There is generally little maintenance work to be done in the
month of January. Avoid using the lawn in very wet conditions
and particularly in frost.
During fine spells turfing can take place and repair work can be
carried out using turf.
General debris, such as leaves/twigs, can be removed. Light
brushing can be carried out to remove dew and surface moisture
from fine lawns.
This is a good time to ensure all lawn care equipment is
serviced and cleaned.
Although conditions can be mild do not be tempted to mow the
lawn. Worm casts can be scattered by brushing with a birch broom
or similar. Turfing and repairs using turf can be carried out
providing the ground is not waterlogged and frost free.
As soon as the weather conditions improve the grass will show
signs of growth.
Lightly rake the lawn to clear the surface, be careful not to
rake heavily as this will damage the grasses. A light rolling,
e.g., with the mower roller will help to settle the surface if
heavy winter frosts have been experienced.
A top cut on a good dry day can be carried out, ensure the mower
blades are on a high setting to avoid removing too much grass.
It is unlikely more than one or two cuts will be required in
March.
This is a good month for inspecting the lawn for any signs of
disease and dealing with moss. Ensure any Moss Killers (e.g.,
Lawn Sand) has time to fully work before raking out the moss
(e.g., 14 days).
The edges of the lawn can be neatened with a half moon and
damaged areas with turf.
Any coarse grasses can be dug out and the areas turfed (ensure
these areas are filled with sifted soil to prevent hollows).
Mow regularly enough to keep the lawn tidy but do not set the
blades at a low cutting height.
If conditions are good and the grass is actively growing
fertiliser can be applied at this moment. It is important that
the grass blades are dry and that rain is expected. If in the
unlikely event of no rain for 3 - 4 days, irrigate (water) the
fertiliser in.
Selective weed killers can be used at this time but it is more
prudent to wait until May, when the grass is going to be growing
more vigorously.
This is normally a good month for the use of selective weed
killer, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and
the product is designed for lawn use. Make sure the grass is dry
and there is moisture in the soil. Weed killers should be used
in good still weather conditions.
Mowing can now be carried out on a more regular basis and the
mowing height should be gradually lowered to the normal summer
setting, but remember not to scalp the lawn. Regular mowing once
or twice a week is normal at this time of year
Remember to vary the direction of cut and to mow at a steady
pace do not push the mower backwards and forwards, work in a
forward direction for a uniform cut and for your own safety
Keep an eye on moisture levels and only water if signs of stress
appear grass is very resilient and over watering, is more
harmful in the end than drought.
If you do need to water do it in the evening and ensure the
water has fully penetrated the lawn not simply wetted the
surface.
If possible have a water storage system set up prior to the hot
dry months. This avoids any problems with hose -pipe bans.
Mowing will now be in full swing twice a week will be a normal
routine, if however, the weather is dry and hot raise the height
of cut so as not to
stress the lawn.
Light raking prior to mowing helps to ensure an even cut and
reduce the survival rate of coarser grasses and clover.
Weeding and feeding can also take place but be very aware of the
need for a dry lawn with moist soil.
Quick acting liquid feeds are very safe and if granular feeds
are used make sure you water them in thoroughly if conditions
remain dry.
In hot dry conditions, be prepared to water the lawn on a
regular basis. Light spiking will help moisture penetration.
Apply water in relatively small droplet sizes.
Do not flood the area but ensure the water is soaking into the
soil evenly.
Regular mowing should be carried out at least once a week on
utility lawns and twice a week on fine lawns. If weeds present a
problem use a selective weed killer designed for lawn use.
If the lawn shows signs of colour loss use a liquid "green up"
fertiliser.
If weather is good then it's probably time to get the BBQ into
action.
Follow the main plan for July this is the last month for the use
of high nitrogen feeds any weed killer should not be used beyond
this month.
Repairs or seeding can take place towards the end of the month.
If the lawn is showing signs of stress due to drought then a few
good
Soakings will help. Remember if you only water a little and
often then the roots will be most active at towards the surface.
It is better to give a good soaking less often and allow the
water to soak deep into the turf. This will not only allow the
moisture to remain for longer but also encourage the roots to go
deep in search for the water. This will then mean that watering
will not be required as often.
Grass growth normally begins to ease at this time of year and
mowing may not have to be carried out as regularly as in
previous months. The height of cut can also be raised.
This is a good month for carrying out repairs and scarifying
some of the thatch out of the surface. Aeration by deep spiking
also helps healthy root development and surface drainage. Top
dress with a good quality material and work into the holes if
possible. Use an acidifying fertilizer to discourage worms and
ensure the nitrogen content is low with higher phosphate and
potassium for root health.
Any sign of disease can be treated with a proprietary fungicide.
Red thread however does respond to nitrogen provided no other
diseases are apparent.
Unless the weather is unusually mild, mowing will cease to be a
major requirement in this month. If mowing is required then
raise the cutting height and ensure the grass is brushed lightly
prior to mowing to disperse moisture.
Light scarifying or raking and top dressing can be carried out
as long as some growth is occurring. Leaves and other debris
should be removed on a regular basis.
This is a good month for re-turfing bare patches and general
renovation with a compatible turf.
Nitrogen feeds should not now be used, but if the lawn is not
green enough then a feed with plenty of iron may be applied.
Watch for fungal disease from and if the grass looks as if it is
dying in patches or similar then apply a fungicide. Remember to
follow the instructions carefully.
