Summer is upon us and a lawn is a place for all of the family to play and enjoy. However, summer can be one of the most challenging seasons for your lawn as it endures more wear and tear as people enjoy the outdoor weather.

To keep your lawn looking green and healthy it is important to provide a helping hand, this can be done with cutting the lawn on a regular basis - usually once week is sufficient. The golden rule for always cutting your lawn is never to take more than one third off the top as any more weakens the grass.

Summer is also great time to start regular lawn treatments, these will help strengthen your lawn and keep it weed free.  When treating your lawn for weeds it is important to use a systemic weed killer that kills the weed right down to the roots.

The forecasters are predicting lots of hot weather this summer... If only!

If the predictions are true it's not only your pots and herbaceous beds that require your help during a hot spell.  To keep your lawn green and lush it needs a helping hand too - provided there are no hosepipe restrictions in force.  During a hot extended dry spell why not get the sprinkler out and give the lawn a watering, the kids will love playing in it too.

How do I know if my lawn needs watered? 

• Brown and yellow patches appearing.
• When you walk on the lawn the grass does not spring back up.

 How to water the lawn

 It's recommended not to water daily as it is better for the environment -  infrequent heavy watering is better than daily splashes!

The simplest method to water your lawn is to use a lawn sprinkler, if you're unsure of how long to leave the sprinkler on for set a cup under the spray and when full it is time to move the sprinkler to a different part of the lawn.  

The best times to water are either early in the morning or in the evening, when it is cooler.

How to determine if under your lawn is wet enough 

The best way to determine if the soil is wet enough is to dig or cut a small hole and examine the soil. Properly watered soil will not be soaking wet, but moist, dark and cool.

Another way of determining if there is sufficient moisture in the soil is to stick a pointed knife into the soil. If the knife can be easily pushed into the soil and upon removal is cool and clean, your soil is moist.

What else can I do to help my lawn survive a barbecue summer

 Whilst you cannot prevent drought, you can take measures to prevent the damage drought causes your lawn.  The most important thing to do to ensure your lawn is healthy is a regular programme of spring, summer and autumn lawn maintenance that will help lawns resist drought and recover strongly afterwards.

• Keep it weed free - treat the lawn for weeds as they take up valuable water.
• Feed your lawn - poor nutrition can also be a cause for dull and dry looking grass in the summer months.
• Scarify your lawn to remove unwanted moss and thatch. Scarification allows water, nutrients and oxygen access to the soil resulting in a healthier more drought resistant lawn.
• Aerate the lawn, this will deliver any moisture directly to the lawn's root system.
• Raise the height on the lawn mower, this puts less stress on the plant.   

Premier Lawns offers a range of services to help keep your lawn in tip top condition.

Lawn treatments - Feed and Weed

Aeration

Scarification

For further information, visit our website www.premierlawnsni.co.uk and view our new video on lawn renovation. 

Premier Lawns is owned and run by Robbie Lynn, Robbie is a member of The Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

  Contact Robbie on 07976267104 / 02890 869565.