Lawns

The recent hot weather seems to have triggered a lot of grass in lawns to go to seed. It is no problem, but I would suggest giving the lawn a light rake before you mow it, to help the grass stand up so that you can cut the flowers off cleanly.

You could try over-seeding it (i.e. sowing some more grass seed on top of what you have got). Bit late in the season to be doing that now ... Autumn would be a good time if you can wait that long ... if you do it now you'll need to water to get it to germinate, unless we get a wet Summer like...

Just read this post. My lawn is green but has an under layer of brown dead lawn. Also it is patchy in areas and keep getting a lot of weed. I have tried to over seed but the new grass is a different colour ( of green that is ). I have been trying to tackle this for 2 years. Any help would...

I must confess that I am a bit hap-hazard when it comes to watering my lot, especially as they are all in those square pots all tucked up tightly together - I just get the shower setting on the hose lance and give them a good dowsing; I don't deliberately shower them, but I am not exactly...

Hi All, Any suggestions for turf suppliers? Looking for a mix to include drafw perennial ryegrass to stand up to dogs kids ect? I am in Birmingham ps - I am guessing at this time of year I will be better of with turf rather than seed? Cheers

Brilliant, thanks Kristen.

I really appreciate these helpful answers. Thank you to all.

Just as an FYI for everyone else. Cutting your lawn that short is the quickest way to ruin it. Cutting off all the leaves of any plant (which is what you're doing to the grass) will only weaken it over and over again until thins and dies ... that is unless you've got a specific bent grass (like...

Hello and welcome gardenflop The experts may disagree, but I'd just cover it in sharp sand (not completely covered, the grass should still show through). There's enough green grass left for it to quickly take up the slack, and in my experience, grass find it easier to spread if the surface is...

Indeed, but I was more concerned that it would restrict root-run (turf may dry out, and also be starved of nutrients as a result) and as the bark decomposes the turf will sink.

With reference to your mulcher observation. I presume a dedicated mulcher, if so no problem running on lowest setting. It will IMO never look as groomed as if cut by a rotary or cylinder collecting clippings. I run a Viking Mulcher and its specification says 'A mulcher is designed to cut grass...

That depends. Almost all newer petrol engines are four stroke and have electronic ignition and even fuel injection (even some of the tiny engines). Its because they are much cleaner and more efficient. Older (and some smaller and cheaper) engines are two stroke. Two strokes engines are a bit...

to the corner Claire.

Good point. We get plenty of people here asking how to convert a bramble field into a decent lawn, and a service that did just that ("Soup to nuts") might well be appealing to new home buyers. They mostly pitch up here saying "How do I lay turf over concrete/scrub/whatever" so they are clearly...

My first guess is the same as Kris Lords: heavy ground and compacted. If so needs aerating, sulphate of iron applied to kill the moss, which will go black "over night", and then rake it out - which is hard work! (or borrow/hire a machine to do that)

I resemble that remark

Is the growth from bare patches existing turf, previously scalped by the mower, now regrowing? That would happen more quickly than seed germination. Prickly branches, e.g. Holly, scattered over the area can help. Or thin twine / cotton stretched between sticks criss-cross. Or sow some...

Wow! That's made a big difference Lesley.

I'll just reiterate what I said before - do it right or you'll be doing it again. Another thought - have you considered fake grass? You'll be amazed at how it looks (I was very sceptical before seeing it)

Oh and they said all there seed comes from america so could be why we nor they can identify the pest!!