August 16, 2024
Wild flower turf is a wonderful investment for you, your garden, and the environment! And it’s a gorgeous sight when your wild flowers are blooming with colour and thriving with tall, strong stems. But with its unique mixture of floral species, how can you effectively care for wild flower turf to produce a healthy and stunning floral display?
This guide provides the best lawn care advice for watering, mowing, weeding, and feeding your wild flower turf. The good news is that it’s not as hard as you think! Let’s dig in.
Although the name suggests it’s a ‘wild’ product, and its intention is to look natural and untamed, a small element of maintenance is required to get the most from your wild flower lawn, especially when it’s first been laid.
With new, freshly rolled-out wild flower turf, you’ll need to keep it thoroughly watered (if it’s not raining). For the first week, water your lawn daily, sometimes twice a day if it’s particularly warm. You want the water to soak through to the soil, so lift the corner of your turf to make sure the soil is moist. Aim to water in the morning or evening so your turf can absorb the water before it evaporates.
Natural turf is at risk of drying out, so it’s essential to keep your wild flower turf hydrated. This will encourage the roots to grow deep and anchor in. Over the first four weeks, give the corner of your turf a little tug; if it lifts easily, it’s not established. But as it resists, you can reduce how often you water, i.e., every other day in week two and a couple of times in weeks three and four.
Like other natural turfs, give it a few weeks to settle in. If you mow it too soon, you risk ripping it up and damaging the roots. For your first cut, use a high mower setting and gradually lower it. The beauty of it is that it has that charismatic, untidy look; you can keep it as long as you like! However, regular cuts can help suppress weeds in the first year and encourage healthy growth of the perennials, annuals and grass species. In the first two months, keep the cut height around 5cm. Then, depending on the desired results, lower the cut to 4cm and mow once a month. Once your lawn is established, your wild flower lawn only requires two or three mows a year.
Spring – Aim for the end of April, and cut your grass between 3 and 7cm – again, it depends on the aesthetic you’re looking for. A spring mow will trim long grasses, creating space for flowers to bloom. It’ll also encourage awakening pollinators to visit your garden too. If you prefer, you can opt for ‘no mow May’, allowing your wild flower lawn to recreate a lush meadow-like look.
Summer – If its becoming quite dense, a late-August mow can help thin out bulky areas, particularly where grasses have thrived. Top tip: leave your cuttings for a day or two to allow the cut flowers to drop their seeds. Then, rake up any debris and compost for later use.
Autumn – As you would give your lawn one last cut before putting it to bed for winter, you can do the same for your wild flower turf. Again, this helps thin out the grasses and allows flowers to flourish. It also gives your lawn a neat cut for winter.
Mowing your wild flower turf depends on the type of turf you have and your desired results. One of the attractive features is its long, beautiful grass blades and flowers. However, long grass can be tricky to cut, especially if you’re not used to it. Long grass can be a challenge for some lawnmowers. So, if you have a small area, we recommend using a strimmer. Larger areas of wild flowers that have been left to grow of their own free will may require a heavy-duty mower to deliver a tidy trim without harming your grass or soil.
As wild flower lawns are ideal habitats for small, nestling creatures, check that no animals, such as toads or hedgehogs, are sheltering in your lawn before you mow. Once you have mowed, be sure to clear the debris so it doesn’t block sunlight or nutrients from reaching your soil. You can compost these clippings and use them as mulch next season.
You’re in luck! Wild flower turf favours poor-performing, low-nutrient soils, so it doesn’t require fertilising. It’s known for seeking out the essential nutrients it requires – with an intricate root system, it can stay hydrated during droughts, survive heavy downpours, and maintain its colour throughout the seasons. By adding extra nutrients, you will only encourage the grass species to grow quicker, taking space from your colourful flowers. Leave it to its own devices and watch it self-flourish.
Wild flower turf requires minimal weeding. So, if weeding is the bane of your gardening life, this turf could be the one for you! But weeds are wild flowers, right? Well, yes and no. Technically, they are wild, and some have beautiful buds that could easily blend in with other flowers. However, left alone, weeds can overpower plants around them, stealing their nutrients and diminishing their growth. If unchallenged, you’ll end up with a lawn full of weeds rather than mixed species of pollinating plants. Keep an eye out for unwanted weeds and remove them from the root.
Wild flower turf is becoming a popular choice for landscapers and homeowners to decorate their outdoor spaces. Whether you desire a small space to support the bees or are looking for an easy, low-maintenance lawn, wild flower is blooming with benefits. To learn more about these perks, read our dedicated blog on the benefits of wild flower turf.
If you have any questions or need support with your existing wild flower lawn, get in touch with our friendly team. Alternatively, head straight to our high-quality wild flower turf and order yours today.
CALL US NOW ON 01234 818 253
Dedicated Two-Hour Time Slot
20+ Years In Business