Turf is a great way to give your lawn a fresh and new look. But many people are unsure about how to care for new turf as the advice can change according to the time of year it is laid. In this article, we will answer some common questions about laying and installing new turf and its aftercare.

Can turf be laid in Winter?

Yes, turf can be laid in winter. However, it’s important to choose the right time to install it. You should avoid laying turf during very cold temperatures, as it can damage the grass. The best time to lay turf in winter is during a mild spell when temperatures are above freezing and the ground is not frozen.

As a rule of thumb, turf can be laid at any time of year except when the ground is frozen or very wet.

Can turf be laid in November?

Yes, turf can be laid in November. However, it’s important to take into account the weather conditions at that time. If it’s very cold or frosty, it’s best to wait until conditions are milder. It’s also important to prepare the ground properly before laying the turf, ensuring it’s level, free from weeds and debris, and has been fertilised.

How turf is installed?

Turf installation is a relatively simple process, but it requires a thorough and proper preparation. Firstly, you need to prepare the ground by removing any old grass, weeds, and debris. The soil should then be broken up, usually by a rotavator. This creates a better soil structure for the impending roots. Then level it out. Once levelled the soil should be compressed to take out excess air. This prevents sinkage later down the line.

You may want to fertilise the soil and water it a day before you lay the turf. When it comes to laying the turf, start at one end of the area and work your way across, making sure to butt the edges of each roll of turf up against each other tightly. And if you are walking on the newly laid turf remember to use boards to spread your weight. Once you’ve laid all the turf, water it thoroughly to help it settle into the ground.

Why is turfing better than seeding?

Turf has many advantages over traditional seeding options. Firstly, it’s quicker and easier to install than growing grass from seed. Secondly, you are able to work the levels of the lawn to suit your needs which can also eliminate unwanted undulation. Finally, turf provides a natural and attractive look that can enhance the appearance of any outdoor space.

Conclusion

Laying new turf requires careful and thorough preparation as well as attention to detail to ensure that the lawn will “take” well and be long-lasting. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your new lawn looks its best and provides a beautiful and practical addition to your outdoor space.

If you’re a lawn owner, you may have heard of the term “red thread” before. This lawn disease is a common problem for many homeowners, causing patches of grass to turn brown and die off. In this article, we’ll discuss what red thread is, whether it can kill your lawn, and how to treat and prevent it.

What is Red Thread?

Red thread is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis. The fungus feeds on the nutrients in the grass and weakens it killing the leaf but not the plant, this also makes it more susceptible to other diseases and environmental stressors. It can spread quickly, especially in areas where the grass is damp and there is poor air circulation.

When the fungus is active it is easy to spot by paying close attention to the red threads but when it has been and gone it is a little harder to spot as the lawn looks like it is just going brown. The patterning can often help in this case.

It is called “red thread” because it appears as small patches of red “cotton” thread-like veins on your lawn. It can also be accompanied by a cotton wool-like growth. These patches are usually random in shape and can range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter. Red thread is most commonly found in cool and humid climates, and it thrives in damp and shaded areas.

What Causes Red Thread in Lawns?

Red thread is caused by a combination of factors, including moisture, humidity, and poor soil nutrition. It thrives in damp and shaded areas and is more prevalent in the spring and autumn when the temperatures are cooler.

Like any fungus, it thrives when conditions are right. It is the most common of all lawn fungi and it tends to take hold on stressed plants so if you are overfeeding and creating lush growth, or the lawn is drought stressed but being watered you are likely to get red thread in your lawn.

Another factor that can contribute to red thread is poor soil drainage. If your lawn is in a low-lying area or has heavy clay soil, it may not drain well, leading to the build up of moisture and the development of fungal diseases.

Will Red Thread Kill My Lawn?

While red thread can damage your lawn and make it look unsightly, it’s not likely to kill your grass. The fungus that causes red thread feeds on the surface of the grass blades, but it doesn’t typically invade the roots or crowns. However, severe cases of red thread can weaken your lawn, making it more susceptible to other diseases and environmental stresses.

How to Treat Red Thread in Lawns?

The good news is that red thread is a relatively easy disease to treat, and it rarely causes permanent damage to your lawn. Effectively you need to improve the plant’s growing conditions so that it is at optimum health. This makes it more resistant to the disease. Here are some steps you can take to treat red thread in your lawn:

1. Improve soil nutrition: Red thread thrives in lawns with poor soil nutrition. To improve soil nutrition, consider adding a slow-release fertiliser that is high in potassium and has balanced nitrogen. Nitrogen helps the plant replace the affected leaves. You can also include a small amount of iron which increases the strength of the cell walls in the plants which also helps resist attack.
2. Aerate your lawn: a healthy rootzone means a healthy plant.
3. Increase air circulation: Red thread loves damp and shaded areas. To increase air circulation in your lawn, trim your trees and shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach your lawn.
4. Reduce moisture: Red thread needs moisture to thrive. To reduce moisture in your lawn, consider watering your lawn in the morning to allow it to dry out during the day.
5. Apply fungicide: If red thread persists, consider applying a fungicide to your lawn. There are many fungicides available on the market that are effective against red thread.

Conclusion

Red thread may be a common problem for lawn owners, but it’s not a death sentence for your grass. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively treat and prevent red thread in your lawn, keeping your grass healthy and green. Remember to practice good lawn care habits, such as proper watering and fertilisation, to keep your lawn strong and resilient against diseases.

If you’re a homeowner with a lawn, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with weeds. Not only do they detract from the appearance of your lawn, but they can also be detrimental to the health of your grass. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for killing weeds on your lawn without harming your grass.

Can You Kill Weeds Without Killing Grass?

The short answer is yes, you can kill weeds without killing grass. However, it’s important to choose the right weed killer and use it correctly to avoid damaging your grass.

When dealing with herbicides or weedkillers it is always a good idea to consult a professional. Most effective weedkillers will need someone with the appropriate Pa1 and Pa6 licences to buy, transport and apply.

What to Use to Kill Weeds on Your Lawn?

There are a few different types of weed killers that you can use on your lawn. The most common types include:

1. Selective Herbicides – These weed killers target specific types of weeds without harming your grass. They work by targeting the leaves of the weed and killing it at the root. The weedkiller or “herbicide” travels through the vital systems and kills the whole plant.
2. Non-Selective Herbicides – These weed killers will kill any plant that they come into contact with, including your grass. They should only be used in areas where you don’t want any plants to grow such as hard surfaces.
3. Organic Herbicides – These weed killers use natural ingredients to kill weeds. They are often less effective than chemical herbicides but are safer for the environment.

What Weed Killer to Use on Your Lawn?

When choosing a weed killer for your lawn, it’s important to consider the type of weed you’re dealing with. Some weed killers are more effective on certain types of weeds than others. Here are two weed killers to consider:

1. 2,4-D – This is a selective herbicide that is effective at killing broadleaf weeds. It should be used with caution, as it can harm some types of grass. A licence will be required to buy, transport and apply this weedkiller.
2. Vinegar – This is an organic herbicide that is effective at killing young weeds. It’s less effective on mature weeds and may need to be reapplied.

How to Remove Weeds From Your Lawn?

Once you’ve chosen a weed killer, it’s important to use it correctly to ensure that you don’t harm your grass. Here are a few tips for removing weeds on your lawn:

1. The first and best way to remove weeds from your lawn is to hand weed. Doing this little and often will maintain a weed-free lawn.
2. Read the instructions on the weed killer carefully before use.
3. Apply the weed killer on a dry, calm day to avoid drift and ensure that it sticks to the weed.
4. Avoid mowing your lawn for a few days after applying the weed killer to give it time to work.

Conclusion

Dealing with weeds on your lawn can be a frustrating experience, but it’s important to choose the right weed killer and use it correctly to avoid damaging your grass. By far the best way is to hand weed. However, if that is an uphill struggle or your lawn is infested with weeds, call on the skills of your local licensed professional. By following the tips in this article, you can effectively treat weeds and keep your lawn looking healthy and beautiful.