What Glastonbury can teach us about lawn care

While Glastonbury is a music festival done right, it also shows us exactly what sort of strain we can put on our grass. The inevitable frustration that comes with a lawn full of patches, weeds, and overgrowth isn't just seen after the throngs of people leave the festival grounds. They can be seen around our own home and the repair method is largely the same (albeit on a much smaller scale!) So, what can we take from Glastonbury when it comes to repairing our own lawn? Let's have a look.

The Reason

One of the biggest reasons to repair an unsightly lawn is because it is a significant factor in resale value of a home. If homeowners are thinking about selling their property anytime soon, then taking the time to prepare the lawn for showing can help increase the public's perception of the property and indeed help secure some of the larger bids. It will take some patience though: lawn care isn't something that happens overnight. So, if homeowners want to sell, then it's best to get to work as soon as possible.

Clearing

Much like the crowds of people at Glastonbury, the first thing that homeowners need to do is clear their lawn of anything that doesn't need to be there. This means it's time to start pulling up all of those weeds. The best way to go about this is by using a small head shovel, but sometimes hand-pulling can suffice for smaller patches of weeds or when additional chemical agents are being used.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners tend to make in the weeding process is simply leaving the pulled plant on the lawn to be cut up by a lawnmower. This is one of the most counterproductive things to do as it simply releases the plant's seeds right back on the lawn, which can cause the issue to spread or worsen. When pulling weeds, it's best to put them right into the green bin or waste bin so the problem plant can be moved away from the lawn and recycled elsewhere.

Preparation

The pulling of weeds is undoubtedly going to leave several bare spots in the lawn. Before anything new can be planted, the soil needs to be tended to, which ensures grass can be grown. Rocky, hard ground is normal for weeded areas and topsoil will need to be spread around these areas to help re-saturate the ground and provide it with essential nutrients.

Seed

The most traditional way of spreading grass seeds is simply spreading it by hand and scattering them around patchy spots. However, more automated tools can be purchased, like spreading carts that allow homeowners to spread their seeds by pushing a cart down the line and is particularly appropriate for very large jobs. Once the seeds have been adequately spread, then it's best to provide some sort of shelter for them. Straw is an ideal choice as it helps prevent the seeds from being washed away in a rainfall and creates a barrier against birds and other wildlife.

Consider Pads

A more expensive option, but one that's proven quite popular in recent years is purchasing grass pads. These are large vertical strips of pre-grown grass or AstroTurf that simply rolls out over the affected area like a carpet. Bonding agents and grass seeds disintegrate from the pad and secure themselves in place as it's watered and rained on over time. They work surprisingly well and could prove to be a worthwhile investment for a quick fix or if the seeding process seems too laborious.

Maintenance

Adhering to the proper follow-up protocol is essential for the lawn once it has been set in place. New grass must get plenty of water and must be left to grow: homeowners shouldn't look at cutting freshly grown grass for as long as possible, which is usually when overgrown patches become unsightly against previously established grass. This is because tender roots can be uprooted in the mowing process, which sends homeowners back to square one.

Similarly, other maintenance protocols should be adhered to. It is usually wise to purchase seasonal treatments to help lawns remain in fresh, presentable condition throughout the changing weather patterns. These are usually sold in spray form and only require quarterly use for effective results.