July Lawncare Tips from Allett

With the recent drier and warmer weather our lawns will be getting a bit drier. As the grass is in the process of recovering from the hotter weather experienced in June you will need to be watering more often . 

 

To aid the grass in its recovery it is advisable to apply a light feed using a slow-release fertiliser. This will help maintain the lawn's green appearance without excessive top growth. It is recommended to carry out this fertilisation just before the arrival of rain allowing the water to wash the fertiliser into the soil. However, it's important to avoid applying the fertiliser during high heat, as this could potentially scorch the grass. 

 

If you are considering aerating the lawn lightly prick the surface with a garden fork. This process will enhance oxygen levels and facilitate the penetration of rainwater or irrigation into the soil reaching the grass roots more effectively. Once again, it is best to perform this aeration before rainfall occurs. 

 

To eliminate thatch, which refers to the accumulation of excess organic matter on the soil surface, lightly scarify the lawn using a spring tined rake. Thatch acts as a sponge holding water on the surface and preventing it from reaching the soil where it is needed. This situation makes the grass less tolerant of dry weather since the roots struggle to find moisture. Additionally, thatch can harbour diseases such as Fusarium. 

 

Continue to trim the edges of the lawn as necessary. Maintain the mowing height between 15-20mm. Currently there appears to be a prevalence of red thread, a fungal disease that turns the grass a reddish/pink colour. This issue can be resolved by feeding the grass with fertilisers or using chemical fungicides. 

 

Isolated weeds should be promptly pulled up or spot treatments can be applied using a lawn weed killer product. You can verti-cut the troublesome areas so help give the weeds a hard time. The healthier your grass is the less chance there is for weeds to take over. Ensure that your mower blades are still sharp and that all moving parts are properly lubricated according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This will enable the mower to cut the grass without putting excessive strain on the machine or tearing the grass which could potentially lead to the onset of diseases