Planning a New Lawn

Before creating a new lawn, there are many things that you will need to consider. For example, what type of lawn do you want? A utility lawn which can be used as a play area? A high quality lawn with a perfect appearance? Or perhaps an un-mown grassland to attract wildlife?

You will also need to think about the design of the lawn and where to site it, taking into account how it will fit in with the rest of the garden - to the other features, plants and layout - so that it forms a satisfying and unifying part of the overall design.

Whatever type of lawn you decide upon, the key to establishing it successfully is through careful site preparation; ensuring that the ground is properly levelled, drained and fertilized. Although this may seem time-consuming, it is far easier and cheaper to prepare the site properly at the outset than to try to solve any resulting problems later.

Lawn Types: Using mown and unmown grass to provide utility, sports, ornamental or wildlife lawns.
Lawn Design: A good lawn design will ensure that it is convenient to maintain, pleasurable to use, and enhances the rest of your garden.
Non-Grass Lawns: Planting chamomile, thyme or kidneyweed to create a decorative or fragrant lawn.
Grass Varieties: A look at the differences in grass species used in subtropical and temperate climates.
Choosing the Grass Type: Advice on selecting grass species for utility, sports, high quality and problem lawns.
Preparing the Site: Clearing the ground of previous plant growth, weeds and stones.
Preparing the Soil: Ensuring that the soil is at the optimum pH level and is adequately drained.
Creating a Level Surface: A step-by-step guide to making sure that your new lawn is absolutely level.
Creating a Slope: Find out how to create an evenly sloping lawn.
Final Site Preparations: At look at the finishing touches you should carry out before laying or sowing your new lawn.