So you spent money and time to lay your new turf but now you need to take care of your new lawn. GardenCentresWigan.com have put together this complete guide to cover everything you need to do from January to October. Follow our turf and lawn care guide below through the year to ensure that your lawn is kept in tip top condition. If you have not selected a turf supplier yet try using Rolawn who are the largest online suppliers of quality lawn turf in the UK. Their Medallian turf is legendary in turfing circles take a look here.

Lawn Maintenance

January
There’s normally little maintenance work to be done in the month of January. Avoid using the lawn in really wet conditions and especially in frost.

During fine spells turfing could take place and repair work can be implemented using turf. General debris, such as leaves/twigs, should be removed. Light sweeping can be carried out to take away dew and surface moisture from fine lawns.

This is a good time to check all lawn care equipment is maintained and cleaned.

February
While conditions can be mild don’t be tempted to mow the lawn. Worm casts can be dissipated by sweeping with a birch broom or similar. Turfing and repairs using turf can be implemented providing the ground isn’t soggy and is frost free.

March
As soon as the weather conditions improve the grass will begin to grow.
Lightly rake the lawn to clear up the surface, be careful not to rake heavily as this will harm the grasses. A light rolling with the mower roller will assist to settle the surface if heavy winter frosts have been experienced.

A top cut on a dry day can be implemented, check that the mower blades are on a high setting to avoid removing too much grass. It’s unlikely that more than one or two cuts will be needed in March.

This is a good month for scrutinising the lawn for any signs of disease and dealing with moss. Ensure that any Moss Killers like  Lawn Sand has time to fully work before raking away the moss,14 days is about right.
The edges of the lawn can be neatened with a half moon and damaged areas with turf.

April
Coarse grasses can be dug out and the areas turfed but fill these areas first with sifted soil to prevent hollows.

Mow on a regular basis enough to keep the lawn tidy but don’t set the blades at a low cutting height.

If conditions are good and the grass is actively growing fertiliser can be applied. It’s important that the grass blades are dry and that rain is anticipated. If in the improbable event of no rain for 3 – 4 days, water the fertiliser in.

Selective weedkillers can be applied at this time but it’s more prudent to delay until May, when the grass is growing more vigorously.

May
This is commonly a good month for the application of a selective weedkiller, be sure you abide by the manufacturer’s instructions and the product is designed for lawn use. Make certain the grass is dry and there’s moisture in the soil. Weedkillers ought to be applied in good, still weather conditions.

Mowing can now be implemented on a more regular basis and the mowing height should be gradually brought down to the normal summertime setting, but remember not to scalp the lawn. Regular mowing once or twice a week is normal at this time of year

Remember to change the direction of cut and to mow at a steady pace don’t push the mower backwards and forwards, work in a forward-moving direction for a consistent cut and for your own safety

Keep an eye on moisture levels and only water if signs of stress appear, grass is very resilient and over watering, is more harmful than drought.

If you do need to water do it in the evening and check that the water has amply penetrated the lawn not just wetted the surface. If possible have a water storage system set up before the hot dry months. This heads off any troubles with hose -pipe bans.

June
Mowing will now be in full swing and twice a week will be the normal routine, if however the weather is dry and hot make sure you raise the height of cut so as not to stress the lawn.

Light raking before mowing helps to secure an even cut and reduce the survival rate of coarser grasses and clover.
Weeding and feeding can also take place but be aware of the need for a dry lawn with damp soil.

Quick acting liquid feeds are very safe and if granular feeds are used be sure you water them in soundly if conditions remain dry.

In hot dry conditions, be ready to water the lawn on a regular basis. Light spiking will help moisture penetration. Apply water in comparatively small droplet sizes. Don’t flood the area but see to it that the water is soaking into the soil evenly.

July
Regular mowing should be fulfilled at the least once a week on utility lawns and twice a week on fine lawns. If weeds present a problem use a selective weed killer designed for lawn use. If the turf shows signs of colour loss apply a liquid “green up” fertiliser.

August
Follow the main program for July this is the last month for the use of high nitrogen feeds any weed killer shouldn’t be used beyond this month. Repairs or seeding can take place toward the end of the month.

If the lawn is demonstrating signs of stress due to drought then a couple of good
drenchings will help. Remember if you water a little and often then the roots will be most active at toward the surface. It’s best to apply a good soaking less often and allow the water to soak deep into the turf. This won’t only allow the moisture to persist for longer but also encourage the roots to go deep in search for the water. This will then mean that watering won’t be needed as often.

September
Grass development commonly begins to ease at this time of year and mowing may not have to be implemented as regularly as in previous months. The height of cut can also be raised.

This is a good month for implementation of repairs and scarifying some of the thatch out of the surface. Aeration by deep spiking also helps healthy root development and surface drainage. Top dress with a good quality material and work into the holes if possible. Use an acidifying fertilizer to deter worms and ensure the nitrogen content is low with higher phosphate and potassium for root health.

Any sign of disease can be addressed with a proprietary fungicide. Red thread however does respond to nitrogen provided no other diseases are evident.

October
Unless the weather is remarkably mild, mowing will cease to be a major necessity in this month. If mowing is needed then lift the cutting height and ensure the grass is brushed gently prior to mowing to disperse moisture. Light scarifying or raking and top dressing can be implemented as long as some growth is occurring. Leaves and additional debris should be removed on a regular basis.

This is a good month for re-turfing bare patches and general restoration with a compatible turf. Nitrogen feeds shouldn’t  be used, but if the lawn isn’t green enough then a feed with plenty of iron may be used.

Watch for fungal disease from and if the grass looks as though it is dying in patches or similar then apply a fungicide. Remember to abide by the instructions carefully.

Plenty of advice and tips on turf and lawn care in this video…