Compaction and poor drainage
For a lush healthy lawn good drainage is important. Clay soils don't drain well, retaining too much water and baking over summer; sandy soils are too free draining as they lack organic matter, allowing nutrients and water to wash straight through. Lawns require a free-draining base to grow into, at least 10-15cm thick. Use and wear can also cause lawns to compact, affecting drainage.
Symptoms
- Moss and weeds thriving where grass struggles.
- Puddles after rain, or ground that feels hard and sealed.
- Lawns next to driveways, paths, play areas or high traffic areas that struggle to grow and develop bare patches.
Solution
- Spike or core aerate to open up the soil.
- Topdress with Tui LawnForce® Lawn Preparation Mix to add organic matter, nutrients and improve structure.
- For areas with heavy foot traffic consider re-seeding with a resilient, hard wearing grass mix in the worst areas such as Tui LawnForce® Superstrike Hardwearing or All Seasons.
- Redirect downpipes or fix low spots where water sits, put in drainage coil and scoria to move the water away from the lawn.
Thatch build up
Thatch is the build up of organic matter between the soil and lawn. Over time, the organic matter builds up and the lawn will benefit from de-thatching. This usually needs to be done every 3-4 years, ideally in autumn or spring so that the lawn can regenerate.
Symptoms
- A spongy layer of dead plant material between the green grass and soil.
- Water and fertiliser sitting on the surface rather than soaking in.
- Increased disease, especially dollar spot and brown patch.
Solution
- De-thatch in early autumn or spring using a de-thatching rake or machine. These can be hired or purchased.
- Apply gypsum to speed up the break down the organic matter.
- Avoid over-watering and over-fertilising as this will speed up thatch build up.
Learn how to identify and treat common fungal diseases in lawns and lawn insect pests.
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