As spring showers give way to the warmth of summer, it’s time to prepare your lawn for the season ahead. A wet spring can present challenges such as excessive moisture, which may promote weed growth, moss, fungal diseases, and compacted soil. However, with the right approach, you can ensure your lawn thrives throughout the summer months.
Firstly, assess the condition of your lawn. Look for areas of standing water, which could indicate poor drainage. Address any drainage issues by aerating the soil using a garden fork. Push the fork into the ground 3- 4 inches deep, then move the handle backwards and forwards, 2 or 3 times to break any light compaction in the root zone. This will encourage healthier root growth and prevent waterlogging.
Next, remove any debris that has accumulated on the lawn during the wet spring months. This includes fallen leaves, branches, and other organic matter. Clearing the lawn of debris allows sunlight and air to reach the grass, promoting growth and preventing disease.
Once the lawn is clear, apply a 3 in 1, Lawn feed, weed and moss killer, taking care to follow the instructions carefully. This is an easy way to tackle 3 specific jobs in 1 go, saving you time and money.
10-14 days after applying the feed, scratch out the dead moss and organic matter using a spring tine rake or a scarifier. The weeds should now be turning yellow at this point, but if for some reason some are still looking green and healthy, pull them out by hand.
Any bare patches left, should now be seeded and covered in a light top dressing or sand. These areas need to be cordoned off so people and animals can’t walk on and damage the seedlings.
Once the seedlings have started to germinate apply a slow release fertliser. This will keep releasing essential nutrients over a several weeks, keeping your lawn looking green and healthy.
Finally, give your lawn a thorough watering. While spring may have brought ample rainfall, it’s important to establish a consistent watering routine for the summer months. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought resistance.
By following these steps, you can prepare your lawn for summer following a wet spring. With proper care and attention, your lawn will be lush, green, and ready to enjoy throughout the summer months ahead.
Brett Head Greenkeeper – North Shore