Lawns Flashcards
Benefits of establishing from seed
Greater selection of grass species mixes available, which can be bespoke.
Cheaper than turf. 50p per m2
If lawn area is irregular shape or undulating then seed is easier.
Negatives of seed over turf
Not an instant effect
Can’t be walked on for some time.
Ground prep is particularly important, therefore labour costs can be more. (Approx £20/m2)
May be limited to spring for best establishment.
Benefits of turf over seed
Instant effect
Can use area sooner
Ground prep not needed to be quite as through, therefore cheaper. (Approx £15/m2)
Limitations of turf over seed
Limited range of grass species mix available.
Higher cost £4-£8 per m2
Establishing a large area can be physically demanding
Turf needs to be used quickly to prevent drying out so timing if delivery is important.
Hard wearing utility lawn
Where lawn is to be walked or played on regularly. Height of cut likely to be higher
Poa pratensis - tolerates a wide range of climatic conditions
Lolium perenne - very hard wearing.
High quality ornamental lawn
Where appearance is important. Likely mown more frequent to shorter height.
20% Agrostis capillaris - hard-wearing, drought resistant and will tolerate short mowing.
80% Festuca rubra subsp. commutata - quick to establish, good drought resistance and tolerates short mowing.
Shade tolerant lawn
Most turf grasses need 4-6hrs if sun a day. Without this turf can deteriorate and more prone to disease.
Where shade is from trees extra problem if roots competing for water and nutrients. Dripping water from tree canopy can be damaging.
Festuca rubra rubra
Poa trivalis
Poa nemoralis
Establishment of lawn from seed
Remove all weeds, stone and debris.
Dig over area to depth of 15-20cm.
Fertiliser can be raked in before sowing.
Roll or tread soil to get an even spread.
Top 2cm soil should then be raked to a level finish.
Sow seed at rate recommended by supplier, usually 25g/m2. Lightly rake the seed into top 2cm of soilfirm down by treading or lightly rolling.
Keep seed bed moist. Water well using a fine spray. Ground must not dry out until seed us established .
May need to protect seed from birds using fleece.
Roll grass before first mow to ensure roots are pushed back into the ground. Start mowig when grass is 5-8cm high, then gradually trim down to 2.5cm as the lawn thickens up.
Do not apply weedkiller for 6months.
Establishment of a lawn from turf
Ground should be dug to 20cm and free of weeds, and have a base dressing of fertiliser applied .
Turf should be laid out immediately. The soil should be raked to a fine tilth and left as a stale seedbed for 2 weeks.
A lawn top dressing is useful. This is a mix of sand, loam and organic matter and provides good drainage whilst being moisture retentive.
A final how should remove any germinating weeds.
Delivery if turves should be day before it’s laid.
Start laying, preferably along a straight edge. Butt up end to end. Stagger the joints in neighbouring rows.
Planks should be used to walk alig and work from. Lightly firm down the turves to ensure good contact with the soil.
The head of a rake held vertically and tamped down is ideal.
Always push turves I to a joint rather than pulling them. Any cracks can be filled with light soil and tamped down .
Turf can be cut where needed with knife or half moon.
Lawn top dressing can be brushed I to joints.
Watering turf
Always water newly laid turf immediately and for several days u til it’s firmly rooted.
Morninf and evening are ideal times.
Don’t overwater.
Mowing turf
Can start 5 days after laying if it won’t disturb the roots.
Never take more than 1/3 off at any one time. Best to top it initially then gradually bring it down to required height.
Never mow below 25mm
A lightweight mower best to start - Flymo or hand push rotary mower.
If not possible to use these make sure soil under turf is firm before mowing.
Key mowing points
Don’t delay.
Don’t let it grow too long.
Keep mower in good condition and ensure sharp blades
Lawn maintenance - jan
Keep off is frozen or waterlogged
Service lawnmower to avoid spring rush
Lawn maintenance - feb
Keep off if frozen or waterlogged
If weather suitable repair lawn edges.
Lawn maintenance - mar
Reseed worn areas in established lawns, level depressions and humps.
If grass is actively growing apply fertiliser, weedkiller and mosskiller.
Lightly scarify and established lawn with a springbok to thatch.
If weather suitable and greass us 8cm high, mow at a high setting. Ensure removal of cuttings.
Repair lawn edges if not done in Feb.
If not waterlogged improve drainage using a spider or garden fork, then brush in the holes with a mix of 50/50 sharp sand and sieved compost or topsoil.
Lawn maintenance - april
Mow established lawn fortnightly or more often if necessary. Keep blades to a medium height. Avoid any bulbs.
Apply fertilisers and killers if not already done.
Check for and treat any remaining weeds
Scarify lightly if not already done
Trim edges if required
Level humps and fill in depressions.
Lawn maintenance - may
Scarify lightly with a sprinkbok.
Continue mowing adjusting blade height with each cut.
Start to cut lawns with naturalised bulbs. First cut should be high.
Use a stick touch weedkiller to treat any large weeds or dig out by hand.
Lawn maintenance - june
Continue mowing - in dry weather increase height of blades.
Scarify lightly, except during drought
Control weeds as necessary
Apply nitrogenous fertiliser if grass looks yellow
Lawn maintenance - july
Continue mowing - in dry weather increase height of blades.
Scarify lightly, except during drought
Control weeds/pests as necessary using weedkillers, fungicides or ant powder.
Lawn maintenance - August
Continue mowing - in dry weather increase height of blades.
Scarify lightly, except during drought
Control weeds/pests as necessary
Monitor lawn for areas that will require attention in autumn - bumps, depressions, thinning grass.
Lawn maintenance - sept
Continue mowing - in dry weather increase height of blades.
Scarify vigorously using a springbok to remove dead grass and moss.
Spike if grass looks unhealthy , the soil is compacted or the area is known to get waterlogged. Brush in a 50/50 mix of sharp sand and sieved compost or topsoil.
Apply an autumn fertiliser if the grass has been poor this summer.
Lawn maintenance - Oct
Continue to now established and spring laind lawns. Reduce frequency and raise height as weather gets colder .
Vigorously scarify if not already done.
Improve drainage if necessary by spiking and filling
Remove fallen leaves
Repair lawn edges
Roll and mow new autumn seeded lawns when grass gets to about 5cm.
Lawn maintenance - nov
Make final cut when grass has stopped growing
Clean lawnmower and arrange for servicing.
Clean and check other lawn tools
Run oily cloth over tools before putting them away.
Lawn maintenance - dec
Make arrangements to service lawnmower if not done.
Keep off grass if frozen or waterlogged.
