Do you sharpen your mower blades regularly? If it that may well make a difference and orevent it ‘sucking’ up your grass.
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
Well, grass isn't working so you need either to improve the soil, re-sow and nurture - which includes not cutting for several weeks - or else find a plan B and do something completely different.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
The lawn is sparse and patchy necause of the tree/s, not the mower! Grass would naturally 'tiller and fill in gaps if a) it's the right type of grass, and b) conditions are suitable. A bagging mower won't suck up fresh grass shoots if it's set at a sensible height.
Do you thin the trees now and again? I'd do that this winter, dress the lawn and broadcast sow a shade-tolerant seed. Put on a sprinkler during dry spells in the spring and cut at a high setting, or even consider taking the bag off to cut and drop if it's not too long.
I'm with @Obelixx. It's a relentless cycle of wasted effort to fight your conditions. I love a bit of grass, but if I was in an area of low rainfall, and I had trees sucking up the available light and moisture, I'd definitely have a rethink. Low growing groundcover, which doesn't mind dry shade, would also be an option.
Maybe you could market that new type of lawnmower as well though ....
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
This was the lawn in April 2018 after a wet winter.As you can see the grass grows well round the tree. It is only when mowing in dryer weather that the mower sucks up the soil (even on the highest cut) leaving bare patches which I then have to fill in a reseed. Last year I cut it several times with hand shears and the grass grew much better,hence asking my original question as to whether hand mower was better with no 'sucking' action.
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
If you're not sure about buying one yet, why don't you borrow a mower without a "sucking" action and try it out first?
Have already ordered one! Not too expensive so will see how it goes. Also going to reseed etc and will have to keep well watered if this dry spell continues! Wish me luck and I shall have to update on any progress
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
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East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
Do you thin the trees now and again? I'd do that this winter, dress the lawn and broadcast sow a shade-tolerant seed. Put on a sprinkler during dry spells in the spring and cut at a high setting, or even consider taking the bag off to cut and drop if it's not too long.
I love a bit of grass, but if I was in an area of low rainfall, and I had trees sucking up the available light and moisture, I'd definitely have a rethink. Low growing groundcover, which doesn't mind dry shade, would also be an option.
Maybe you could market that new type of lawnmower as well though ....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Some areas are OK and when we have some decent rain it can actually get quite lush!
Looking around for a seed mix for dry shade to go under the tree.
Would anyone know if this was any good or could anyone recommend another mix?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Graminex-Premium-Professionals-Evergreen-Maintenance/dp/B07Q6VVLR7/ref=sr_1_14?crid=2U3D8CQFLG62J&keywords=lawnsmith+staygreen+grass+seed&qid=1567443052&refinements=p_72%3A419153031&rnid=419152031&s=gateway&sprefix=staygreen%2Caps%2C326&sr=8-14
This was the lawn in April 2018 after a wet winter.As you can see the grass grows well round the tree.
It is only when mowing in dryer weather that the mower sucks up the soil (even on the highest cut) leaving bare patches which I then have to fill in a reseed.
Last year I cut it several times with hand shears and the grass grew much better,hence asking my original question as to whether hand mower was better with no 'sucking' action.
Try A1Lawn for seed - I've used them before and the seed has be good.
Have already ordered one!
Not too expensive so will see how it goes.
Also going to reseed etc and will have to keep well watered if this dry spell continues!
Wish me luck and I shall have to update on any progress