Has the safety of your lawn been maintained?
In the heart of Grunewald, David Bower, the greenkeeper of the prestigious Rot Weiß tennis club, is known for his impeccable lawn maintenance. Recently, he shared his wisdom on reviving a struggling lawn, offering a strategic approach to watering and fertilizing.
David Bower's recommended watering method involves deep and infrequent watering, encouraging roots to grow downward in search of moisture. He advises watering early in the morning to reduce evaporation and minimise fungal diseases. Overwatering should be avoided, as excess water can suffocate roots and promote disease.
For fertilising, Bower suggests using slow-release fertilisers that provide a steady supply of nutrients over time. A balanced fertiliser with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supports overall turf health, with nitrogen promoting leaf growth, phosphorus strengthening roots, and potassium enhancing stress tolerance.
The best time to fertilise is during the growing season, but avoid fertilising during extreme heat or drought stress. To tailor fertiliser application to the lawn's specific needs, Bower recommends conducting a soil test, if possible.
The author, who had a patchy lawn before March, dug up and replanted the lawn, only to find it affected by a prolonged drought. David Bower advised watering the lawn for three days, allowing the water to stand on the lawn before draining and watering again.
After implementing Bower's advice, the lawn looked fantastic after the March replanting, with the new rattan garden lounger in brown and beige tones perfectly complementing the vibrant green space. However, the prolonged drought ruined the author's hard work, reminding us of the importance of a consistent watering schedule.
For more lawn care tips, follow David Bower on Instagram @smallberlingarden. His expertise has helped prepare lawn courts similar to those at Wimbledon, and his advice is sure to help your lawn thrive. So, after watering and fertilising, take a moment to enjoy a cup of tea and let your lawn work its magic.
David Bower's wisdom extends beyond lawn maintenance at the Rot Weiß tennis club; he provides insightful advice for home-and-garden enthusiasts as well. His recommended gardening method for a vibrant lawn includes deep and infrequent watering, using slow-release fertilisers, and conducting a soil test for a tailored application.
