There’s no denying it – our British weather has gone a bit haywire! Unusually dry spells followed by long periods of rain can wreak havoc on our lawns. This year’s wet weather, for instance, has created ideal conditions for moss and leatherjackets to invade. But fear not, fellow lawn lovers! Johnsons Lawn Seed, the UK’s most trusted brand is here to help. We’ll explore common lawn problems plaguing UK gardens and provide practical solutions to get your grass back to its green, glorious best.
Weeds
These persistent nuisances, including moss, dandelions, and clover, can quickly take over your lawn if left unchecked. They compete with your grass for essential nutrients, water, and sunlight, hindering its overall health and aesthetics.
To combat weeds effectively, consider using a targeted weed killer specifically formulated for the types of invaders you’re facing. Always follow the instructions carefully for optimal results. Regularly mowing your lawn at the appropriate height can also be a great preventative measure. A healthy, thriving lawn will naturally crowd out weeds before they can establish themselves.
Speaking of moss, the recent wet weather has made conditions particularly ripe for its unwelcome presence. Moss is especially problematic in poorly drained and low-nutrient soil, shady areas, or if you’ve been mowing your lawn too close. Johnsons After Moss can be your hero. This innovative lawn seed is coated in a special shell that gently raises the soil’s pH level. This creates an environment less hospitable to moss and weeds, while also promoting healthy grass growth.
Patchy or yellowing grass
Patchy or yellowing grass is often a sign of nutrient deficiencies or improper watering. Conduct a soil test to determine any nutrient deficiencies, nitrogen is a common one along with iron, potassium, and magnesium. Johnsons Super Smart Lawn Feed is brimming with beneficial bacteria, micronutrients sourced from seaweed extract, and soluble mycorrhizae. These elements work in harmony to nourish lawns, enriching them with essential nutrients needed for vibrant growth.
On top of this, ensure that your lawn receives an adequate amount of water, especially during dry periods. Adjust your watering schedule as needed to promote healthy grass growth and prevent yellowing or patchiness
Yellow patches can also be down to man’s best friend but Tuffgrass offers a solution to a long-standing issue faced by lawn owners: unsightly marks caused by dog urine. By integrating naturally dog urine-tolerant fine-leaved dwarf perennial ryegrass, the problem of scorched yellow patches in lawns becomes a thing of the past.
Compacted soil
Compacted soil can be a real struggle for your lawn. Imagine all those essential elements your grass needs – water, nutrients – being blocked from reaching the roots. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution: aeration. Grab a garden fork or a lawn aerator and get to work loosening up that compacted earth. Think of aeration as giving your lawn a good deep breath. It allows air, water, and nutrients to finally reach the root zone, and you’ll see a marked improvement in your lawn’s overall health.
But what if your lawn needs a bit more TLC? That’s where Johnsons Lawn Thickener with Seedbooster® comes in. This innovative product combines lawn seed with a clever fertiliser coating that offers a double dose of goodness. This isn’t your average fertiliser – it provides a quick burst for immediate seed growth followed by a sustained release of nutrients, ensuring your grass thrives for the long haul. Plus, the clever coating discourages weeds from stealing fertiliser, giving your lawn the full benefit of a denser and more resilient green space.
Pests
Pests such as chafer grubs, leatherjackets, and ants can wreak havoc on your lawn if left unchecked. Leatherjackets in particular have been prevalent this year, with many newbuild properties attracting the larvae.
New construction sites often disturb the natural habitat, creating favourable conditions for leatherjackets to thrive. They feed on grass roots, leading to brown patches and weak, dying grass. In newly built houses, where landscaping is often freshly laid, leatherjackets can pose a significant threat to the establishment of healthy lawns. Monitor your lawn regularly for signs of pest infestations, such as brown patches or disturbed soil. Consider using natural predators or targeted pesticides to control pest populations and protect your lawn from damage.
Diseases
UK lawns face a multitude of challenges beyond just weeds and compacted soil. Fungal diseases like Rust, Red Thread, Fusarium, and Leaf Spot can also wreak havoc on your precious green space. These diseases thrive in specific conditions – Rust in warm, wet weather, Red Thread in humidity, Fusarium in cold and damp, and Leaf Spot also in warm and humid environments.
The good news is that there are ways to combat these lawn diseases. Choosing disease-resistant grass seed and ensuring proper nutrient levels can help prevent these common diseases and taking preventative measures, you can ensure your lawn stays vibrant and green throughout the year.
If you’re looking to rejuvenate your lawn for the summer holidays, look no further than child and pet-friendly Quick Lawn with Accelerator-treated seed which spurs seeds into growth faster by speeding up the absorption of water and directing biostimulants in a smart coating into the seed. Quick Lawn requires just a third of the amount of water that’s usually needed for lawn establishment, resulting in 38% more grass within the first seven days, compared to non-coated seed.
Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager at Johnsons Lawn Seed said: “At Johnsons Lawn Seed, we understand the challenges these changing weather patterns present for your lawn. We’ve been helping homeowners achieve healthy, beautiful lawns for generations, and we’re committed to providing the knowledge and solutions you need to keep your lawn thriving, no matter the season.”
Whether you’re reviving an existing lawn or starting anew, Johnsons Lawn Seed offers a variety of mixtures to suit your garden needs. Discover the full range of our products on our website: www.johnsonslawnseed.com
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