Get Premier League-quality lawn stripes with tips from London Stadium's groundsman
James Williams, Head Groundsman at London Stadium, home to West Ham FC has revealed his top tips on how to get the perfect striped football pitch lawn at home.
Get ready for a sizzling Summer 2024, packed with sporting spectacles including Wimbledon, The Grand National, The Open, and the eagerly anticipated Euros. As these events grace our TV screens, they might just inspire us to glance at our own backyards, particularly those lawns that are far from pitch-perfect.
For those whose gardens resemble a wild thicket rather than the hallowed turf of Wembley, fear not, as help is at hand from an industry expert. James Williams, the esteemed Head Groundsman at London Stadium, the stomping ground of West Ham FC, has come forward with his insider advice on achieving that enviable striped football pitch look in your own garden.
Boasting 18 years of experience in sports turf management, Williams is well-versed in the art of perfect lawn stripes, reports the Mirror.
The turf guru said: "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.
"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."
Williams didn't hold back on sharing his personal secrets for achieving that pristine pitch: "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.
"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."
How often should homeowners be cutting their lawns?
When asked how often homeowners should be cutting their lawns, James said the number of times grass needs cutting is dependent on two factors: the amount of fertiliser used and the time of year in terms of temperature and sunlight levels.
James said: "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."
