A beautiful and healthy lawn doesn't just happen. Besides love and patience, using the right gardening tools is also essential. We're happy to explain these tools step-by-step, so you can be assured of a healthy lawn, year after year!
1. Scarifying
Over time, moss can form on the lawn. This is caused by leftover grass clippings that form a felt layer between the grass. This prevents sunlight from reaching the grass properly, and nutrients are less effectively absorbed. Moss then has the opportunity to develop. Removing this felt layer is easily prevented with a scarifier .
A scarifier removes moss and weakened patches of grass. This gives the lawn room to strengthen and grow densely.
It's recommended to scarify your lawn at least once a year. Make sure you've mowed the lawn several times before the first scarification. The best time to scarify your lawn is April or October.
2. Aeration
After scarifying, it's important to aerate the lawn's roots. This allows nutrients to be absorbed from the soil. A lawn aerator is used to poke holes in the turf. This allows nutrients like lawn fertilizer to reach the lawn's roots.
It's best to aerate the lawn after scarifying. This gives the turf plenty of room to recover.
Tip: You can also use a 4-tine manure fork to aerate the lawn. Insert it halfway into the soil, wiggling gently to avoid damaging the grass and roots. Repeat this every 15 to 20 centimeters.
3. Fertilize
Over time, the nutrients in the soil beneath the turf can diminish. Fertilization is a logical step to restore this level. This can be done with artificial fertilizer, of course, but also with organic fertilizer.
It's important to apply the fertilizer evenly. You can, of course, do this by hand. However, a fertilizer spreader offers a better guarantee of even application.
For best results and sufficient nutrients, fertilizing twice a year is sufficient. The best times are spring and summer.
It's also advisable to apply lime to the lawn after the last mowing (usually in October/November). This maintains the soil's acidity and prevents moss from developing. Lime can also be applied effectively with a fertilizer spreader.
Tip: After fertilizing, ensure the lawn is watered so that the fertilizer can settle and be absorbed into the subsoil.
4. Mowing
You get a beautiful, neat lawn by mowing it regularly. Do you choose a battery-powered lawn mower or a petrol lawn mower or electric lawn mower You can also opt for convenience with a riding mower or a robotic lawnmower .
This choice depends entirely on your garden situation. For a large lawn, it is advisable to riding mower recommended. For a smaller lawn, a walk-behind mower outcome. Or sit back and watch a robot lawn mower that keeps your lawn in top condition!
Do you have a Mulching mower ? Then make sure the grass is mowed regularly. The grass blades need to be small enough to be left on the lawn. This allows the grass clippings to decompose better and be absorbed as natural nutrients for the lawn.
Both riding mowers and manual mowers, as well as robotic mowers, can mulch. These mowers are optionally equipped with mulching blades. These blades cut the grass not once, but twice. This reduces the grass size and allows it to remain on the lawn.
Note : Mulching increases the risk of moss formation due to compaction of the subsoil by undecomposed grass clippings. Therefore, make sure to scarify your lawn at least once a year.
Would you rather collect the grass clippings during or after mowing? Then use a lawn mower with a grass catcher. This is possible with both push mowers and riding mowers with grass collection. If you prefer a riding mower with side discharge, you should collect the grass clippings after mowing with a grass rake or leaf rake.
Tip : For good advice on the right mower, please contact us on 085 – 08 01 902.
5. Maintain
Lawn maintenance involves more than just mowing and fertilizing. Over time, the edges of the lawn grow longer, and grass can appear in areas that are harder to reach with a lawn mower. Weeds can also start to grow in your beautiful lawn.
It's therefore important to maintain and groom your lawn throughout the entire mowing season. This way, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy lawn all year round.
Extending edges & standing grass
The edges of the lawn and standing grass around flowerbeds, posts, or flower boxes are more difficult to reach and mow with a lawn mower. For the finishing touch, we therefore recommend a edger , grass trimmer or brushcutter from STIHL .
Weeds
If weeds are given a chance to develop, make sure the grass isn't mowed too short. Short-mown grass allows plenty of light to enter, increasing the risk of weeds. A grass length of 5 to 6 centimeters is sufficient to limit light penetration and curb weed growth.
Collecting leaves and green waste
Is your lawn covered in leaves after windy weather or in the fall? Leaving leaves and branches lying around can eventually lead to moss formation, as the lawn is blocked from light. Use a leaf rake if necessary. leaf blower or leaf vacuum to collect this and then dispose of it.
Keep your lawn well-maintained, even outside of the season. This way, you'll enjoy a beautiful lawn year after year!
Can we help you?
In our webshop you'll find all the garden tools you need for a healthy lawn. For questions or more information, please contact us at 085 – 08 01 902 or email us at info@kraakmantuinmachines.com .
