Ordinarily at this time of year, grass court tennis would once again be providing the soundtrack to our summers, with the season getting into full flow across Europe.

Of course, circumstances are a little different right now, and the absence of the grass court swing will be keenly felt.

Nevertheless, the surface still comes into its own during these summer months, so our Groundstaff have put together a list of key tips for lawn care and growth at home.

Whether you're blessed with sprawling acres or a patch of grass, the below pointers will help you replicate the Wimbledon look at home - and might just help fill the tennis-shaped void in your life!

Seeding

If you’re at the seeding stage, it’s important to choose a seed that’s suitable for your needs.

Our courts are 100% rye grass to cope with the hard wear they experience during The Championships.

For lawns that won’t experience such heavy wear, an 'ornamental' look is best achieved using fine-leaved turf grasses.

If you’re finding birds a problem during seeding - and don't have a hawk named Rufus to help out - you can place a protective fleece over the top, which also helps promote germination. Net curtains will also suffice!

Scarification

Make sure to lightly scarify your lawn with a springbok rake to remove moss and weeds.

Aeration

Using a garden fork, make small holes in your lawn at regular intervals to allow oxygen to get down into the soil and roots.

Watering

Water is obviously key. Do it regularly but be considerate of the temperature and climate at the time.

That said, don’t be afraid of scorching the grass by watering on a hot day - you’ll be fine!

Tool Maintenance

Make sure you keep your tools clean and sharp – blunt tools will rip at the plant rather than cut it cleanly and open it up to disease.

Fertilising

When choosing a fertiliser, make sure you pick one that suits the time of year and your needs.

If you're after a lawn with that Wimbledon green, choose a fertiliser with a bit of iron in it.

Mowing

It’s important to set aside time for mowing at least once a week, but be considerate of the conditions - avoid cutting wetting grass, and don’t set your blades too low in dry and hot conditions.

During The Championships, the Wimbledon grass is cut to 8mm high. Grass on an ornamental lawn should be cut to around 10mm high.

For the more advanced gardeners out there, the iconic Wimbledon grass ‘stripes’ can be somewhat replicated by cutting up and down your lawn in straight lines while using a cylinder mower with rollers.

Ultimately, remember that lawns are a living surface - keep giving them attention and you’ll get the rewards.

We'd love to see how you get on, so make sure to send us your best lawn care efforts on social media or at socialmedia@aeltc.com.