Weeds are the grass plants enemy. They have their place in the environment but in the middle of your lawn is not one of them. They can very quickly take over and dominate the area. I can apply suitable selective herbicides on lawns to control the weeds and keep the lawn looking fresh. Weeds can also destroy surfaces like patios, concrete, tarmac and even walls if allowed to establish. Their root systems are strong enough to push through many different materials and lead to unstable surfaces. I can deal with these issues too.

The UK is known for its temperate climate, but we do experience a lot of varied weather events. Extreme rainfall and droughts are common across the UK with Cumbria particularly known for rainfall. This can lead to waterlogging on clay soil lawns, meaning that the grass suffers from lack of air and sunlight. I can apply products that speed up the rate at which the water drains from the surface, thus allowing you to use your lawn more and have a healthier plant.

During hot weather the opposite happens and the plant can suffer from a lack of water, even if you water regularly. A waxy layer can form on the surface of the soil that prevents the water from moving to where the grass can utilise it. I can apply products (wetting agents) that help to break down the wax layer and get the water into the soil where the plant can fully benefit.

Is your lawn uneven or bumpy, maybe from mole activity or you have pets that like to dig? I can apply top dressings that help to smooth the surface and also benefit the soil profile, improving drainage rates and benefiting soil biology. .

Aeration, is the key to a healthy lawn. If your soil is compacted then adding water and nutrients will have limited effect. The plant needs strong healthy roots and roots grow in the spaces between the soil particles. Aeration helps to open these spaces by shattering the soil. Air is then allowed in which not only helps the plant, but also helps the microbes in the soil that break down excessive organic matter and release their own source of nutrients. It will also improve drainage water rates. Its all part of the soil eco system.

Is your lawn looking a little thin on top? Overseeding is the way to go. This works best in conjunction with aeration and top dressing because the seed needs to be in direct contact with the soil to germinate. Spring and autumn are most suitable as the soil temperature and moisture levels are higher and extremes are less likely. This gives the seedling the best chance of establishment before the winter and summer. Only professional quality seed will be used.

Moss loves a wet, shady lawn and will use the winter conditions to colonise any weaker areas of grass. Scarification in conjunction with iron treatments will help control this invasive plant matter. scarification is the process of removing excess decaying organic matter from the surface of the soil. Too much organic matter (or thatch) prevent water draining away, leading to weak grass plants. Thatch also harbors colonies of harmful pathogens such as fusarium, dollar spot and anthracnose. the removal of moss and thatch is essential to a healthy lawn. Overseeding with shade tolerant grass species will also help to prevent the moss gaining a foothold. Moss will never stop but but a few regular treatments will help keep the grass strong and keep it at bay .

When the growing season is at its peak and there is plenty of moisture in the ground mowing your lawn can start to become more of a chore. I can apply products that slow the vertical leaf blade growth, reducing clipping volumes by up to 50%. This means less frequent mowing and less clippings to dispose of. This is especially useful if you are going to be away from home for a while or in difficult to mow areas. These products work by temporarily halting the production of specific hormones that produce leaf growth. They also improve sward density and root formation leading to a healthier plant which is more resistant to stress.