Tips for your perfect lawn.

 (Article Credit to Helen Yemm)

With the Wimbledon tennis championships about to begin, many of you will be focusing on the perfect grass courts. So, despite my distaste for lawn nit-pickery and being the defensive owner of what can best be described as a ''laissez-flower'' version of the traditional British greensward, this week I will list seven better-class-of-lawn basics, starting with the most important.

1 Straight edges should be dead straight – use taut string, a proper half-moon edger and a plank. Curves should be broadly sweeping – for instant chic, iron out the nibbles caused by overhanging plants: laying out a sun-warmed garden hose and assessing things from an upstairs window is helpful. Every time you mow – and even when you haven't time – using edging shears to crisp up lines works wonders. Aim to keep front-row plants clear of the gully created by your smart edges and they will stay that way.

2 Use the right mower On dead-level lawns and on dry grass, properly maintained cylinder mowers create pukka stripes and give the best and neatest cut. Rotary mowers function well even on wet grass and less-than-perfect turf. Mulch mowers save time and effort, help to feed the lawn and control weeds, but are hopeless on long wet grass and never produce a really smart finish.

3 Mow little and often, particularly during May and June, but never mow very short. Lumps and bumps will be scalped, which not only looks awful, but encourages moss and weeds. Mow throughout winter during fine weather if needs be, but keep the blade on a higher setting.

4 Occasional chores make a big difference Compaction is at the root of many lawn problems, and aerating and topdressing the lawn in spring is the best way to strengthen turf by improving drainage. Use a hollow-tine aerator and a sandy turf dressing. At the end of summer, rake out dead and weak grasses, moss and debris. Bin the mess, don't compost it. In autumn, sweep matted leaves off the lawn regularly.

5 Weed and feed In spring use a high-nitrogen feed (there are all-in-one weed/moss controller-and-fertiliser products for those who favour them, although spot-weeding or gouging out the odd thug may be all that is needed). At the end of summer apply a specific low-nitrogen autumn lawn feed to strengthen grass roots. Do not add weed-killed grass clippings to the compost for a couple of months after treatment. As a quick pick-me-up for a midseason lawn, try an occasional soluble ''green-up'' nitrogen lawn feed, applied by watering can or hose mixer. Evergreen Mow it Less will do this without giving it a surge of growth.

6 Don't water during dry spells Remember that lawns always perk up within days of a good heavy shower.

7 Be realistic about trees Don't imagine you can achieve perfect grass by constantly reseeding under the dense canopy of trees. This is one place when even the most obsessive perfectionist should give up. However, lawns that have become weak and thin can be over-seeded in early autumn – do it after raking out debris, scattering grass seed mixed with a little turf dressing.


Of course, if your lawn is beyond repair, give us a shout and order some of our Sovereign Regal turf on a next day delivery!