Who doesn’t want a stunning carpet of green outside their door? Follow this summer lawn care regime by Rolux to turn your grass patch into a dream.
Make space for new growth
If you have a kikuyu or cynodon lawn,which has runners, it is important to make way for new growth by removing the dead grass. This process is known as scarification and should be done in the following three steps: 1.1 Either rent a scarifier (often the most efficient and affordable solution) or use a rake to loosen dead grass. 1.2 Set your lawnmower on the lowest height setting and cut your lawn. 1.3 Remove clippings using a rake and add it to your compost heap.
Let it breathe
Aeration allows air to get to the grassroots, which helps to improve drainage, allowing all the minerals and nutrients needed for lush growth to get to the roots. This process also reduces soil compression and increases the water holding capacity of the soil. For best results, use a spike roller and aerate your lawn after good rain when the soil is not too firm.
Dress for success
Improve the quality of your soil and give grass a good kick to encourage new shoots by applying lawn dressing (a mixture of garden soil and soil enricher such as compost). Generally, you want to add a 1,5cm layer of lawn dressing over your entire lawn. This might vary slightly, depending on the type of lawn you have.
BEWARE: buffalo grass, LM and all cool season lawns do not tolerate lawn dressing. Apply the lawn dressing as follows: 1.1 Place small heaps of lawn dressing on your lawn and make sure to fill up any small depressions with extra dressing. 1.2 Using a rake or a smooth roller (if your lawn is very uneven) gently spread out the lawn dressing, creating a level surface and even coverage. Be careful not to compact the soil underneath if you are using a roller.
Don’t let your lawn get hungry or thirsty
Lawns love to eat and drink. Opt for a general fertiliser ( 5:1:5 (36) is a good option for all lawn types) and apply about 60g per square meter at least once every three months during the growing season. Alternatively, use a specialised fertiliser for established lawns. Repeat monthly throughout the season or alternate with a high nitrogen fertilizer like LAN. Make sure to water after fertilising to prevent burning your lawn.
Maintain a good length
Regular mowing helps thicken your lawn and keeps weeds at bay, however people tend to cut their lawns too short, which can damage and weaken your grass and decrease its drought resistance. Set your mower blades to not cut more than a third of the grass lengths. In general, kikuyu should be a height of 4-5cm, while finer grasses such as cynodon should be at 3-4cm and shade lawns are happy at 6-7cm.
