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Mowing
Little and often is the secret to mowing. Regular cutting keeps
it tidy, thickens the turf and deters weeds. The lawnmower blades
should be set to cut the grass about 2.5cm (1in) high to help protect
the lawn against damage.
In summer, mow at least
once a week. However, during periods of drought, it is best left
uncut so that it doesn't frazzle in the sun.
For a traditional, striped
finish, choose a mower fitted wit a roller.
Moss
prevention
Moss occurs if the lawn is shady, badly compacted, damp or too short.
Spiking compacted or damp areas with a garden fork will help prevent
these problems in future. Then treat the moss with a chemical moss
killer. Once the moss has died, it can be raked out with a spring-tined
rake. For larger lawns, an electric scarifier saves time.
Surviving
dry spells
During long dry spells, mow less frequently and leave grass to grow
longer. It may turn brown, but it will grow and green up again when
the rain comes. In the meantime do not feed the grass as this can
scorch it. Do not water either, as this encourages the grass to
root closer to the surface, making it vulnerable to drought.
Banishing
weeds
Small patches can be pulled up by hand or spot-treated with weedkiller.
Larger areas can be treated with a selective lawn weedkiller.
Paths
If part of the lawn is regularly used as a path, it is worth laying
a proper pathway for protection. Stepping stones are an attractive
choice. Lay them with their surface just below the level of the
lawn so that the mower's blades can pass safely over them.
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