With the new season in sight, presentation is foremost. 

Mowing frequency should be at least three times per week to maintain turf density.  Height of cut should be between 20mm and 35mm.  Do not mow below 30mm if the weather is hot and irrigation is limited.  

Aeration is still a key operation during August to maintain drainage and gas exchange.  Needle tines are ideal at this time letting air and water in with minimal surface disruption.  Aeration should be at varying depths to avoid soil pan development. 

Irrigation continues to be a priority, especially on repaired and over-seeded areas which must not be allowed to dry out.  Water penetration aids such as Ultraflo Advance aid water infiltration through the sod and soil encouraging effective deep rooting.  Ultraflo Advancecan significantly reduce the overall water gift and cost by achieving an overall excellent water entry to the turf without the need to over-water.  Deeper rooting ensures a deeper, larger area of water capture by the roots with greater drought resistance. 

Continue to apply VitaSil monthly to harden blades and encourage upright growth for a clean cut, and regulate water within the turf as temperature increases.  Continued application of VitaKelp will aid enzyme activity in the turf and boost micro-organism activity in the organic layer helping to reduce debris build up.  Amino-sorb F will aid seedling growth, deep rooting and stress resistance in the turf through the warm period.   

Watch out for turf diseases: Red Thread, Fairy Rings, Anthracnose and Leaf Spot.  Fertilisation with SwardPhite and VitaSil plus higher K fertiliser will reduce the turf’s susceptibility to disease attack.

August summary:

• Mow height 20mm to 30mm (take care with re-seeded areas, do not cut below 30mm) with increased mowing frequency.

• SwardPhite and Amino-sorb F to improve seedling growth and root depth. 

• VitaKelp

• Liquid fertiliser application is ideal in summer, use Vitax Enhance F or 50-50 liquid Feed.

• Irrigation as necessary, especially during hot dry periods.

• Brushing to remove dew and debris.

• Disease vigilance.