Tips & Advice
Straightforward advice on keeping a Berkshire garden tidy, whatever the season throws at it.
When to give the lawn its first cut
Wait until the grass is dry and growing steadily, usually mid to late March in Berkshire. Set the mower high for the first couple of cuts and lower it gradually. Scalping a lawn too early is the most common reason it looks patchy by May.
Why hedge cutting pauses from March
Most birds nest in hedges and shrubs between March and August, and disturbing an active nest is against the law. We hold off on hard hedge cuts through this window and stick to lawns, borders and anything that doesn't touch the hedge line.
How often should you really mow in summer?
Weekly beats fortnightly once the growing season kicks in properly. Cutting a shorter amount more often keeps the lawn thicker and stops it scalping in a heatwave.
Watering without wasting it
A long soak twice a week beats a light sprinkle every day. Water early morning or evening so it reaches the roots instead of evaporating, and let the lawn go a little dry between waterings; it encourages deeper, more drought resistant roots.
Getting a garden ready for winter
One last hard cut back on hedges and shrubs before growth slows down saves a much bigger job in spring. Worth booking in before the clocks change, along with a final mow and a clear of fallen leaves before they smother the lawn.
Fortnightly or one-off: which suits your garden?
A fortnightly rota suits a garden you want to stay looking after itself all year. A one-off works when you just need it brought back under control before deciding what's next, and winter is the easiest time to book one in before spring gets busy.