Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About Lawn Care?
Below are a few of the common questions we get asked about lawn care, if you still have questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on the details below the FAQ’s.
Are Your Fertilisers and Lawn Weedkillers Safe for Pets?

Cats and dogs: With most fertilisers, cats and dogs should be excluded from the treated area for 24-48 hours. Environmental factors such as rain and temperature should be taken into account. We recommend excluding pets from areas treated with fertilisers that contain iron until it has been watered in or rain has washed the product into the soil. This is because pets can bring material into the home that will cause staining on hard and soft furnishings. ONYX, the organic component of SmartLawn DroughtSafe, may cause brown staining when wet. In this case, we recommend that pets do not have access to lawns treated with DroughtSafe unless the lawn is dry.

Guinea pig and rabbits: There is no specific guidance provided for these pets, but we would encourage sensible precautions. Exclude guinea pigs and rabbits from treated areas for at least 7 days after application of granular or liquid fertilisers and wait for fertiliser to be washed into soil by watering/raining.

Chickens and other poultry: Fertilisers should not be applied to areas where chickens, ducks and geese graze. This is because they are likely to ingest reasonably large amounts of granules mistaking them for seed or grit.

Lawn Weed Killer: We recommend you keep all pets off for at least 3 hours until the leaf is dry. Never allow grazing animals on treated lawns.

 

What Lawn Care Treatments Do I Really Need in the UK?
Essential treatments include regular feeding, seasonal aeration, scarification if moss/thatch is a problem, overseeding bare patches, and moss & weed control, using liquid or granular applications. Optional extras (like precision mowing patterns and perimeter strimming) help aesthetics but aren’t vital for lawn health.
Scarifying vs Aeration: How Often Should You Do Them?
Scarifying is best done once a year (autumn or spring) to remove thatch and moss. Aeration typically once a year too, especially in autumn, unless soil is compacted or heavily used – then possibly twice. Always time treatments when grass can recover quickly.
Overseeding Your Lawn: When and How Often Should You Do It?
Overseeding is best done in late summer or early autumn when soil is still warm; spring is the second-best window – be aware that in Autumn you may have falling leaves to contend with and in Spring you may need to water the seeds. Do it whenever there are bare or thinning patches. Use a good mix suited to your soil and climate, seed well, and water lightly until established.
Which Lawn Fertiliser Should I Use, and When?
.Spring: high nitrogen to boost lush green, growth. Summer: balanced feeds to maintain colour and strength, as well as biostimulants such as liquid seaweed to boost drought tolerance. Autumn: low nitrogen, higher potassium/phosphate to build root strength and frost resistance. Organic or slow-release options reduce risk of scorch and help soil health. Winter: Llow nutrient values, will help the lawns continued health without promoting soft growth, prone to disease.
When Should I Start Lawn Treatments?
You can start whenever you feel ready, though it’s best to begin treatments in spring, once frost has passed and soil is warming. Continue into summer, with key work in autumn (feeding, scarifying, overseeding). Though mild winters allow some treatment then too, major works are best in growing seasons..
Common Lawn Weeds, Pests and Diseases in the UK (and How to Treat Them)?

Common issues include dandelions, clover, moss, chafer grub, red thread, fusarium patch. Control by maintaining healthy thick sward (via feeding, overseeding, aeration), using selective weedkillers, moss removal, and fungicides for disease only when severe.

Is My Lawn Worth Saving, or Should I Re-Turf It?
If your lawn has large bare areas, persistent weeds, poor soil structure, or long neglect, refurbishing (aeration + overseeding + feeding) might suffice. Re-turfing is worth it when damage is widespread or budget/time allow, or you have dogs so needing a quick turnaround. Often, renovation is more sustainable and less costly.
How Much Maintenance Does a Lawn Really Need?
A healthy lawn needs mowing every week, or even better twice per week in growing season, feeding 4 times a year with biostimulant additions once or twice per year, watering during droughts, occasional aeration/scarification, and weed/moss control when needed. More spectacular lawns need more frequent care; simpler lawns can thrive with a modest regime.
Restoring a Worn or Trodden Lawn: A Brief Guide
First crown your lawn (cut very short) scarify or dethatch to remove debris. Aerate if the soil is compacted. Overseed bare spots with, mix suitable to shade/sun , a 50/50 mix of Rye/Fescue grass seed will give a good-looking hard-wearing sward. Top-dress the seed will increase germination. Keep watered and avoid heavy use until grass is established. Feed lightly to encourage recovery.(ask for our watering tips guide).
How and When Should You Water Your Lawn in the UK?
Start watering before your lawn has turned brown, this is simply too late and not worth wasting the water. Water deeply but infrequently for 15-20 minutes twice to three times per week, ideally early morning or late evening to minimise evaporation. Avoid overwatering which causes fungal issues; adjust based on soil type (sandy vs clay) and weather.

Ask Your Question

paul@beautifulgardens.co

Call Us

0800 0541165