LAWN RENOVATIONS

The average homeowner spends hours upon hours cleaning the inside of their home and making it look great all year ar. Its funny the one of that biggest spaces on a property (the lawn) is often forgotten when it comes to any maintenance. The great news is that a well executed lawn renovation, is something that can be completed once every year, and will almost certainly leave your lawn looking amazing. The reason for this, is that when a lawn goes through a renovation process, it greatly improves the health of the soil and the grass, so it will be able to thrive and be the best that it can be. A common thing that we hear from people is that they want a better looking lawn, but often they do not know how to achieve it. It can be so confusing right? There is different types of grass, there can be weeds in the lawn, and the machines that they see on lawn improvement pages can look scary and hard to use. We are going to break down the process of a lawn renovation, so that it is clear, easy to understand, and take away any worry that you may have about how to make your lawn better. A lawn renovation can be broken down into different stages. All of the stages are tried and tested methods that can be used to get an improvement on your lawn.The below shows all of the things that can make up your lawn renovation:

Fertilising

We use a granular slow release fertiliser

Aerating

Our specialist machinery removes small cores of soil

Top Dressing

We use a high quality sand and soil mix

The Lawn Renovation Process

It's important to understand that any of these 4 stages will get some type of improvement to your lawn. Not everyone has the budget to complete every step, and sometimes your lawn will not require all 4 stages within the process at once. Here is a run down of each stage in some more detail:

Fertilising

Fertilising your lawn provides several benefits for its health and appearance. Here are a few reasons why people choose to fertilise their lawns:

Nutrient replenishment: Fertilisers contain essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are vital for plant growth. Over time, the soil can become depleted of these nutrients due to plant uptake, leaching, or erosion. Fertilising helps replenish these nutrients, ensuring that your lawn has an adequate supply for healthy growth.
Promotes healthy growth: The nutrients in fertilisers support the development of strong roots, lush foliage, and vibrant color in your lawn. Fertiliser encourages the growth of new grass blades and helps repair any damaged areas, resulting in a thicker, denser lawn that can withstand environmental stresses.
Enhances color and appearance: Fertiliser can give your lawn a vibrant, green color, enhancing its overall appearance. It can help revive a dull or patchy lawn, making it look more lush and inviting.
Weed and pest control: A well-fertilised lawn is generally healthier and more resistant to weeds and pests. When grass is thick and vigorous, it can outcompete weeds and withstand minor pest infestations. Some fertilisers also contain herbicides or pesticides that target specific weeds or pests, providing additional control.
Improved drought and stress tolerance: Properly fertilised lawns tend to have better tolerance to drought and other environmental stresses. The nutrients in fertilisers help strengthen the grass and improve its ability to recover from damage caused by heat, cold, or foot traffic.

It's important to note that proper timing, application rates, and choice of fertiliser are essential to achieve the desired results. Following the manufacturer's instructions or consulting with a lawn care professional can help ensure that you apply the right type and amount of fertiliser for your specific lawn needs.

We use slow release granular fertilisers. Why? When? How?

Slow-release granular fertilisers are a type of fertiliser that releases nutrients gradually over an extended period of time. They are designed to provide a steady supply of nutrients to plants, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching and minimising the frequency of fertiliser applications.

Here are some key points to consider when using slow-release granular fertilisers:

Nutrient Release: Slow-release granular fertilisers are formulated to release nutrients gradually based on various factors like temperature, soil moisture, and microbial activity. The release may occur over several weeks or even months, depending on the specific product.
Application Timing: Slow-release fertilisers are typically applied before or during the growing season. It's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding the specific timing and frequency of application for optimal results.
Nutrient Composition: Slow-release fertilisers contain a balanced blend of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), along with other micronutrients. The nutrient ratios may vary depending on the specific formulation and the intended use (e.g., general-purpose, specific plants, etc.).
Soil Preparation: Before applying slow-release granular fertilisers, it's beneficial to prepare the soil by removing weeds, loosening the topsoil, and ensuring proper drainage. This allows the fertiliser to reach the plant roots effectively.
Application Method: Slow-release granular fertilisers are generally applied by broadcasting the granules over the soil surface. After application, it's advisable to water the area lightly to help activate the nutrient release process.
Environmental Considerations: Slow-release fertilisers are designed to minimize nutrient runoff and leaching, which can be harmful to water bodies. However, it's still essential to follow recommended application rates and avoid overuse to prevent excessive nutrient buildup in the soil.
Duration of Effectiveness: Slow-release granular fertilisers provide a sustained nutrient supply, but the exact duration of effectiveness can vary based on factors such as soil conditions, climate, and plant requirements. Some products may last several months, while others may require more frequent applications.
Combination with Other Fertilisers: Slow-release fertilisers can be used in combination with other fertilisers, such as liquid or soluble fertilisers, to provide an immediate nutrient boost while ensuring a long-term nutrient supply. However, it's important to follow guidelines and avoid excessive nutrient application.

Remember to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when using slow-release granular fertilisers. They can be an effective tool for providing nutrients to plants over an extended period, promoting healthy growth and minimising nutrient wastage.

Our lawn corer in action at a property in Camden

Core aeration is a common lawn care practice that involves removing small plugs or cores of soil from the lawn. It is done to improve the health and appearance of the turfgrass. Here are the main reasons why core aeration is beneficial:

Soil Compaction: Over time, the soil in a lawn can become compacted due to factors like foot traffic, heavy equipment, or clay soils. Compacted soil restricts the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the grass roots. Core aeration relieves compaction by creating space for roots to grow and allowing better infiltration of water and nutrients into the soil.
Root Development: Core aeration stimulates root growth. By creating openings in the soil, it allows roots to penetrate deeper, promoting a stronger and healthier root system. Deeper roots enhance the lawn's ability to withstand drought, disease, and other stresses.
Thatch Reduction: Thatch is a layer of dead grass stems, roots, and other organic debris that accumulates at the soil surface. Excessive thatch can impede water, air, and nutrient movement, leading to shallow root growth. Core aeration helps break up and mix the thatch layer, facilitating its decomposition by microorganisms.
Nutrient Uptake: Aeration improves nutrient uptake by the grass roots. By creating holes in the soil, it allows fertilizers and organic matter to reach the root zone more effectively, where they can be absorbed by the grass plants. This enhances the lawn's overall health and vigor.
Enhanced Overseeding: Core aeration provides an ideal environment for overseeding or reseeding a lawn. The holes created by aeration catch and hold the seed, increasing seed-to-soil contact and improving germination rates. The new grass can then fill in bare spots and improve the overall density of the lawn.
Water Drainage: If your lawn suffers from poor drainage, core aeration can help alleviate the problem. By creating channels in the soil, it allows excess water to move more freely, reducing surface runoff and the risk of waterlogging.

Overall, core aeration is a valuable practice to maintain a healthy lawn by addressing issues like compaction, thatch buildup, and nutrient deficiencies. It promotes better root development, enhances nutrient uptake, and improves the lawn's ability to withstand various stresses, leading to a greener, thicker, and more resilient turf.