There is no doubt about it – achieving a lush green, velvet lawn does take some effort. But put in the work and you’ll reap the benefits and send your neighbours green with envy!

Seed or turf?

Seed is substantially cheaper than turf, but does need significantly more care whilst it is establishing. Turf is instant, but substantially more to purchase.

When choosing the composition of your new lawn consider what activities will take place on it. Will is purely be used for an aesthetic back drop or will it be used for games and play? If you want a high quality aesthetic lawn; choose grass species such as Fescucs (Fescue) and Agrostis (Bent’s). If it’s just a utility lawn choose one with creeping grass species such as ‘slender creeping fescue’.

Your lawn will normally grow when the temperature exceeds 5^oC. You should never remove more than one third of the sward height when cutting. The mowing season normally starts in early spring with one cut per week. This should rise to two cuts per week during mid spring to summer. If the summer turns dry increase the mowing height. You should increase your mowing height during autumn / early winter.

You should feed your lawn in April and again in autumn. You can apply lawn fertiliser during the growing season if you wish – read manufacturer’s instructions.

It is important to hollow tine, scarify and top dress your lawn in spring and autumn to aid its growth. This will also reduce moss growth and competition for water, light and nutrients.