Summer Entertaining on a Lawn to be Proud Of
It looks like summer is finally here. If you’ve been looking after your lawn all year you probably want to show it off, and what better way than having a few friends over to enjoy it with you. The team at All Green Lawn Treatments have been looking at some of the ways you can get your garden ready for some al fresco entertaining without damaging your lawn. We’ve also got a couple of tips for last-minute tasks that will make sure your lawn looks its best.
Comfy Seating
We’re not going to talk too much about the type of outdoor seating you choose. This will largely depend on how much space you have, and what your budget is. Also consider how many people will need to be seated. If you regularly entertain, then splashing out on a larger outdoor sofa set may be worth it. However, if you’re generally catering to a smaller number of people, it may be better to buy folding chairs to use as and when you need them – particularly if space is tight.
As lawncare professionals, we’re much more concerned about where you put seats, and that means keeping them off the grass as much as possible. We know that it can be nice to sit on the lawn, especially if that’s where the shade is, but it really won’t do it any good. Garden furniture on the lawn can cause damage and dryness, and the heavier the furniture is, the more damage it will do. If you do need to place chairs on the lawn, make sure you remove them as soon as possible. It’s much better though to keep furniture on decks and patios, and it’s even worth thinking about creating multiple decking areasto make the most of both the shade and the sun.
Intimate Lighting
There are few things that make a garden look as pretty as a string of lights. The big decision is whether you choose wired or solar lights. Wired lights tend to be brighter, which may be less important for decorative lights, but you will need to either wire them in or connect them to an outdoor socket. Solar lights are more versatile as they are much easier to move around, so if you’re the type of person who likes to ring the changes, they may be better for you. Staked solar lights in the lawn are also simple to remove when you cut the grass, which will prevent them getting damaged. In general, it’s inadvisable to have fixed lights in, or very close to your lawn, as they can get damage both from the mower itself or from debris that is thrown up as you cut.
Cosy Heating
Ok, we’re hoping for long hot days well into September, but we know that the evenings are likely to get cold. Fire pits are probably the easiest way to keep your guests warm, and they come in a range of prices to suite every budget. If you’re really handy, you can even build your own.
Again, like outdoor furniture, we’d advise that you keep your fire pit off your lawn. The heat can scorch the earth underneath. If you have no choice but to put your fire pit on your lawn, you could create a mini patio with a couple of paving slabs. Alternatively, it’s possible to buy heat guard mats to go under a fire pit. These will go some way toward protecting your lawn and are worth using on decking to protect the wood.
A Lush Lawn
Now to our main concern. Making sure that your lawn does you justice. If you’ve been following one of All Green Lawn Treatments’ year-round lawn treatment programmes, then you should have a head start when it comes to a great looking lawn. Some little tweaks can still make it look even better.
Start by removing any fallen branches or other debris from the grass. Mow the lawn if it needs it, but bear in mind that your lawn will need mowing less regularly than it did earlier in the year. If we’ve had a long period of dry weather, raise the mower blades to allow the grass to retain moisture.
While we’re discussing moisture, don’t be tempted to water your lawn just before your guests arrive. The last thing you want is lots of visitors walking across damp grass. If you do need to water the lawn, do it at least the evening before.
Finally, going round the lawn with an edging tool can instantly spruce up your garden, making it look neat, tidy and ready for action.
Long term, the most effective way to get a garden to be proud to show off, is to care for it. Contact All Green Lawn Treatments today to discover how you can get a lawn worth showing off.