Premier League groundsman on how to get the perfect striped lawn at home

Summer 2024 is gearing up to be a spectacular season for sports enthusiasts, with a calendar packed with events including Wimbledon, The Grand National, The Open, and the European Championship. As we tune in to watch these events on our televisions, it's likely that our thoughts will drift to the state of our own gardens, particularly those lawns that are far from being pitch-perfect.

For those who feel their backyard resembles a wild thicket more than a pristine playing field, there's expert advice available. James Williams, the esteemed Head Groundsman at London Stadium, which is the stomping ground for West Ham FC, has shared his insider knowledge on achieving that enviable striped lawn effect at home, reports the Mirror.

Boasting an impressive 18-year career in the sports turf industry, Williams is well-versed in the art of lawn striping. The turf specialist explained: "With regards to how to get the perfect striped football pitch lawn at home, the stripes come from the direction the grass is rolled or brushed and have nothing to do with the height of the grass."

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He also cautioned against overzealous mowing: "When cutting your lawn try not to cut too much at once as it causes stress to the grass plant. I would advise taking the height down gradually rather than all at once."

Mr Williams went on to offer some practical advice for achieving that professional look: "My suggestion would be to use a tight string line for cutting instead of doing it by eye - this will give you the base to create your striped lawn."

To finish off the process, he recommended: "After you've cut your lawn, use either a roller or brush to create the perfect stripe pattern - be sure to go in alternate directions to get the perfect stripe."

Mr Williams was asked how frequently homeowners should mow their lawns. He explained that the frequency of lawn mowing depends on two key factors: the quantity of fertiliser used and the time of year, considering temperature and sunlight levels.

He advised: "On average, homeowners should be looking to cut their grass, once a week, especially at this time of year. If you're looking to slow down the growth of your lawn, consider using a growth regulator - this will mean you won't have to cut your grass as often."