Leveling the Garden

Lawns evoke strong feelings in people. Lawns range in size from a handkerchief size lawn to rolling greens. The very sight of a well-tended expanse of green is very soothing and gives a sense of well-being.

Strolling on a lawn fills the heart and soul with a quiet sense of peace. The very symmetry of a lawn becomes a goal to strive for. Moreover, a well-kept lawn is a foil for the seasonal flowers and foliage in a garden. Of course these are beautiful in their own right, but their beauty is highlighted against the backdrop of a beautiful lawn.

A lawn allows for all sorts of outdoor activities as well. There is no doubt that a law needs a high order of maintenance. Gardeners often share their problems and the solutions to them as well. Many places have lawn growers’ associations. Ideally, a lawn should be laid on a firm, level surface.

Sometimes, a lawn starts out like this, but due to wear and tear and extreme climatic conditions it deteriorates. The accumulation of wormcasts and molehills can be quite depressing. A light roller, carefully used, usually evens out irregularities, and grass roots become firmer, thus providing a surface which is healthy, and safe to walk on.

Poor grass growth happens when there is an overcompaction of the soil with the attending problem of water logging. This results in an invasion of moss, particularly if the soil is heavy. Lawns should be rolled only if weather and soil conditions permit it. During the winter months it would be a good idea not to walk on the lawn. If you choose a time when the soil is quite dry, he ground will respond better to the repairs. Cut the turf in the shape of a capital H over the bump or hollow. Roll back the two flaps of turf that are so formed and then add or remove soil as required until that part of the lawn is at the same level as the rest of the lawn.

Then, carefully put the flaps back in position and put in a top dressing mixture. Brush in and level the ground. Small hollows can be easily raised with a top dressing mix of soil and compost in equal proportions, and a little grass seed. Poor drainage might make the lawn spongy, thus creating bumps or hollows. It would be necessary, then, to install good drains, or go in for soil treatment involving aeration, moss and weed killing and feeding. It is hard work, no doubt, to maintain a lawn and keep it looking good but eventually it is worth the effort. The removal of bumps and hollows vastly improves the appearance of a lawn.