Lawn Renovation

My lawn appears very patchy and tired; it also contains moss and several weeds like buttercup and clover. How can I improve its appearance?

 

  • If there is a problem with moss and weeds apply a suitable treatment to kill them off, ensuring you follow the instructions as directed. After about 7-10 days, cut your lawn very short before you start to scarify the areas to remove the dead moss and thatch.
  • Once the area has been scarified and the debris removed it may be helpful to use a garden fork to make holes about 1-2 inches deep - this will allow the fresh seed to drop into the holes.
  • Apply new grass seed over the area - completely bare areas should be sown at 50 grammes/m2, thinly covered areas can be sown at 30-35grammes/m2.
  • Brush or rake the seed into the scarified areas - it is important the seed is in contact with the soil or drops into the forked holes.
  • If seed is left on dead thatch it is unlikely it would germinate as the seed must make contact with soil to assist in germination and establishment.
  • To help establishment it may be beneficial to add a top dressing of fine soil, compost or sand and brush into the grass. Allow the existing grass to show through the top dressing. After a few days, the dressing will disappear into the base of the grass plants.
  • Seed will germinate within 7-10 days of overseeding. Allow to grow to about 2 inches (50mm) high, then gradually reduce by ½ inch (1cm) each mowing until you achieve the ideal mowing height required.
  • Do not apply any further fertiliser until the seed is properly established, approx 6 months after sowing.