Lawns need regular care now to maintain their vigour and look great all summer. Regular maintenance is the best approach!
Mowing;
One of the most important jobs to be carried out in the spring, summer and autumn, and the most frequent! Mowing is normally carried out March to October however in Cornwall we will generally squeeze in an extra two cuts between October and March. For the first mow of the season set your mower to its top height and then gradually reduce until the required height is reached (you should normally be cutting off the top third of the grass). It is a good idea to vary the direction you cut so that ruts do not form by repeatedly going over the same area.
Feeding
Feeding the lawn will help maintain its vigour and prevent weeds/moss from establishing. Apply when the soil is moist or rain is expected (or water after your application) and a few days after cutting and before your next cut. Use a spring fertiliser in late March early April and follow the manufacturers guidelines. Consider a weed and feed product.
Moss
Most lawns will suffer with some moss. It can be caused by damp conditions, after drought, poor aeration, shade, close mowing, lack of feed and over use. The first job is to remove it either by scarifying it (vigorously raking it out) or on larger lawns by chemical control. Then over seed bare areas and with regular maintenance you should stop it reappearing.
Weeds
They can be noticed by flowers appearing in the grass, uneven growth or a different colour/texture to the rest of the lawn. They are likely to have been caused by close mowing and not over seeding bare areas. They spread by easily by seed or creeping stems. Daisies, dandelion and plantain can be dug out by hand or a chemical control can be used to tackle all the weeds either as a treatment to the whole lawn or as a spot treatment. Most weeds are killed with a single application but some may require a second treatment.
Over Seeding
This will help prevent the re growth of weeds and moss. Break up the surface of the soil using a rake and sow grass seed at half the recommended rate. Prevent the area being walked over and if birds are a problem net the area. If it is dry water lightly daily. Seed should emerge after 10 days.
Regular maintenance will help prevent further weed growth and moss establishing again. Mow little and often, weekly in the spring and twice weekly in the summer. Close mowing will weaken your grass and make it more susceptible to weeds, moss and drought but lawns left too long will suffer from weak growth.