Tired and worn out lawns can be revived with a professional touch

Scarifying

Over time, lawns can build up thatch, dead or decomposing cuttings ,organic matter and debris that's just below the grass layer. This is hard to diagnose for the untrained eye. Thatch is a problem only when it becomes too thick. A layer of thatch ¼ inch to ½ inch thick is beneficial to the lawn. It buffers soil temperatures and adds to the resilience of the lawn, thereby reducing the compaction of soil that can result from heavy use.

When too thick, however, thatch is water repellent. Grass roots that grow in the thatch layer instead of in the soil are less drought resistant, since the moisture in the thatch evaporates faster than the moisture that penetrates the soil.

Insects and diseases find thatch a particularly suitable place to inhabit. Since water does not penetrate it easily, neither do the products used to control pests and diseases. Because the thickness and density of thatch varies, lawn mowers are more likely to cut unevenly, causing scalping.

Does my lawn need scarifying?

The best way to be sure is to have your lawn examined by Spruce Up.    This wont take long and we will be able to work on a solution for the problem.

How do I remove thatch from my lawn?

The most effective way to remove thatch from a home lawn is by scarifying . A scarifyer is a powerful machine with revolving tines that pull through the thatch and bring it to the surface of the lawn. This a service carried out by Spruce Up.    Any debris can be taken away from the site .

There's a whole world of lawn care below the surface of your lawn. All the foot traffic, mowing and watering going on above the surface causes soil compaction and thatch down below the surface. This prevents the grass roots from getting adequate water and nutrients, this can seriously reduce the health of your lawn.

Many lawns, particularly those that receive heavy use, have compacted soil that restricts the movement of air, water and nutrients to the grass roots. As a result this proviedes a breading ground for Moss. To correct the problem of compacted soil, it is necessary to aerate your lawn from time to time. By Aerating it in effect removes the conditions that encourages moss. This is a difficult job to do yourself as it requires heavy, expensive equipment. But it is a service that can be carried out, without all the strain to you, by your local Countrywide Lawn Doctor.

Hollow Coring / Aeration

What is aeration?
Aeration consists of perforating the soil with small holes that allow water and air to reach the roots. This enables the roots to grow more deeply, producing a more vigorous lawn. Unlike other lawn care contractors Spruce Up will remove any cores from the site.   We do not believe in leaving the cores as they can damage lawn mowers and they do not benefit the surface if left .

Why aerate?
Poor drainage and heavy usage can lead to compaction in your lawn. Lawns which are in heavy usage or lying wet for a long time should be aerated about once a year. Average lawns can be aerated every 1 to 3 years.

Spraying for Pests, Disease and moss

Pest / Disease and Moss Control:

Advice will be given on site and an ongoing spraying programme devised with the customer to get the best results.

Wetting Agent

We also have a range of wetting agents to solve and dry areas on your lawn .    Used in conjunction with hollow coring this has proved a very popular and successful process .

Re-Seeding and Top Dressing

Sometimes after more vigorous moss or weed removal your garden will need a little help.     We have lawn seed which can be applied along with quality screened top dressing.