Turf Calendar
For your information, supplying you with knowledge of all year round lawn advice.
January:
A quiet month for lawn maintenance with the exception of removing leaves - a note of caution through excess travelling on frosted or sodden lawns will do it no favours.
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February:
Apart from the final sweep of leaves once scattering of any worm casts in dry conditions February is a good month to get the mower serviced as this will avoid the temptation to mow the lawn whilst heavy frosts are about.
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March:
If weather conditions allow give the lawn a good raking to clear any debris. A light rolling will also help firm the ground after winter frosts. March is also the first opportunity to mow your lawn. As a rule of thumb never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf height. A couple of mowings are usually sufficient in March but this may be governed by the weather. Avoid mowing low especially if frosts are still forecast as your lawn will turn an unsightly white or yellow. This is a good opportunity to look at the edges of your lawn and repair any damaged areas.
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April:
Time to feed (nitrogen) and weed your lawn, again this will depend on the weather - wait for it to be warm and for the grass to be growing. It is a good time to remove moss but remember to rake dead moss out after 2 weeks of using a moss killer - typically a lawn sand. Keep the lawn at roughly 1 inch height but remember do not remove more than 1/3 of the leaf as mowing lower could leave you exposed to late frost.
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May:
This is when mowing begins in earnest and the lawn height can be brought down - slowly, mown once a week is typical for May. Take the opportunity to spot treat any weed problems when dry conditions prevail.
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June:
Mowing twice a week may be necessary to keep your lawn at optimum height. This will help your lawn thicken. A Foliar feed may be beneficial to keep a lush green appearance. Keep an eye on weeds and treat as necessary.
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July:
Continue to mow regularly as weather conditions dictate. If the weather comes dry it is beneficial to raise the height of your mower and to consider watering in the early morning or late afternoon will give the best results if there is a prolonged dry period. Spike your lawn if the surface has become baked to allow the water to soak in. Don’t forget the edge of your lawn and keep the regularly trimmed.
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August:
This is holiday season it is beneficial if you can get your lawn mowed whilst you are away. If not, on your remember to reduce the lawn slowly again as it will damage your lawn if you reduce the height quickly. Water if necessary and take the opportunity to kill any of the more resilient weeds. This is also the return latest that high nitrogen fertiliser should be applied.
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September:
This is possibly the most important month for lawn maintenance. Allow the height of your lawn to increase by 25% and mow according to how fast the grass is still growing. This is a good opportunity to scarify your lawn in order to remove debris and thatch this encourage side shoots and avoid the lawn to thicken. Top Dressing could be considered for the most avid gardeners or if you have many small lumps and bumps in your lawn. It will also improve the condition of your soil and thus your lawn if done regularly. Worms, weed and feed.
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October:
Mowing can be reduced and the height raised as winter arrives. Weed worm and feed removing leaves is beneficial as not only does it prevent the grass being covered but it will reduce worm activity over the winter. This is a good opportunity to do any lawn repairs before the winter sets in.
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