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Maintenance of your lawn

Fertilising

  • New lawn turf should be given a pre-lawn starter preferably containing water holding crystals. (See also Site Preparation/Pricing section)
  • Feed the lawn with a slow release organic fertiliser during the growing season every 6-8 weeks
  • Early autumn fertilising is important to keep your lawn healthy through the cooler winter season and help it retain it’s best colour
  • A little bit often is better than a lot at once. Over fertilising is expensive and can cause burning, fungus diseases or unnecessary mowing.
  • Spread fertiliser evenly, preferably using a fertiliser spreader. Follow up with a good, deep watering.
  • Top dressing is only necessary to correct any unevenness in the lawn. It is better to de-thatch the lawn in spring followed by fertilising and watering to promote new leaf growth.
  • Ask Earl’s Turf for the Sir Walter specially blended fertilisers

Mowing

  • Your newly laid lawn will probably need to be mowed around 3 weeks after being laid. But before you set out with your mower, tug test your grass to see whether it has properly rooted in the soil. Grab a handful of grass blades and tug. If you feel resistance, your new turf is rooted and ready for mowing. If the turf lifts, wait a few days and try again.
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    Aim to cut no more than 1/3 of the length of the grass in each cut

  • Clippings may be left on lawn if following the 1/3 length rule (good nitrogen) otherwise remove
  • Do not cut grass too short, this can cause your lawn to dry out or burn-off
  • When it is wet try to avoid mowing your lawn as this can result in an uneven cut
  • Avoid mowing your lawn when it is very hot
  • Mow in different directions as this prevents the grass curving in the same way after a number of cuts
  • Remove all clippings after mowing
  • Keep your lawnmower blades sharp and well maintained

How to fix Tyre Marks in lawns

Do you have unattractive tyre marks in your lawn? In this blog, we look at a few methods you can use to help repair these, plus tips on how to avoid ruts from occurring.

What causes tyre marks or ruts?

Ruts can occur when objects like cars, motorbikes and even the kids’ bikes move over grass with saturated soil. When this happens, the soil can often sink and become compacted, creating divots.

Assessing the damage

The first step is to assess the damage. Are the ruts only shallow (up to 10 cm deep) or deep (over 10cm deep)? After you have determined this, we can look at the best way to repair it.

Small ruts

Small ruts up to 10cm deep can be fixed by loosening up the soil base below the lawn.

To do this, use a garden fork and insert it underneath the rut. Then pull the fork down, lifting the turf back up. It is best to lift the affected turf a few cm above the unaffected turf so it can level out over the coming days. Continue to do this around the affected area.