating lawns are available. They punch plugs out of the soil and distribute them on the lawn. This does look a bit ugly but they soil disappear!
4. Mulch – use a mulching lawnmower and use the clipping to feed back organic materials into your lawn. You will need much less fertiliser. Mulching does not cause thatch but can make it worse so do not mulch until the thatch is dealt with.
5. Fertilise – Use an organic fertiliser with a NPK ratio of 3/2/1. Always follow the directions given.