Spring Time Chores

Keeping a lawn beautiful requires you to spend some time and effort in spring getting it into shape – mowing, feeding and dealing with bare patches, weeds and moss. We recommend a simple three step program at this time of year:

1. Mowing

2. Aerating

3. Seeding / Fertilising

1. Mowing

The most important lawn care job for a fantastic lawn is correct and regular mowing. You need to cut the grass whenever it is growing - which is likely to be weekly or even more frequently as the weather warms up in spring. The aim should be to keep it at the same height all through spring.

For most lawns this should be about 2.5-4cm (1-1.5in) high. For lawns that take a lot of wear and tear the height is better raised to 5cm (2in) while very shaded areas should be mowed at a height of 7.5cm (3in). Mowing too short and, as a consequence weakening the grass, encourages weeds and moss to become established and spoils the lawn.

2. Aerating

Aerating the lawn essentially means punching holes in the soil surface. This helps loosen compacted soil and allows air, water and nutrients to reach the roots. The best time to aerate is in the spring at the start of the growing season. Late summer or autumn can also be beneficial.

A plug aerator (Agrifab PLUG AERATOR, 45-0299) actually pulls out small plugs of grass and soil.

A spike or blade aerator (Agrifab CURVED SPIKE AERATOR, 45-0369) cuts deep grooves in the soil. Both types are beneficial but they do produce different results. Plug aerators are more disruptive and messier, but are more thorough for a lawn that requires attention. Spike aerators are less invasive, and the process allows the grass to recover more quickly. These machines are better for regular maintenance.

As part of its SmartLINK system, Agri-Fab has combined the benefits of a plug aerator and a spike aerator. Check out this Smartlink Turf Shark Curved Blade (45-0458, Agrifab 41" CURVED AERATOR BLADE)

3. Feeding / Fertilising

Treating weeds and moss with any number of well known treatments that feed, weed and control moss while building the lawn’s resistance to heat, drought and other stresses should be used from April, throughout spring and summer.

The cold of winter and spring time weeding can leave bare patches that are not only unsightly, but perfect places for new weeds and moss to take hold. Overseeding - sowing new grass seed into the existing lawn - can rejuvenate the lawn and bring it back to life. Overseeding improves the lawn’s appearance and by increasing the density of the grass you will also reduce weed and moss invasion.