This is a simple name for a complex problem. Dry patch describes a condition where the soil in your lawn becomes water-repellent in patches (or hydrophobic), causing patches of brown, dead grass. No matter how much you water, or it rains, the ground in the patches remains absolutely dry. The causes are complex and not well understood, although one contributing factor is thought to be fungi coating the soil particles with water-repellent chemicals. Although not generally pathogenic and damaging to the plants themselves, they can nevertheless cause a major problem to the lawn as a whole. How will you...

The previous article on lawn problems mentioned that patches can often be caused by lawn diseases. One of the most common is the fungus red thread ( Laetisaria fuciformis ) , which generally develops in late summer or autumn, especially when the weather is wet.  Red thread usually develops on grass that is badly aerated and low in nitrogen. Even if you regularly apply nitrogen, heavy or prolonged rain may wash it away. The patches caused by this fungus often appear reddish at first, although they will later turn to lighter brown or look bleached. The patches are usually between...

Brown, dead patches can appear in any lawn, and are a very common problem. Fortunately, it’s usually possible to identify and treat the cause, and therefore cure it. There are a number of causes of dead patches. First, when did your patches appear? If after mowing, they may be due to spilt oil or petrol, which can kill lawns. Avoid topping up your petrol or oil on the lawn, and do not overfill tanks. Alternatively, if you have a few high spots, they may be getting ‘scalped’ by the lawnmower, and you may need to raise the height of the...

Why do problems occur in lawns, and what can you do about it? In this series of articles, we plan to provide information about common problems, what causes them, and what you can do to prevent or cure them. The first in the series is about moss, lichens and algae. Lichens, algae and liverworts can appear in lawns in shady patches, especially if the drainage is poor, as they like the cool, damp conditions. Compacted soil seems to be especially prone to growth, so the drip line of trees can be a problem area. What can you do about it?...

After the recent hot, dry weather, many of us are currently staring in dismay at a poor dried out brown area that used to be a beautiful lawn. But surely now is not the time to embark on extensive repair? What about if it’s dry throughout August too? So what can we do to keep the lawn going for the rest of the summer? First of all, and most importantly, don’t stop mowing! Yes, we know that the lawn is very short and seems to be suffering. But do keep mowing, albeit with the blades set a little bit higher...

If your lawn has suffered over the summer, and has some bare patches, maybe under a tree, or where the children have been playing, you will need to repair them. But what is the best way, seed or turf? Apparently some people reseed their whole lawn every year. And certainly doing so could avoid a range of problems, including different coloured patches. It also re-establishes your original mix, and prevents the coarser grasses out-competing the finer ones and taking over. But even if you don’t really want to bother with that, and just want to repair one patch, then seeding...

When it comes to our gardens, some of us relish in the DIY aspect of it, with it becoming a hobby and a passion. Others among us aren’t fans, and would prefer to sit back and allow someone else to do it for them. Laying your own turf has merits which are not to be ignored.  But why exactly should you lay your own turf? The main reason you should lay your own turf is that it is fairly easy, if you are fit for the job (and you don’t need to be an Olympic medallist!) and it will save...

New turf is in some ways comparable to a new pet or a new family member. It needs a lot of TLC in the early days and must be maintained to make sure it lasts a long time. You’ll be relieved to know you don’t need to change its nappy or litter tray, but if it is not cared for and nurtured, it will die.  Many of the people who lay new turf and then go on to care for it incorrectly or not at all often blame the turf company, but the turf company didn’t kill it! Here are...

The unsightly and frustrating weed that reeks havoc in many of our British lawns, moss, for it's simple structure is a force to be reckoned with.   Moss can be chemically treated by moss killers which can be found at your local garden centre.  However on many occasions the moss or Bryophyta family can be found growing again.  The reasoning behind this is that moss can be caused by a number of factors which should be taken into account when first thinking about the treatment of your lawn: Has there been any water logging in either Summer or Winter? Is the...

The secret to a lush, green, healthy lawn is of course to apply regular water, feed or fertiliser, sun and regular mowing.  Mowing should be done at the right time, in the correct way to achieve the best results.   Grass is a living plant and like other plants, cutting off the growing points encourages growth from the base of the plant resulting in a more tightly woven, thicker and stronger foliage.   Cutting grass regularly multiplies the existing grass plants.  If you didn't mow your lawn at all it would be sparse and quite frankly ugly. This image shows...

January to March These three months are quiet times in the gardening calender and indeed when it comes to caring for your lawn. The thing you can be doing is clearing your lawn of leaves.  A thick layer of rotting, damp leaves can potentially discolour and repress grass.  If the lawn becomes frozen or waterlogged try and avoid walking over it.  It is also a good time to check your lawn mower and maybe think about popping it in for a service. March  If the weather permits you can make your first cut.  Remember to set your mower blades high,...

So you have decided you want to create a lawn; whether you are working with existing lawn or starting a fresh with new turf and topsoil then here is my guide to help you create your perfect lawn. Make a plan .  The word "plan" should not be underestimated here, draw your plan of what you want to achieve and stick to it! Appearance is everything.   Plan what you want the final thing to look like taking into account how you will be using that space; e.g if you have children, pets or even no use at all.  If...

Ever wondered about those small circles of mushrooms or dark circles on your lawn?  Wonder no more; all is explained in my blog about this mysterious fungi. Mainly found in established lawns the Fairy Rings are caused by solid borne fungi that naturally occur in the soil underneath a lawns suffice. There are 3 common types in the UK.   Where has it come from? Over 60 species of Fungi have been know to be the culprits of creating these curious yet magical circles.  The old wives tale of trying to dig the ring out just would not work as...

Although summer is our favourite time of year in the garden, it can be the toughest time for your beloved lawn.  Hot dry weather will stress grass, especially mowed lawn grass and the increased use of the garden will cause even more wear and tear.

So what should you do to help maintain and improve your lawn through this the busiest time in the garden?

21st May Update The Hosepipe Ban restrictions have been lifted by Thames Water for landscape and gardening firms and for the watering of new turf and plants for upto 28 days after planting / turf laying. The relaxation of the hosepipe ban only applies for upto 28 days after turf laying or planting. The areas covered by Thames Water include: large parts of London, Thames Valley, Surrey, Kent, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Don't forget that you dont always need a hose pipe to water turf, it can be done with watering cans and why not try recycling your water.. check out...

A Guide to Looking After Your Established Lawn

Remember existing lawns do not need to be watered (unlike newly laid turf), even if the grass goes brown it will come grow back and go back to being green and lush.  Grass is extremely resilient and will recover when the rain eventually falls.

The recent hose pipe bans may worry you if are thinking of laying new turf or indeed wanting to keep your grass in good condition for the summer months, but dont worry.. 

Turf is tuff stuff and you can usually water it with a watering can!  Here is our guide to help you lay a new lawn in a hose pipe ban

A Guide to Help You Lay New Turf in a Drought

Newly laid turf needs regular watering (for the first 2-3 weeks) as the roots are only short and will not have bedded into the topsoil beneath to tap into the ground water.  In normal conditions rain fall may be enough to water the turf but in dry spells you will need to water it yourself. 

The current hose pipe ban has been getting a lot of press recently and we the public are sceptical after we experienced the wettest April on record with 13 flood warnings and more rain predicted for May.

Hopefully this article will give you a brief overview of what exactly is going on with the hosepipe ban, where and who it's affecting and what you can do to help.