Steps to take for rejuvenating my lawn in Spring?

I hope it's not too late as I really want to do this right. I'm a bit disappointed with the condition of the lawn especially as it was brand new turf this time last year. I did start a thread last year with similar issues but this time it's more of to get a better understanding of Spring chores and solutions.

My lawn may look reasonably green from a distance at the moment but when it's cut, I know it will look quite yellow instead. Also, it has thinned quite a bit and I fear that if I don't do it right this year then having the new turf will be all for nothing. I don't think it matters how wet it gets, it won't go any greener.



I've had a decent read of what to do during the Spring but I'm not sure about the order and time frame.

I don't think I have any issue with moss but get a few weeds here and there.
I know it's a good time to feed the lawn and possibly include a weed killer.
I also know it's the time to start mowing the lawn by just cutting off a third to start with.
Finally I know over seeding can be done which I'm keen to do.

If you would be kind enough to break it down for me with the order of things and any recommendations such as the type of feeding. I know where to get the grass seeds from but is this to be done before, along with or after feeding and how long to leave it between other tasks etc.

Please see my photos and see if you can recommend any specific course action that will bring out the best of my lawn. Would it be necessary to go round the whole lawn with a pitch fork to aerate it first?

I'll keep digging (excuse the pun) to get a better understanding but I'm mainly scratching my head with the order of steps and time-frame.


Thanks very much and hope you can help.

 

Hello GnOme
Looks pretty good actually
Resist scarifying now....this will simply damage emerging grasses. Ditto with spiking. Some may disagree but for me it is commonsense. I think these are best done in autumn. Are there many weeds there? Can't see too many so I prefer to spot weed in late spring and during the summer when seen.
Delay feeding too.....temperatures are still on the low side so feeding grass will prob be a waste of time and money. The recent cold spells have helped create soil cooler than normal.
I would wait 2 weeks then feed. I would liquid feed, then overseed by scratching it into the lawn surface. This will create lush green growth.
In June I would apply a straight granular lawn feed and water it in well
Mowing is such an under valued yet important task; most cut it too short. Keep blades a little higher throughout the growing season. And cut it often; here I cut twice a week from spring to autumn.
My regime includes top dressing in autumn or spring. It is a little milder here than in most places and grass germinates and grows throughout the year so a couple of weeks back I reseeded some areas then top dressed the lawn.

 

Thank you very much for that. Please would you elaborate a bit more on:
What do you mean by 'scratching' it into the lawn?
Would the over seeding be done straight after the liquid feed (e.g. same day) or how long do I wait?
Thanks again.

 

Hiya GnOme,
Scratching? Lightly raking the soil, sowing the seed and lightly raking soil over and with it. Protects somewhat against birds, etc., but the seed will germinate anyway if left on the lawn surface.
I would sow seed and liquid feed on the same day......the seed will take 2 to 3 weeks to germinate but the existing grass will benefit within a day or two and it helps mask the scratched soil area. The liquid feed will have no affect on the sown seed itself.
A granular feed can be applied in mid summer to benefit the whole lawn but avoid it for recently sown grass seed.

 

How much top soil was used when you turfed and what’s your soil ie clay?
Just confirm you have no white growth on grass?

 

I've no idea unfortunately, it was laid by the same folks who did my patio at the same time.
Thanks and apologies for the delay.

 

How’s it looking now?

 

I'd scarify lightly in the next few weeks, apply about 2kg top dressing per m2 and seed then keep it watered.

 

Well, last Saturday was the first convenient moment for me to cut the in terms of time and dryness.

Today I think I'm supposed to feed the lawn, then cut again next Sunday. I only have time to feed it in the evening so I'm hoping that's okay.

Regarding over seeding, I'm a bit confused because it says on the packet that I should cut the grass very short beforehand but being spring I'm supposed to do that gradually therefore I'm thinking of delaying this until the end of may or is that bad idea ?

Thanks very much.

 

Dont worry about the height of grass GnOme. Overseed anyway. Personally, longer grass proects seed better I think. Besides, cutting the grass very short is a big no for me, unless you want a bowling green
You dont need to stick too rigidly to times, dates etc.

 

The idea behind cutting the grass short is that the seed will make contact with the soil easier than if you had long grass where the seed would sit above the soil on the leaf.
You want the weather warm and wet or damp unless you want to water or use a covering manufactured for seed germination.

 

Thank you very much again for your help.
As time has gone by since I started this thread, I'm wondering if the situation has changed in terms of order especially with the weather being milder? I've bought the seeds but the feed is Evergreen 4 in 1 product which was bought for me however I'm not sure if I should use that yet especially as you advised just a liquid feed. Since it has a weed/moss killer in it, should it be used with over seeding?

Here are up to date details of my lawn now:
1. I've cut the lawn for the first time last Saturday.
2. I do have some weeds around the lawn but not a huge amount.
3. I do have what looks like a small amount of thatch. There are areas that just look dead.
4. Therefore I think some parts could do with over seeding.

What could I do in the evening?

I'm sorry if I sound like I'm repeating myself especially since replies have already been given, but I'm really worried that I might screw this up as I'm not sure what is very important and what's not to be taken literally. People talk about scorching their lawn and others saying their over seeding or feeding hasn't worked properly etc.


Thanks again.

 

Overseeding long grass is not a problem at all. Seed is sown and raked in???

GNOme. This evening? If showers are not imminent I would spot spray weeds. Aerosols are easy and simple. Rake that thatch and overseed. There should be enough raked soil to incorporate the seed...if not sprinkle soil over seeded patches.
I would liquid feed the lawn. No need to worry about scorch and results are seen in a couple of days.
If you prefer to use Evergreen feed n weed then use it, then rake thatch then sow seeds. The feed n weed should not affect the seeds when they germinate in 2 weeks or so. Using evergreen feed n weed try to do so evenly and not overdose. Then water it in in a day or so if it doesnt rain

 

My lawn looked rough after a bad winter,mossy, ill looking grass. Gave it a spray with iron sulphate and it looks much better. So id recommend this then see if u need to scarify,feed,weed etc etc.

 

Once again, thanks so much for your help.
I was raring to go......then hail & showers!
Another evening, or weekend if it keeps doing this.