The key to making our exceptional turf
Easylawn’s success in producing high-quality lawn turf is in the way we select and prepare our fields in Hereford for planting. Fields must have access to water for irrigation, be level, and be of a suitable size and soil type. It is essential to provide a level and fine tilth into which to plant our grass seeds, often requiring six or seven operations before finally using our specialist stone and clod burying machinery to create an ideal grass seed planting medium.
Our approach to mowing
The first mow occurs 3-4 weeks after germination using our rotary or cylinder mowers. Paying close care and attention, the mowers are brought down gradually in height, to prevent stress on the seeds. Once the turf has been brought down in height, regular mowing with cylinder mowers can begin. Grass clippings are removed regularly using specialist grass vacuums to restrict the build up of unsightly thatch and encourage the turf to thicken from the base.
Mowing takes place as and when it is needed, which can be up to four times a week in peak growing periods! It is not uncommon to mow Easylawn turf 100 times in the 12-15 month production period - whatever it takes to get the turf in optimum condition.
Additional steps for premium turf
Irrigation has become an important role in the production process, enabling us to maximise the Summer growing period and ensure turf is moist prior to cutting. This helps it reach the customer in the best possible condition.
Weed control and monitoring are undertaken throughout the production process to ensure our seeds have space to grow. We keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and ensure any required treatments are delivered prior to harvesting, to eliminate the chance of problems being passed on to our customers.
Prior to harvesting each field is assessed to ensure it is in peak condition. A pre-harvest fertiliser is applied to give the turf the nutrients it requires during establishment. The turf is then cut into one metre square rolls by our specialist turf harvesting machinery. Each roll is cut to order, to ensure it's delivered fresh and quality checked three times prior to despatch.
Getting it right
from the get-go
Easylawn selects its seeds from specialist seed houses using rating tables and intensive field trials conducted by the Sports Turf Research Institute. A typical seed mixture contains:
10% Tetraploid Dwarf Rye
20%- Perennial Dwarf Rye
45% Strong Creeping Red Fescue
15% Slender Creeping Red Fescue
10% Chewing Fescue
Each variety selection is based on:
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Density
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Colour
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Growing patterns
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Disease and wear resistance
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Mowing characteristics
Once the seed has germinated we take great care to ensure our customers get the best quality turf. Fields are continually monitored for nutrient availability as well as leaf tested to ensure the turf is getting all the nutrients it needs.
