Lawn Care Diary: What to do & when

January – There is very little work to do this month apart from brushing away leaves.

Keep off the grass if frozen or waterlogged.

February – This month will be the same as January, keep the lawn tidy by removing leaves. You should also be thinking of getting a soil analysis, this will work out what nutrients the lawn needs for this year and order accordingly.

It would be a good month to clean, check & service your mower. Don’t forget to sharpen the cutting blade or cylinder head.

March – As soon as the ground conditions are suitable, the first cut can be made. The first cut should just cut the top off, close cutting at this stage could result in severe yellowing or browning. Two cuts are generally sufficient this month.

April – Mow often enough to stop grass growing out of control and remember don’t take more than 1/3 of the leaf off. Dig out patches of coarse grass or resistant weed. You should apply your fertiliser, you may want to asses the lawn for weeds and moss. After you have fed the lawn check the thatch levels, then if needed scarify and aerate.

May – Keep mowing increasing the frequency as required. You should be able to lower the height of cut now slowly. If needed cut it twice in a week to get it to the desired height but remember don’t take more then a 1/3 off at any one time.

June – Regular mowing should now be underway. It should take you twice a week to mow the lawn to keep it at your desired height. Water the grass if necessary, and remember to soak thoroughly. Depending on the soil analysis results and what type of fertiliser you used in April, you may need to feed the lawn again. Asses for weeds again. Use a fork to aerate the lawn, do this before fertilising to help the nutrients get to the roots quicker

July – Water when necessary and rake occasionally to help the grass stand up. Mowing may have slowed down to 1-2 times every 10 days, due to drought and weather conditions. As a general rule, the grass clippings should be removed each time you mow. If weather conditions are dry and hot and the grass is weed-free, leave the clippings on the lawn to help maintain ground moisture.

August – Keep mowing and watering as necessary. Fill any cracks caused by drought with a mixture of top dressing. In dry weather conditions leave the grass longer to help retain ground moisture and leave clippings on the lawn if your lawn is weed-free. At the end of the month if weather conditions allow you may be able to light scarify and aerate the lawn. Reseeding any bare patches

September – This month is key for disease resistance if you didn’t scarify in August do it now, as thatch holds most pathogens that cause diseases, along with long period wetness of the lawn and low light conditions. Aerate and apply a top dressing. If your lawn had a disease last year it may be necessary to apply a ‘preventive fungicide’.

October – We now should be thinking of getting the lawn ready for winter. Raise the height of cut. This helps reduce any stress to the plant. Autumn leaves will be falling so keep the lawn clear of leaves.

November – Use a stiff broom to disperse worm casts before mowing. Keep turf free from leaves.

Clean your tools empty fuel etc and put to bed.

December – Apart from brushing leaves. Keep off the lawn if it is very wet or frozen.