The Emerald guide to a gem of a lawn

Mowing

• Cut the grass twice a week, if possible, when the grass is growing vigorously.
• Cut in the evening, once a week, during prolonged dry spells in summer to reduce plant stress.
• Never cut the lawn lower than 1 inch in height from the soil level.
• If the grass has grown tall due to holidays or wet weather, simply raise the cut height at the first cut, then reduce the height at the next cut a couple of days later.
• Cut the lawn two days before a treatment is scheduled, and don’t cut for two to three days after.
• Cutting with a rotary mower is recommended on most lawns.
• Make sure the mower blade is kept sharp. Where possible mow in different directions.

Watering

• Lawns lose 4 gallons of water per square yard every week.
• Prevention is better than a cure so water before lawns start to dry out.
• Water in the evening or early morning to keep evaporation to a minimum.
• Water every three to four days during dry conditions.
• Place a measuring jug under the watered area, when the water level reaches 1 inch, this will replace water lost during the week.
• Sandy soil will require more frequent watering
• Watering after a treatment is recommended if no rainfall occurs within two or three days.