Keeping the lawn tidy between mows

A great lawn is less about luck and more about small, regular habits. Whether you mow it yourself or have someone in, these basics keep a Canterbury lawn looking sharp between cuts.

First, mowing height. Scalping the lawn short might buy an extra few days, but it stresses the grass and invites weeds. Most lawns do best cut at a moderate height with sharp blades — a clean cut heals fast, while torn tips brown off and look scruffy within days.

Second, edges. A mowed lawn with shaggy edges still looks untidy; a quick edge trim along paths, driveways and garden borders is the cheapest facelift in gardening. Third, deal with clippings sensibly: light clippings can mulch back in, but heavy spring growth should come off so it does not smother the sward.

Watering matters through a dry Canterbury summer — deep and infrequent beats a daily sprinkle, because it pushes roots down. And if the mower lives in the shed gathering dust while the grass gathers seed heads, that is what local mowing services are for.

In Rangiora and North Canterbury, Nate’s Tree Service mows average size lawns for $60 plus GST, one-offs and regulars both welcome. Call 027 848 0119 or PM the Facebook page for a free quote.