Is your lawn looking like this after the summer?
Whilst many lawns are returning in colour and health, however, a number of finer grass species normally associated with luxurious lawns are slow to recover, just like in 2018.
Closer inspection of the grass shows its the finer, luxurious species that are affected.
Why is this happening?
Contributing factors affecting recovery of these finer grasses include:
- Insufficient rainfall and soil moisture to kick start re growth.
- Fine leafed grasses species are always the quickest to enter drought stress and the slowest to recover.
- Conditions such as thatch and compaction will contribute to the speed of recovery.
- Unfortunately, the grass plant may have died.
FAQ’s
How do I avoid this?
Regular mowing – mowing weekly at the correct height will encourage a healthier grass sward.
Understand your grass type e.g. family, hard wearing or luxury. A proactive maintenance routine for your chosen grass species is cheaper than reactive solutions.
- Rye grass – hardwearing and perennial, can withstand drought
- Red fescues – hardwearing and reasonably tolerant of drought – includes slender and creeping varieties.
- Bent grasses long creeping stems. A fine grass leaf with long creeping stems. Not very tolerant to drought.
Grass clippings – Thatch it is not formed from the grass leaves that fall into the turf after mowing. It’s often written that mulching contribute to thatch, however, this isn’t the case.
Manage thatch – When grass is growing properly, it forms new roots, stems and leaves as the old ones die, hence different species generate different levels of thatch.
To summarise experience shows a proactive maintenance programme creates a healthier lawn.
How do I rectify this problem?
The best plan for recovery would be our Lawn Renovation package, this includes:
- Scarification – renovation blades will help reduce thatch levels.
- Aeration Hollow Tine will relieve compaction and help reduce sub surface thatch.
- Over Seeding with more suitable grass species as part of a species exchange programme will enhance colour and sward consistency.
- Soil Improver will assist with seed germination and help kick start the soils natural biology.
What Next?
Schedule a Lawn Renovation treatment for Spring or Autumn.
Autumn is a great time to complete regular maintenance of this type, we normally complete treatments Mid August to Early October for maximum recovery.
Book Lawn Renovation or click here for more information about Lawn Renovation: