How to Look after your Lawn
June 27th, 2010
The key to a healthy lawn is in the soilThere is no doubt that good soil is the key to a healthy lawn . An important aspect to consider is getting the pH balance of your lawn correct , ideally the lawn’s pH needs to be between 6 1/2 and 7 . This is slightly on the acidic side. However if your lawn is too acidic , you will need to give it a slight coating of lime and to increase acidity you have to use suplphur . All of these remedies are completely natural and you are not harming the environment.
If you are not sure of the pH balance of your lawn, then simply ask for a pH tester from your local garden centre. Some people think it’s worth getting their lawns tested professionally.
Other important lawn care tips include aerating your lawn before you add any fertiliser. This is simple to do with an ordinary garden fork, ensure that the holes are around 10cms deep. This will help greatly with drainage and prevent compacting, it also helps maintain your lawns pH level.
Funnily enough another important check you should make is regarding the grass. Is the type of grass best suited to your area? Locally adapted grass will be much more suited to the climate you live in. Using imported or non-local grass may be an expensive mistake and the results could be much worse if the grass does not adapt to local conditions. It really doesn’t help the environment either by shipping in or buying grass from outside your local area.
Mowing is obviously another very important part of lawncare, it’s generally best done frequently. Usually about once a week during the strong growing months. Remember don’t mow the lawn too short, this can dry out the soil and expose the roots.
Most grass is happiest and healthiest when between about 3 inches tall, you can configure most of the best lawnmower to and exact height. Many of use are used to cutting much shorter and the first time that you are trying to look after your lawn naturally, it may be a shock to have it quite so long, but remember, you are doing your lawn and your environment a favour.
It’s best to water your lawn infrequently, but deeply. By drenching your lawn in this manner, you will help to develop stronger roots, making the grass much tougher and able to withstand droughts.
Look at the grass itself, this will tell you when it is time to water again. When the grass is duller and footprints are compressed for a little while, then you can water again. You should also aim to give your grass around one inch of water each time you are re-hydrating the grass. As with most lawn care tasks, the best time to water is early morning or last thing at night. Thus helping prevent evaporation.
Combine this with a great lawnmower like the Bosch Rotak 40 and you’ll have a great looking lawn. If you follow these tips, you will have no need to add pesticides to your lawn that can kill many beautiful insects that actually help your garden to thrive, and to top it off your lawn will be lush, green and the envy of your neighbours.
