Is there any hope?

Discussion in 'Lawns' started by Gn0me, Jun 11, 2023.

  1. Gn0me

    Gn0me Gardener

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    Went away for a month and came back to this. There seems to be some grass in there!
    How do I go about this? I'd imagine some weeds can simply be pulled up, but is there a right way of restoring my lawn or is it too far gone?

    I do have a strimmer as well as my lawnmower. Do I just pull up as many weeds as possible at first then strim it down before giving it a final cut with the lawnmower?

    Is it possible to put lawn weed killer first?

    Thanks very much and hope you can help.

    20230611_184705.jpg 20230611_184613.jpg 20230611_184541.jpg
     
  2. ricky101

    ricky101 Total Gardener

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    Well your could do what all the garden pundits are professing and thats to let the grass go uncut to encourage more wildlife / insects etc ?

    Otherwise , yes take out all thoose big weeds and steadily reduce the height of the grass, though it will take a couple of months and a bit of work the get things back to a decent lawn.

    You may need to get some patching grass seed to fill in where those large weeds were.
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      If you just have a patch of grass rather than a "lawn", I'd just mow it, slowly lowering the blades at each cut for the first 2 or 3 times.
       
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      • Esoxlucius

        Esoxlucius Gardener

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        Have you thought of getting a herd of wildebeest and a couple of lions for a savannah themed garden, lol.
         
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        • Gn0me

          Gn0me Gardener

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          Have you seen the prices of these animals nowadays, even on eBay! No chance unfortunately.
           
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          • Gn0me

            Gn0me Gardener

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            Thanks very much.

            There is a part of me (probably the lazy part) that likes the idea of going au naturel and I'll have to forgo what the neighbours think yet at the same time, although I do like a tidy lawn. My wife will have the final say and I'm sure that'll mean much effort on my part.

            Thanks again.
             
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            • Upsydaisy

              Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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              I'd have to mow it ,it would drive me nuts!!
              You can always leave a section to do it's own thing...that's what our local council do and if done ' neatly ' it can look very nice. :biggrin:
               
            • Esoxlucius

              Esoxlucius Gardener

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              In my experience with councils they don't leave an "area" unmowed for the benefit of wildlife, or to look "nice".

              No, they tend to leave areas unmowed because they're downright lazy!

              Also, on a side note, doesn't long grass tend to benefit ticks and such nasties, some which carry the potentially lethal lime disease?

              I'm afraid it's a good old fashioned short back and sides with my lawns!
               
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              • Upsydaisy

                Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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                We had an email earlier in the year explaining what they were planning to do and I have to say they've done it well and it all looks very pretty They have added additional wild flower seeds to the 'left' areas.

                Our council aren't lazy and I'm sorry to hear yours appear to be.

                The potential for a rise in Ticks is very small as the areas are not prone to visits from Deer or other Tick spreading wildlife ( although our garden is ).....we have the nearby New Forest for that!!! :dbgrtmb:
                 
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                  Last edited: Jun 12, 2023
                • Sheal

                  Sheal Total Gardener

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                  I think it's more down to cost with councils now.

                  It doesn't matter whether grass is long or short with ticks. I live rurally here in the Highlands where they are prevalent. My garden is surrounded by fields and wildlife, and my lawns mowed regularly but it doesn't stop me picking up ticks. They are in particular abundance this year and I have already picked up several.
                   
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                  • Clueless 1 v2

                    Clueless 1 v2 Total Gardener

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                    I like it.

                    No seriously, I love the more natural look. The insects will love it too.

                    But if you want a lawn, I'd just mow it and maybe give it a good nitrogen feed.
                     
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                    • shiney

                      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                      From what you have said and the concern it seems to engender I would be inclined to just mow it - and then see how it turns out. Other decisions can come later but whilst you're deliberating it is continuing to grow.
                       
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