Whether your team services residential or commercial lawns, it is crucial to understand the unique needs of the turf. Proper lawn turf maintenance Kent during all seasons is the key to a great-looking landscape.
Avoid fertilizer burn by mowing the lawn directly before applying chemical or organic fertilizers formulated especially for lawns. Use a soil test to determine the correct pH and to recommend other nutrients.
Mowing
A neatly mowed lawn is one of any garden’s most aesthetically pleasing features. It also contributes to the overall health and vigor of the turf.
Whether you use a reel mower, rotary mower, or mulching mower, it is important to keep the blades sharp. Dull blades tear rather than cut, leaving ragged leaf edges and contributing to water loss and increased susceptibility to turf diseases.
Proper mowing height is another important factor. Close mowing reduces the leaf surface area available for photosynthesis, which can result in less vigorous and healthy grass. It can also make the grass less tolerant to environmental stresses and more susceptible to weed invasions than a properly mowed lawn.
In addition, it is a good idea to avoid over-mowing the lawn. This can lead to thatch build-up and block out sunlight and essential nutrients in the turfgrass canopy. Aim to mow the lawn at least once a week.
Watering
The best way to maintain the health of your turf is by watering it properly. Watering is more than just putting water on your lawn; deep watering ensures soil and root moisture. Deep watering is done several times weekly on established turf fields to establish a moisture reservoir. The frequency and depth of irrigation depend on soil type and time of year.
The ideal time of day to water is early morning. This allows the turf to soak up the water, reduces evaporation, and helps to prevent diseases. Avoid watering at night as this leaves leaf blades sitting wet for long periods, causing fungus and disease.
Regular raking is also essential for both natural and synthetic grass lawns. This removes thatch and redistributes grass blades. It also keeps the turf looking new and fresh. This is especially important in high-traffic areas like sports fields and historic mansions.
Fertilizing
Just like humans, grass needs a variety of nutrients to grow. The soil normally provides these, but it isn’t always enough. The soil may be depleted as growing turf uses up the nutrients, or it can be leached out by rainwater or irrigation water. Fertilizer replenishes these nutrients and helps your turf stay healthy.
Nitrogen is the most critical nutrient to maintain in your lawn, but it is also the quickest to be leached from the soil. Using a fertilizer containing nitrogen and applying it properly promotes healthy growth, reduces thatch, and keeps the turf looking lush and green.
You can use chemical or organic fertilizers formulated for turf and apply them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is a good idea to have your soil tested before beginning a fertilizing program so you know what type and how many nutrients your soil will need. Raking your turf regularly is important for a beautiful appearance and to keep it free from grease, ink, motor oil, or paint stains.
Weeding
Grass needs regular attention to keep it healthy and free of weeds. Weeds often indicate soil problems such as an acidic or alkaline environment, which can be easily corrected with a home soil pH test kit. Weeds can also indicate that the grass is mowed too short, which reduces the strength of turfgrass and invites weeds to invade. A standard guideline is to remove no more than a third of the grass height at each mowing.
Brushing or raking turf in high-traffic areas helps lift matted fibers and redistribute sand infill, keeping the grass upright and looking natural. Rinsing turf with a garden hose using cool water regularly keeps it clean and free of dust, dirt, and pollen.
Lawns with heavy traffic require frequent aeration to prevent soil compaction. De-thatching lawns can help prevent thatch build-up, allowing air and nutrients to flow freely through the soil. Combined with other key maintenance techniques like mowing, watering, and fertilizing, these practices allow for a strong, resilient lawn that can withstand wear and tear and requires fewer chemical inputs.