The Problem
Whilst we are happy to cut, box and collect grass in the traditional way for our clients, we do prefer not to as approximately 17% of the lawns nitrogen is removed each time this is done. All these useful nutrients and organic matter is then put into a council recycling bin to be collected by a fossil fuelled truck.
It is also worth noting that a lot of lawn treatment companies and indeed manufacturers provide feed and weed treatment simultaneously for convenience and simplicity’s sake rather than the lawns benefit.
Our Solution
We use balanced low nitrogen fertilisers throughout the year within which most
importantly ½ of the formulation is derived from cold pressed seaweed and manure specifically to stimulate microbial activity. This breaks down the organic matter (cut grass etc.) returning the nitrogen to the soil and reducing plant “stress” and aiding root development.
It is worth noting that Greenkeepers will always feed their lawns a week or so prior to weed-spraying them (certainly not on the same day). This is to get a better “weedkill” and lower stress damage to the grass because of the herbicide, which is why we operate a system of mow and feed one week and then on our next visit mow and weed spray.
When the above mowing and treating regime are added to cutting the lawn with the blades raised a notch or two higher, this creates an environment where grass in the dominant plant. Less weeds, no moss and less requirement for watering in dry spells.