Width of cut is important as the wider the cut the less time it will take to mow a given area. Usually a machine giving a 12 to 14m (30 to 35cm) cut will be satisfactory for smaller lawns. If the lawn is of larger size, measure the area and consult a mower specialist regarding the most suitable size of machine. Important points to observe when mowing: Mow only when the grass is dryAlways plan mowing to minimize compaction and wear from overlapping and reversingAlways mow at right angles to the line of the previous cut as this helps to control creeping weeds and bentsAlways scatter wore casts before mowingNever leave the mower standing on the lawn. Fuel drips leave disfiguring brown patches. IRRIGATION During dry periods water should be given as soon as the firstF signs of drought are recognised; namely a dullness in leaf colour and loss oil resilience. These signs may be encountered when there has been no rainfall! for seven to ю days, excluding light showers. If ignored the leaves! progressively turn yellow then brown, the crowns shrivel, the roots becomes dessicated and the grass dies. WEED CONTROL No lawn remains free of weeds indefinitely. Weed seeds' are blown in by the wind, deposited by birds or by muddy footwear from! where weeds have seeded on nearby paths. Small, quick-rooting sections of creeping weeds are spread by the mower or by nesting birds, e.g.» speedwell. Hand-weeding is practical where there are only scattered large weeds such as plantain, but where weeds are numerous or varied the most! effective approach is to use a selective lawn weedkiller spray (see Table 4, \ Chapter 34, Herbicides for Lawns, p.339). A product containing two ingredients will usually control a wider range of weed species than one with a single active ingredient. For maximum effect apply in spring or summer in warm, damp weather conditions when grass and weeds are growing vigorously. Apply fertiliser; seven to 10 days before spring weedkilling which will stimulate weed I growth, increase the effectiveness of the kill and encourage rapid grass recolonization of bare patches left as the weeds shrivel and die. Some weeds will be killed by a single carefully applied treatment but at t least two applications at five- to six-week intervals may be needed to kill others. Do not apply lawn weedkillers in cold or windy conditions, or immediately before or after mowing. MOSS CONTROL Moss colonizes lawns whenever grass growth is weak. It can be temporarily controlled by using moss killers but will return unless the reasons for infestation are established, then corrected. These may be poor soil fertility and lack of feeding, lack of aeration, faulty drainage, excessive shade, too close mowing or disease or pest attack. Occasionally the soil may be too acid and will benefit from a dressing of lime, but various mosses may be encountered as troublesome lawn weeds on all types of soil. Permanent control lies in the identification and correction of the cultural factors causing poor turf growth.