Lawn care: Mowing, proper watering, and other tips to keep your grass greener

Regular mowing is essential for keeping your lawn neat and encouraging healthy grass growth. (Image: Canva)

If your lawn is your pride and joy, you also know that maintaining it requires consistent care and attention. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, keeping your lawn healthy and beautiful involves regular mowing, watering, fertilising, and addressing common lawn problems. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you maintain your lawn and enjoy a vibrant, well-manicured outdoor space.

Mow your lawn regularly

• Regular mowing is essential for keeping your lawn neat and encouraging healthy grass growth. The key is to mow often enough that you're only cutting the top third of the grass blades each time. This helps the grass stay thick and prevents it from becoming stressed.
• Tip: Avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can weaken it and make it more susceptible to weeds and diseases.

• Watering is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn, but it's important to get the balance right. Overwatering can lead to shallow roots and fungal problems, while underwatering can cause the grass to dry out and die. Aim to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
• Tip: Water your lawn early in the morning to minimise evaporation and give the grass time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. Ideally, your lawn should receive about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.

• Grass needs a steady supply of nutrients to grow strong and vibrant. Fertilising your lawn at the right times can provide the nutrients your grass needs to thrive. The best times to fertilise are in the spring and fall, when the grass is actively growing.
• Tip: Use a slow-release fertiliser that provides a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances and harm your lawn.

• Weeds are a common issue in lawns and can compete with grass for nutrients, sunlight, and water. Regular mowing, proper fertilisation, and watering can help prevent weed growth.

Aerate your lawn

• Over time, soil can become compacted, preventing air, water, and nutrients from reaching the grassroots. Aeration helps alleviate this issue by creating small holes in the soil, allowing for better airflow and root growth.
• Tip: After aerating, topdress the lawn with compost to improve soil health.

• If your lawn has thin or bare spots, overseeding can help thicken the grass and improve its overall appearance. Spread grass seed over existing grass to fill in gaps and encourage new growth.
• Tip: Overseed in the fall or early spring when the temperatures are mild and the soil is still warm. Be sure to water the seeds regularly until they germinate and establish roots.

• Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that can build up between the grass and the soil. While a small amount of thatch is normal, too much can block water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Dethatching helps remove this buildup and promotes better grass health.
• Tip: Dethatch in the spring or fall.

• Common lawn pests include grubs, chinch bugs, and ants, while diseases like brown patch or rust can cause unsightly patches. It's important to identify and address these issues as soon as they appear.
• Tip: Inspect your lawn regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Treat pests with appropriate insecticides or natural remedies like neem oil. For diseases, ensure proper watering, avoid overfertilising, and apply fungicides if necessary.

• Instead of throwing out grass clippings after mowing, consider leaving them on the lawn. Mulching the clippings allows them to decompose naturally and return valuable nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for additional fertilisers.
• Tip: Use finely chopped clippings to spread evenly across the lawn.