The Green Revolution: Defeating Lawn Diseases with Nature's Remedies

Autumn is the time to do the things that really matter if you want that superb green lawn

Broadly, lawn brown patches can be split into three categories - depending upon the size of the patch

You do not get a level lawn by using a roller. Using a roller, simply gives you hard bumps and hard hollows

The Chafer grub feed on the roots of the lawn turf during spring and summer.

The lawn is made up of thousands of individual plants. It is not a single entity in itself!

The main problem with dogs on lawns is that of the brown patches caused by bitches urinating.

Dollar spot is normally the problem of the fine turf sports managers - such as bowling green and golf course greens.

Fairy Rings are natural and can be explained unlike crop circles. There is alot of Folklore regarding Fairy Rings dating back to Celtish times

Feeding a lawn is a relatively simple operation, but so many get it wrong, or do it when it it not necessary! Here's how and when to do it

It is recognised by the die-back of quite large areas of grass on compacted lawns in particular. Usually found in Autumn, but also in spring after there has been snow

I've fed the lawn: I've watered the lawn: I've mowed the lawn: raked it and watched a lot of it die anyway. Now I'm supposed to winterize my lawn?

There are many and varied problems associated with keeping a good - or even reasonable - lawn. Quite often the problems are caused by something quite simple.

Plant roots need air - or Oxygen to be more precise - to develop and grow. Whilst some plants are well adapted to growing in bogs, swamps etc, grasses are not.

Lawns take up a lot of time compared with most aspects of the garden. In spite of the time and care lavished upon lawns, many fail to live up to expectations.

Lawn diseases are different to Lawn Pests. Though there isoften confusion. Basically a lawn disease is either a fungalattack, a virus or even a bacteria.

It is not normally a good idea to simply end your lawn at the boundary of your garden edge; against a wall or fence. This will inevitably lead to either additional maintenance work - or an untidy finish

There are many and varied problems associated with keeping a good - or even reasonable - lawn. Quite often the problems are caused by something quite simple.

Lawn sand is a combined weedkiller, moss killer for lawns and lawn fertiliser - though usually sold as a moss treatment. It consists of ammonium sulphate, iron sulphate and fine sand.

Lawn weedkillers are special, in that the chemical ingredients will only kill the weeds - without harming the grass. Normal weedkillers will kill the grass as well.

It is an instant lawn that can be used fully in a matter of months - sometimes just a few weeks. Nowadays, turf is normally farmed properly, with good general lawn seed mixes resulting in a good grass - normally free of weeds!

Leatherjackets are the larvae grubs of the Crane Fly (Daddy Longlegs.) Leatherjackets in lawns are a real pest and can have severe consequences unless killed.

Mining bees are said to be beneficial by way of aeratng the soil. This is a minimal aspect, and does not preclude the normal lawn aeration operations that still need to be carried out!

Moles are one of the most frustrating of all garden and lawn pests! They are rarely seen, but can cause absolute mayhem.

If you really want to eradicate moss from your lawn, then you have to find out the actual problem that is causing it, rather than just treating it. The reasons are various, but not too difficult to isolate.

Anyone who has had a close encounter with Nutgrass in their lawn, will be aware that whilst it has a few characteristics of certain other coarse grasses, it is not a true grass - even though often found in lawns!

It is a fungus disease which usually takes place in cool periods, but does not become evident until warmer weather periods. By this time, the damage has been done. Affected grasses will not re-grow.

As with most problems - and lawn pests are certainly that - prevention is far better than cure. However, with lawns, there are often no sympotoms until the pest has got a good hold on their meal, and we see the inevitable results well after the infestation has started.

Red Thread normally attacks lawns made of fine grasses such as the Fescues, and some Ryegrasses. It is more likely on turf that is rarely - if ever - fed! Again we are back to a good maintenance regime to prevent this particular disease.

There can be no mistaking Slime Mould on Lawns. Slime is exactly what it says! However, it does have some variants, and the term slime mould covers four or five different fungi that are sometimes found on lawns.

The spring season is an important time for getting your lawn into top shape for the following months. What you do now in the spring by way of lawn care

Summer is a time when you should be able to take advantage of all the work you carried out by way of lawncare in the Spring months. Mowing will be at a minimum - especially in hot dry spells - and other main cultural lawn care operations are normally carried out in Spring and Autumn.

The problem of thatch in lawns is sometimes overstated, but thatch in the lawn is exactly what it says! Have a look at a thatched roof next time you are out in the countryside and you will see an enlarged version of the Thatch that is to be found in lawns.

Judging by the number and content of many emails we get, not many gardeners realise the important and beneficial effect of most fungi - toadstools or mushrooms - that are to be found in the garden! But then, most fungi related queries are concerning Toadstools in the Lawn.

Top Dressing of Lawns is beneficial. It encourages new basal growth of the grass plants - giving a thicker sward of grass. Top Dressing is also a good way to 'level out' the bumps and hollows in an uneven lawn.

Lawns require water in order that the grass plants grow properly - and preferably lush green. For most of the year; for most lawns; there is a plentiful supply of the water required by natural means.

Lush green lawns and bountiful gardens are the pride of any homeowner with a green thumb, but a hidden menace often lurks beneath the surface, waiting to wreak havoc on your precious plants—lawn grubs.

Spring is in the air, and it's the perfect time to give your lawn a little TLC! 🌱✨ But did you know that one of the best things you can do for your grass is something as simple as spiking? That's right, aeration is key to achieving that lush, vibrant green lawn we all dream of

Spotting, Managing, and Thriving with Your Garden's Adversary. Chinch bugs – the bane of beautifully manicured lawns everywhere.

Brown patches in your lawn are often the tell-tale signs of an unwelcome visit from certain types of insects.