THIS week I would like to talk to you about lawns.

It's the time of the year when moss will show up a little more that it normally would and after all the stresses and strains of the winter it's time to give it the once-over with a few lawn tips.

Firstly look at the shape of your lawn. Will you be keeping the old shape, would you like a different shape, or would you like to go bold and reshape the lawn into a geometric shape that makes a statement?

What ever you do always make sure its within your capability for keeping it nice.

I saw a star-shaped front lawn in Brough a few months ago which was fantastic, but the owner now wishes she had done something different as it is very high maintenance and as it is at the front of her house it must look good.

You should also think of lawn edging. Block paving the edge just below the level of the lawn works wonders and it means the grass edge can grow a little over and you don't have to edge it each week. There are also lawn edges available made from aluminum. These are great and keep the grass edge from falling in.

Now with the shape and edges sorted out how about the lawn itself? There are so many off-the-shelf grass products available you are really spoilt for choice. One that comes to mind is Evergreen Complete. It contains iron sulphate to kill the moss and nitrogen, potassium and phosphates for growth, roots and leaves.

Before you get sprinkling, consider aerating your lawn. This is done with a garden fork by plunging it into your lawn and opening out the roots. Or there are tools for aeration that take out a round core each time or even petrol driven machines that really do save all the hard work.

What this does it opens out your lawn a little, lets it breath and improves drainage.

You can then top dress the lawn with a lawn sand mixture or do what the golf courses do and spread rubber crumb into the holes. Rubber crumb is a recycled product that doesn't degrade at all and makes your lawn feel spongy. I will be showing you what it is all about in a week or so as I have a lawn to rubber crumb shortly.

Next is to cut your grass. You would think this is simple, well it is really. If you want stripes then you need a roller on the back of your mower or in some cases a rubber strip to lay the grass in the direction you are going.

If you have a four-wheeled mower keep as close to the edge as you can without dropping off and scalping a section of grass out. The optimum grass length to mow to for now and through the summer is 25mm to 28mm.

Now, I really don't want you all to be out measuring the grass after you have cut it, the mower broacher should tell you what levels and what depth of cut.

Now edge the lawn. Using edge clippers and trimming the straggly grass from the edge always creates a sharp contrast between the grass and your border. This always finishes off the cared-for look. I go through at least five pairs of edging shears each year simply because I wear them out.

Now you need the weed, feed and moss kill. Sprinkle it just as the instructions tell you, too little and it might not work very well, too much and you could scorch your lawn and it will take ages to come back.

Some need watering, some don't and have polymer coverings for the feeds, but the instructions will tell you.

Once the feed, weed and moss kill is done, you can sit back and wait – well not really. If you have heavy moss and it dies you really need to scarify it out. Scarifiers come with springy tines or blades. I am lucky enough to have one with blades and it removes dead grass and moss at an alarming rate.

This is a little like combing through you hair for the lawn. It removes all the debris and more. It lets the lawn breath and removes all the dead grass (thatch) making the lawn drain better.

So a few pointers to remember as you look after your lawn throughout the year:

Aerate to let the grass breath and drain better.

Feed, weed and moss kill in the spring and when directed on the packet.

Moss always grows back, so keep on top of it.

Scarify your lawn to remove lots of moss and thatch.

Edge your lawn for a sharp contrast or use blocks or lawn edging.

Rubber crumb or lawn sand your lawn.

Mow at 25mm to 28mm height.

Roller your lawn to keep it flat or iron out bumps.

Remember to keep treating for moss, it sneaks back if you are not looking.

I hope your lawns will all be looking lush this year. If you have any problems you could call me on 07723 344540 or e-mail john@johncavilldesign.co.uk

Alternatively, the lawn treatment expert that I have been working with recently is John Brumby of Moody Boots Groundcare in Elsham, near Brigg. John's number is 01652 682775 or 07525 323654 or visit www.muddybootgroundcare.co.uk if you would like John to take all the hard work out of looking after your lawn.