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HEDGEHOG PROBLEM

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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    At first glance l will say that it doesn't look as bad as l was expecting @sheenarollo.
    Bear in mind that a newly laid lawn will take time to be established and requires a lot of maintenance to keep it look it weed free and green, and not many of us have the time and inclination for that.
    Lower light levels at this time of year will lead to yellowing and possibly an increase in moss (l think I'm right in saying). 
    It's possible that it it is some chafer damage. Do you have any photos of the poo that you referred to ?

    Also l'm wondering why you thought it might be hedgehog(s) damage. Have you seen them in your garden previously? 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    looks to me to be more a drainage problem. I'd wait until the weather warms up and it start growing.
    Devon.
  • Sorry but no photos of poo....although other half who disposed of it thought a cat. 
    There had been growing concern there was rats in the garden because of the trails in the grass....every day there was more trails until the albeit small lawn became flatter with the trails and change in colour of grass...we were told by our amateur gardening neighbour the trails didn't belong to rats as they would go straight and not snake like....we were at the point of dealing with rats until neighbour said no and he said it looks like hedgehog. So we are left with this poor looking lawn. We are going to contact the contractor who laid the lawn and see if he can advise ...fingers crossed he may say chaffing also. Thanks
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    No problem, hope you can solve the mystery. I'd be interested to know what he says :) 
    It may be worth borrowing or investing in a trail cam if it continues. Lots of forum members have them, including me, and it's fascinating what they reveal. 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Both my lawns look a bit like your last three photos at the moment @sheenarollo, due to being constantly wet, little sun, and the worms taking advantage of those conditions.  I think you've also got a four legged visitor too!  Here's some more information for you, could it be as simple as this?  Worm casts in lawns / RHS Gardening
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited January 2022
    A creature, possibly a hedgehog, has pootled across the lawn looking for invertebrates, including slugs, snails and beetles, for his supper.  He has done no harm to the lawn that I can see ... he or she has left a trail through the grass in last autumn's photographs because the grass is a little long but that's not unusual for a newly turfed lawn.  Once the lawn is being regularly mowed at a medium height that will trigger the growth of 'tillers' i.e. sideshoots, and this will thicken up the grass  and it will look green and healthy.  

    I would be interested to see a photograph of the droppings you are concerned about ... hopefully we can identify them for you. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's also possible the lawn hasn't been well enough watered after laying. It was a very dry autumn in many areas, and even a small lawn needs loads of water until established. 
    If that's the case, the grass would also be weaker, and the chafer/crane fly larvae have an easier time of it. 
    That damage certainly isn't from a hedgehog   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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