Lawn Maintenance

The Benefits of Mowing

Mowers that can mulch are most beneficial for your lawn. That’s because they recycle grass clippings back into the lawn, providing valuable nutrients for sustained growth. What’s more the blades on mulching mowers are designed to break down the cut grass into very small pieces, then distribute them evenly over the lawn where they quickly break down without leaving a trace.

Mower Cutting Heights

Grass grows fastest and at its healthiest in the warmer months, so decreasing your cutting down to 2.5cm won’t affect it too much. During cooler months, grass grows much slower so it’s a goods idea to raise your cutting height a little so as not to damage it. As a general rule it is wise not to cut you grass lower than 2.5cm. The big risk of mowing low is “scalping” which browns your grass. Scalp your lawn repeatedly and you risk weakening it, allowing more diseases and weeds to take hold.

How Often to Mow

As a guide, you should mow once a week, or at the very least once a fortnight during summer, and around once every three to four weeks in winter. At other times you’ll probably vary between these extremes depending on how fast your own individual lawn is growing. Infrequent mowing can cause a lawn to become “stalky” and less attractive. This is especially the case with popular grasses such as Couch and Kikuyu, so it is advisable to mow your lawn regularly, with sharp blades to keep your lawn looking its best.

What kind of Mower

The three most types of rotary-action mowers today are mulching mowers, mulch or catch machines and cut & catch models. If you have a large lawn area, be sure to choose a mower that is powerful enough to handle the job. For small to medium sized areas, it could be more beneficial to choose a mower that offers a mix of solid performance and low maintenance. Better still, call in Mates Rates Lawn Care to do it for you, we have the right equipment for any job.

 

Watering Advice

As most of us learned at school, Australia is the driest populated continent on earth. But did you know that 40 to 50% of annual residential water consumption goes to watering gardens and lawns? And unfortunately we use about twice as much water as we need. To reduce your water bill and still get the job done, consider these important points: For sandy soil, mulch regularly to improve its water –holding ability. Water in the early morning of late afternoon / evening - depending on local water restrictions and regulations – to maximise nourishment and reduce evaporation. As soon as the water starts to run off the surface, it’s time to stop because you are beginning to waste water! Check your nozzle and sprinkler regularly to ensure they work well and don’t leak. Install an approved rainwater system and Tank. Mates Rates Lawn Care can help with installation of any systems you require.

Fertilising Tips

Every time you mow the lawn and remove the grass clippings you’re depriving the remaining lawn of rich nutrients it has extracted from the soil. For those who don’t mulch regularly, your lawn could benefit considerably from fertilising during spring and summer. Try to seek out fertilisers which supply the correct balance of the three major nutrients required for a healthy lawn with uniform growth. A mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a ratio of 3:1:2 is ideal.

Slow release fertilisers of the right type for your lawn can be applied in autumn and spring. This ensures strong root growth through the cooler months and helps the lawn grow green and vigorously in the warmer months.

A great idea once in a while is to give your lawn a drink with a liquid seaweed extract which will act as a tonic for the root system.

Lawn Problems

If your lawn looks dry, has brown patches in it or is constantly dying off there could be a number of possible causes. Insects, fungal diseases and incorrect pH or structure of the soil may all play a part in these symptoms occurring.

If it is not obvious that lawn grubs, beetles or any worms are present, it may be necessary to have a soil test done to ensure your lawn has the right medium beneath it in which to grow; or it may need an anti fungal application. It is important to identify the cause of the problem before launching into a fertilising and watering program as sometimes this will only mitigate the problem. Mates Rates Lawn Care can help solve all your lawn problems.