A lawn guru has revealed how sports fans can get pitch perfect lines on their garden grass, just like centre court at Wimbledon. With the oldest tennis championship in the world here again, many watching will have lawn envy as they admire the pristinely cut green grass. But now, experts from GreenThumb have revealed how you can achieve that Wimbledon-worthy lawn at home.
Lawn expert, Steve Taylor from GreenThumb, says there are three simple steps to achieving the famous vertical lines seen on the hallowed Centre Court grass. Steve said: “Firstly you need to make sure you’re using the right kind of mower, a cylinder or rotary mower with a roller will achieve the best results.
“Secondly, make sure your lawn is well cared for before cutting. Consistent feeding and water will help the grass settle into a programme of care for stripes. Finally, to achieve those lines, cut your lawn in one direction at a width of two mowers, then, for the next line, cut in exactly the opposite direction, again at a width of two mowers. Rinse and repeat until you’ve finished, and you’ll be ready for the likes of Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu to grace your garden.”
The Wimbledon grass is cared for by 28 greenkeepers during tournament week, with the grass mown to an exact 8mm length, which is considered the optimum court conditions. Steve suggests that unless you’re looking to host your own major tennis championship in your garden, 25mm is more than short enough.
Steve continued: “Homeowners would have to make looking after their lawn a full-time occupation with daily mowing and care to achieve the exacting specifications of Wimbledon, along with purchasing some very expensive equipment. We recommend mowing once a week, possibly every five days, and no shorter than 50mm in Summer and 25mm in Spring and Autumn. Don’t worry, you’ll still get a great ball bounce on that length of grass.”
At the end of the Championship dead patches of grass can be seen at the base line of the Wimbledon courts where players have served from. This is natural wear and tear and something homeowners could experience after a summer of BBQs and garden get togethers.
Steve also has some tips for giving new life to this area of grass, he said: “Firstly rake out the dead area, add new grass seed and top-dress, with organic topsoil, water and apply fertiliser. Do not forget to water the new seed in and before long your grass will be as good as new. Remember, water and feed the seed.”
Water, feed and weed are the three words GreenThumb experts live by and, if followed, it’s guaranteed to give you that vibrant, green grass you’ve been dreaming of. If homeowners want to take their grass to the next level of luscious green though, GreenThumb’s Oasis treatment includes seaweed extract that enhances your lawn’s colour whilst also reducing the need to water by up to 80%.
GreenThumb also reveal that perfect summer grass starts in Autumn. This is the optimum season to begin your lawn treatments, opening the soil and reducing the dead organic material found on the surface with machine work – aeration and/or scarification. Follow this with a regular programme of GreenThumb’s bespoke NutraGreen treatments, weed control and Oasis water conserver applications, bio-stimulants and a growth control option to help thicken the lawn and you’re sure to have a picture-perfect lawn next Summer.
For more information on keeping your garden lush this summer visit: https://www.greenthumb.co.uk/
