A lush green lawn is the crowning glory of any garden, but one common mistake can ruin it. Here’s what to avoid – and what to do instead
One simple mistake can be the difference between a glorious green lawn or lifeless – even diseased – grass. Experts have warned that the common error is “wreaking havoc on your lawn”.
A lush, verdant lawn can be the crowning glory of any garden, but eager green-fingered enthusiasts could be making a common blunder in their quest for perfection. The mistake? Mowing your lawn when it’s damp.
No matter how keen you are to keep your grass trim in the coming weeks, cutting it while it’s wet can cause serious harm. In fact, it’s one of the biggest faux pas you can make when caring for a lawn that you hope will be your pride and glory.
If rain is on the horizon, it’s best to try and mow your lawn the day before if you can. This gives your grass a chance to dry out before the heavens open.
But why is mowing damp grass such a no-no? According to the gardening gurus at George Davies Turf & Stone, mowing wet grass can cause chaos for several reasons.
When grass is wet, the blades tear and shred under the mower rather than being cleanly cut. This results in damaged, frayed tips that turn brown, reports the Express.
The weight of the mower on sodden ground compresses the soil, which hinders root development and reduces air circulation.
It also spreads lawn diseases. Moisture on the grass blades can transfer diseases like rust fungus as you mow.
Moreover, wet clippings will clump together on the lawn surface or under the mower deck and clog up the machinery, potentially causing damage over time.
Ted Bromley-Hall, the managing director of UK landscaping firm IBRAN, has also voiced his opposition to mowing wet grass. He cautioned: “Mowing damp grass can lead to uneven cuts, torn grass blades rather than clean cuts, and potential fungal problems.”
Therefore, for a healthy lawn and an efficient mower, it’s best to wait until the grass is dry before giving it a trim. After a heavy downpour, patience is key – aim to mow in dry weather conditions whenever possible.
Royal Horticulture Society’s top tips for lawn care this autumn
Scarify your lawn
Remove debris like old grass clippings and moss from the soil surface by raking the lawn. This helps it deal with drought and reduce the likelihood of fungal problems.
Aerate
Although this is hard work, it’s advisable to spike your lawn during the autumn to prepare it for rainier months when it’s at risk of waterlogging. Spike with a garden work about six inches apart, going as deep as you can.
Top dressing
Top dressing follows aerating your lawn, which is the process of filling the holes with a mix of laom, sand and well-rotted organic matter. You can buy ready-made top dressing or you can make your own.
Feed a hungry lawn
The RHS recommends giving your lawn some autumn lawn feed if it’s in need of a boost after the summer’s wear and tear. This encourages root growth through winter, rather than leafy growth.
Repair any damage
Hot, dry weather and fungal diseases are among the issues that could cause problems for your lawn after a summer. Autumn is the ideal time to fix them and the RHS has a handy guide to repairing your lawn.