Compaction

If they are used, all lawns will suffer compaction. Compaction means that water runs off the soil and drought conditions exist. Fine grasses are discouraged and moss is encouraged. If you're on clay it is a particular problem and your lawn is almost certainly affected. If you turn your mower around on the same spot every time you cut your lawn, or you walk across the same stretch of grass, you will create compaction.

How to recognise compaction?
• The ground feels hard
• Bare patches appear
• The soil often cracks before a real drought has set in
• Water does not drain away after rain

How do you get rid of thatch?
The solution is spiking.

• The hard-work way is with a garden fork. Insert four to five inches, wriggle around and withdraw. Repeat every few inches.

• With a large lawn it could take you years. This all sounds like hard work - don't worry, it can be quickly an easily achieved with a Westwood Lawngroomer or something similar (available to hire from your DIY store).

• After your first treatment, a programme of regular spiking is desirable and will prevent compaction arising again.

• It is also a good idea to change and vary the traffic patterns on your lawn. An obstacle such as a flowerpot placed on the lawn will quickly redirect habitual walking patterns.

• Learn to cut your grass in a different direction so you don't turn your mower on the same patch every time.