Lawn care expert Bruce Elliot offers practical guidance for maintaining a healthy and visually appealing lawn, emphasizing balanced practices in mowing, watering, and feeding.

Elliot advises homeowners to cut grass sparingly, recommending that no more than 30 percent of the plant be removed during mowing. This approach helps preserve the grass’s energy, which is stored in its leaves. He suggests setting mower blades to their highest or second-highest level, aiming for a grass height of around 8 centimeters.

For those seeking a polished appearance with striped patterns similar to professional sports fields, Elliot notes that allowing grass to grow slightly longer than usual and maintaining sharp mower blades are key. Achieving deeper stripes can be facilitated by using mowers equipped with rear rollers or lawn-striping attachments that bend the grass blades. A second mowing pass in the same direction can help define the stripes more clearly.

Regular aeration is another critical component of a well-maintained lawn, Elliot says. Using tools like a garden fork to aerate soil improves drainage and encourages air circulation within the root zone. Additionally, periodic raking to remove dead leaves and organic debris can help prevent thatch buildup, which can inhibit healthy growth.

Elliot cautions against overwatering, recommending heavy watering only once or twice a week during hot weather to avoid weakening root systems. Watering early in the morning is preferable to reduce moisture loss through evaporation, while late-evening irrigation should be avoided to limit exposure to disease-promoting conditions, especially in warm climates. He also highlights the benefits of collecting rainwater in water butts as a sustainable method of supply, particularly relevant against the backdrop of increasing summer hosepipe bans.

When it comes to fertilizing, Elliot stresses careful application to avoid causing damage. He mentions a specific product, Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 Spreader, priced around £15, advising its use strictly in spring and autumn. Applying fertiliser during summer months, he warns, risks burning and killing grass.

Finally, keeping a supply of coated lawn seed, such as Gro-Sure Aqua Gel coated Smart Lawn Seed (approximately £10.99), allows for timely reseeding of bare patches or areas cleared of weeds, promoting a consistently healthy and lush lawn.

Through these recommendations, Elliot provides a balanced approach that supports both the aesthetic and biological health of lawns amid changing weather patterns and environmental challenges.