How to Get Turf Like SW19

As Wimbledon fortnight begins the spotlight is on the tennis centre's perfect turf as much as the players.

Wimbledon has begun and the turf at SW19 is in pristine condition. The tennis tournament is the oldest of its kind in the world, having been held at the All England Tennis Club since 1877.

Wimbledon is the only major tennis tournament still played on grass which is the game's original surface, giving us the name 'lawn tennis'.

Many players have fought long volleying battles on the hallowed turf from Fred Perry, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf. Most recently British hopes have pinned on Andy Murray.

However, it is not just the tennis which gets people talking but the superior grass which takes a lot of work to keep in tip-top condition.

Kennedy's Turf, based in Salford near Manchester are experts in laying and caring for turf. Now is the perfect time to lay new turf and they have these top 10 tips for people caring for new lawns. Follow these simple rules to keep your new turf in a condition to rival Wimbledon.

1. New turf should be laid quickly and as soon as delivered.

2. The new turf will require to be watered every single evening for two full weeks. When the weather is hot, also water in the evening and the morning.

3. Don't let the rain put you off laying your turf, if you lay it on a wet day it will yield better results.

4. Do not use granular fertilisers on new turf when the weather is particularly dry.

5. Don't worry if gaps should appear in your new turf. Add decent compost and step up the watering.

6. Moisture will be kept in your turf if you use compost, so use it wisely.

7. Cut your new lawn after three to five days of being put down. This helps to encourage growth.

8. Sharpen your mower blades and do not cut the grass with blunt instruments.

9. If it is hot, nudge up the mowing height on your mower.

10. Water regularly. If you cannot use a hosepipe during a drought then use a watering can.