Getting an even coloured lawn

Hi,

I've worked hard getting my lawn looking good by picking up hints and tips from here. I've recently given it a feed (which has really encouraged the growth and colour) but have noticed that there's a variety of colour within the lawn. Both light and dark patches in places.

Any suggestions of a treatment or anything I can do to get the colour even?

Thanks

 

It could be that you've used more or less feed in different areas of the lawn. There could also be slightly different drainage in those areas of the lawn, or roots from nearby plants taking the nutrients. You could try adding a weaker solution of feed to those areas but to be honest I think it will only be a temporary solution.

 

Maybe just leave it till mid summer to let it settle down and get the growth to even out and then think about further feeding/weeding/etc ?

 

Thanks guys. Is it likely to settle down then as the season goes on?
Would it be due to the fact that in places (where it was patchy) I've over seeded and I guess the grass seed used may differ in type from the original? What do you think?

Any other tips/suggestions for getting it to look more even?

Thanks.

 

Having fed it the grass will be growing more than usual and you won't be able to tell how it really looks until it slows down. Over seeding will make a big difference it's younger than the rest and as you say could be a different type. I would leave it until next year and you'll probably find that it will all have blended together.

I don't think at this point you will be able to get it to look more even without relaying the whole lawn, like any other plant grass takes time to grow and settle down.

 

Brilliant thanks for that. I'll let it grow and see how it goes.

Currently it needs cutting every 7-10 days but that'll be due to the feed I've given it I guess? As it wears off should it be fortnightly?

Please could I ask your thoughts on this too...
1. My soil is sandy so I hear solid tine helps aerate it? I did this Oct '14 so when would you do it again and how often do you think it needs doing?
2. Oct last year I used a moss killer but I'm guessing it was perhaps too late in the season as a lot of the grass died and I had to take a lot of moss out. This year, when would suggest moss/hardening the soil as I'm ready to tackle it this year so I don't get a repeat!

In a few places (not many) the grass is in shade when the sun gets lower so this seems my worst moss areas as the conditions are perfect for the moss to thrive.

Thanks for your help.

 

Yes the grass will slow down over the next few weeks. Cut the grass when you feel it's necessary, there's no rules as to how quickly it grows and as the summer months approach it will slow down further. Springtime always has the strongest growth.

1. I have sandy soil living in a coastal position and I've never bothered to aerate it, perhaps I should but I find it pointless as the soil doesn't remain open long enough to gain anything from it. But, if you wish to carry on, twice a year would probably be fine.

2. You can tackle the moss situation now or in autumn. The grass wouldn't have died last autumn, it probably wasn't growing because of the amount of moss 'choking' it's growth and the fact it was becoming dormant because of the time of year.

Moss thrives in damp and/or shaded areas. I have this problem with my front lawn being shaded by a 45ft long hedge.

Maintaining a lawn is an on going task, it's easy enough if the lawn area is small but those of us gardeners who have larger areas tend to let them grow in a more natural way, not pouncing on every weed and patch of moss that shows itself. It's up to the individual of course, on whether they want to put in the hard work of maintenance.

 

My lawn is a bit patchy too at the moment, but for me, thats normal at this time of year.


The above pic is a week after feeding it. I will cut it again, water it, and apply a bit more feed to the dull patches. I also over seed it every year with a fine grade seed, again, giving a bit extra to the dull patches.
I have no idea if this is right or wrong, but it always seems to work for me , and gives me a good looking lawn. (IMO) (Pic below)

 

This is how it looked in June 2013. The garden was full of weeds. I took this after pulling down all the stuff growing up the back fence.

 

You must be treating it right NG, it's looking good!

 

Thanks @Sheal
Like you say, lawns need ongoing care and attention, but once sorted, it can be fairly routine.
I put the pic up to show how things can look given a relatively short time