Beautiful Gardens Spring Edition 2015 | Page 22

THE LUSH LA WN GUIDE If your lawn wasn’t up to much last year, then take a few tips from our experts to transform your grass into a beautiful, lush carpet of green this summer D reaming of a summer’s day picnicking outside on the lawn? If so, take a little time now to prepare your grass for the seasons ahead. Just a few hours spent tending your turf will really pay dividends, giving you a lush lawn to make the neighbours green with envy. As soon as temperatures reach 5°C (41°F) and above in spring, your grass will start to grow again. That’s the time to mow it with the blades on their highest setting. Then rake over your lawn using a spring-tined rake to remove any moss and debris that’s accumulated over winter. GET DOWN TO THE ROOTS Revitalise the grass by pushing a fork or hollow tine aerator into the ground at regular intervals to open up the soil. This allows more air to reach the roots and encourages stronger growth, as well as reducing moss. If you have a large lawn, hire a mechanical aerator. You can then fill - 22 - the holes with a special lawn top dressing, such as Westland lawn and turf dressing. WEED AND FEED In March or April, just after it’s rained when the soil is moist, or when rain is forecast, apply a spring lawn fertiliser. Follow the instructions, taking care not to overfeed or the grass may turn yellow. A combined moss and weed killer and fertiliser, such as EverGreen Complete 4 in 1, is ideal as it also helps retain moisture.