Prepare your outdoor spaces for the upcoming summer months

Spring is here and while it’s great to finally be out enjoying the great outdoors after a long, cold winter, it’s also time to start thinking about maintaining your garden so you can enjoy summer in a beautifully kept space. Whether it’s simply trimming lawn edges or establishing the right mowing routine, there’s plenty you can do to create a beautiful exterior space that you and the family can enjoy all summer long.

We’ve put together some of our top tips for getting your garden summer ready, and with our wide range of tools, garden maintenance will be simple, quick and easy.

Control grass and weed growth

While some areas of your lawn may have seen weed growth over the winter months, edges and smaller areas where lawn mowers cannot fit may also start to look untidy and ragged as grass growth picks up, so regular maintenance in these areas will help to keep your garden looking its best. To help make the maintenance even easier, our range of grass trimmers takes away all the effort, making it quick and simple to transform your lawn.

Our GT600E offers a high performance tool, with its 90° tilting cutting head making for effortlessly, speedy cutting. Its plant protection bar also makes it possible to trim close to plants and shrubs without damaging them and its telescopic shaft allows for increased operator comfort and manoeuvrability.

Revive grass by scarifying

Throughout the winter months, your lawn may have experienced a build-up of moss and debris. This can cause serious damage to your lawn as it restricts water, air and nutrients from reaching the grass root which can cause a stunt in growth and a number of diseases to establish. So, as growing season starts in spring, it’s the perfect time to scarify your lawn to restore its strength and vibrancy in time for summer.

For an effortless run, our SA32E Electric Powered Scarifier is perfectly equipped to tackle any lawn, bringing to an end hours of manual raking, easily removing thatch, weeds and other debris from lawns with its 13” scarifying drum and powerful 1400 W motor. With ergonomically positioned operator controls, the SA32E has also been designed to make operator use as comfortable and safe as possible. Plus, after scarification is complete and your lawn is free from any debris, the SA32E also comes equipped with a bladed aerator that has 12 high quality steel blades. This means that you will be able to break down any compacted soil beneath the grass so much needed air, water and nutrients can travel to the root and produce healthy, vigorous grass.

Prune trees and hedges

Whether your garden is full of hedges or trees, spring may be a great time to trim and prune them so they look neat and tidy and are ready for the upcoming season.

Pruning trees is a vital process in keeping it happy and healthy. The process mainly involves shortening its branches or removing any diseased or damaged wood to make sure that it doesn’t spread to the rest of the tree.  It also reduces the risk of wind damage and helps to maintain its structural integrity. Tress most prone to silver leaf disease are best pruned from April, so it’s best to check if any of your trees are at risk.

Hedges also require regular trimming, usually in spring and summer, to keep them dense and compact. Our HT55040VZ Cordless Hedgetrimmer is the perfect tool to help you tackle your hedges, with its 55cm double-sided blade and 40V Li-ion battery making light work of removing excess branches from hedges. Its double-sided feature also provides the ultimate product for shaping hedges as you can alter the direction of the cut easily and its ergonomically positioned controls not only makes operator use more comfortable but gives greater manoeuvrability.

For more labour-intensive tasks such as pruning trees, our CS1024V Cordless Chainsaw offers a lightweight chainsaw ideal for pruning and cutting jobs around the garden. The 10” Oregon bar and chain is always ready to tackle the job at hand, and with both machine’s battery design, it opens the door to countless uses, even in places with no electricity or in places where cords and cables won’t reach.

It’s important to invest in your garden now so that you not only have a luscious space to enjoy in the summer but also a garden you can be proud of all year round. Here at Cobra, we’re passionate about making your garden maintenance regime as simple and easy as possible, so your garden journey is one you can enjoy rather than dread.

Five Lawn Care Mistakes You Might be Making Without Knowing!

Caring for your lawn can be a challenging task, especially if you’re not aware of some of the most common mistakes you might be making that can lead to serious issues in the long term. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top five mistakes to watch out for when it comes to lawn care.

1. Mowing too short

Cutting your grass too short may seem like a great idea to avoid having to mow it again for a while, but it could actually be doing more harm than good and can lead to serious lawn-health issues in the long run. Over-cutting grass will reduce the surface area that is able to soak up crucial sunlight, making it thin and patchy as it doesn’t have enough nutrients to grow and is also stripped of essential moisture. We recommend mowing to a height of up to 1.5-2 inches in spring, 0.5-1 inch in summer and early autumn, and then finally 2-3 inches for the last few cuts of the year. A higher cut will help stimulate grass growth and encourage the blades to thicken over time, leading to healthier grass that is better at keeping weeds, diseases, and pests at bay.

2. Not mowing frequently enough

Neglecting to mow your lawn regularly can cause numerous issues, such as grass going to seed which is where it ends up looking more like a weed with white flowery stems. This can cause the grass to become extremely dense as the weight of the stems pulls grass flat. This heavy canopy of grass not only makes it harder to mow but it can also block out sunlight and prevent the absorption of moisture and nutrients. This could cause the grass to suffocate itself and makes an ideal home for many unwanted pests and insects.

We recommend investing in a high-quality lawnmower that can make the job quicker and more efficient. Our cordless MX3440V lawnmower is a powerful tool that makes mowing simple and easy. It runs off a battery meaning you can also save time trying to find a plug socket or setting the mower up. You could even consider investing in a robotic mower such as the Mowbot, which is capable of navigating around the garden by itself so you can put your feet up and let it do the work!

3. Using blunt, dirty, or damaged blades

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using blunt or damaged blades to mow the lawn as this could cause you to shred the grass as opposed to slicing it. This will be easy to spot as it will cause discolouration, rip out clumps of turf and patches of dead lawn that are more susceptible to pests and diseases. Make sure to regularly give blades a clean if not after each mow. If you think your blades need sharpening, take your tool to a professional or ensure you have the correct tools and safety equipment to undertake the task correctly and safely. We recommend sharpening your lawnmower blades a couple of times a year at a minimum.

4. Overwatering

Overwatering your lawn can lead to the ground becoming waterlogged, which hinders the circulation of air, water, and nutrients, adversely affecting grass root growth and making them more susceptible to diseases. The lack of air pockets in waterlogged soil deprives plants and grass of essential oxygen, weakening roots and making them more vulnerable. This can result in nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, and encourage the growth of harmful fungi like mould, mildew, and rust that cause lasting damage to lawns. If the ground feels hard and rainwater runs off easily, it indicates the lawn is waterlogged and shows the need for aeration.

Aerating the lawn enhances air and water movement in the soil, fostering a healthier root system that can better withstand periods of drought or waterlogging. Use the Cobra SA32E Electric Scarifier and Aerator on high-traffic or heavily compacted areas a couple of times a year to help facilitate air and moisture penetration for robust, vibrant growth.

5. Letting leaves and debris build-up

It can be tempting to let fallen leaves or debris build up but it is really important to regularly clear and rake as it can block out sunlight killing your lawn underneath. Leaving damp debris sitting on grass for a long period of time can also allow it to turn matted and cause thatch, becoming even harder to remove and encouraging fungus to grow. Leaves also prevent daylight and nutrients from reaching the grass, causing lots of future problems like weeds and moss. Regularly make the effort to remove debris with a scarifier to make the job less time-consuming in the long run. You can even use the organic matter to make compost or mulch ready for any new planting.

Avoiding these five lawn care mistakes can help keep your lawn healthy, green, and looking its best. With a little bit of attention and care, you can have a lush and vibrant lawn that you can be proud of.

Gear up for Spring! The three essential tools to transform your lawn

With the days getting longer and the sun beginning to seep through the clouds, it’s a sure sign that spring is on its way. Late winter or early spring marks the ideal time to dust off the lawnmower and gardening tools and give outdoor spaces a tidy-up in preparation for the new season ahead. To help, we have compiled a list of the three essential tools every homeowner needs and a guide to the most important Spring tasks.

1. Leaf blower and vacuum

Although the frost may be gone for the year, it’s important to keep lawns clear of debris and avoid walking on it. This will allow the grass and soil to absorb as much sunlight as possible, without risking soil compaction or root damage. By doing so, gardeners can encourage the growth of stronger and more vibrant lawns in the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

The BV6040VZ Cordless Blower Vacuum effortlessly switches between two functions to make clearing garden debris a breeze. Say goodbye to the tedious task of raking debris into piles and instead, easily suck it up and deposit it straight into a composter or garden waste bin!

2. Grass trimmer

To get the garden neat and tidy for springtime, now is an ideal time to trim lawn edges. After the winter months, the grass might have grown unevenly and left the edges looking rugged and unsightly. The small task of trimming and re-establishing the borders can make a big difference and can significantly improve the overall appearance of the garden. For hassle-free and quick edging, the GT3024V Cordless Grass Trimmer is the perfect tool. It has a 30mm cutting width and a 90-degree tilting cutting head that makes it easier to trim corners and create a beautiful finish around borders and verges. The GT3024V has an Eco Mode for quieter operation and longer battery life, while its Turbo Mode provides a more powerful trim with a faster-rotating head that can cut through a larger volume of grass.

3. Lawnmower with adjustable cutting height

If the weather has been dry for a few days and the ground is firm, it’s a good time to do the first mow of the year. The first few cuts are important because even though the grass may have started to grow, it still won’t be at its full strength. Therefore, it’s vital to take care and avoid causing damage to the grass.

We recommend checking that lawnmower blades are sharp to ensure a smooth cut. Blunt blades can tug at the grass, causing damage to the roots and impacting its growth for the year ahead. The highest cutting height should also be chosen, as only trimming the grass slightly will stimulate grass growth and encourage the blades to thicken over time.

The Cordless MX34440V lawnmower from offers 5 cutting heights between 25mm and 75mm, making it easy to adjust throughout the year to provide healthy grass during every season. Its battery-powered design also provides a powerful yet lightweight combination, eliminating the backache of looking after outdoor areas and the need for petrol and electric cables.

Nurturing Your Lawn through Winter: Dos and Don’ts for January

As winter descends with its freezing temperatures and blankets of frost and snow, many homeowners face the dilemma of how best to care for their lawns during these harsh conditions. While the instinct may be to clear away any frost and snow, it’s important to approach lawn care with caution to avoid inadvertently causing more harm than good.

Clearing snow and frost from your lawn may seem like a proactive step, but the reality is that even gentle efforts, such as raking or brushing, can lead to unintended consequences. However delicate you may be, raking or brushing snow, frost and ice from lawns can easily cause the blades of grass to split, and potentially damage the roots. Even standing on the grass when it’s in this fragile state can cause it to snap.

Walking or standing on a frosted or snow-covered lawn can also lead to compaction. This seemingly harmless act can prevent water from soaking into the ground, creating a compacted surface that jeopardizes the health of your lawn in the long run. Compacted lawns are more prone to diseases and may even result in the death of the turf.

Mowing the lawn in winter can also cause more harm than good. Winter grass is more vulnerable, and the blades can be irreversibly harmed by mowing. Instead, let your mower hibernate during winter, and adopt a gentle, infrequent mowing approach come spring to avoid shocking the recovering grass.

To shield your lawn from lasting damage this winter, allow snow and frost to settle naturally. Avoid the temptation to rake or shovel excessively, as this may create patchy spots that persist into spring. Additionally, clear your lawn of potential barriers to sunlight, such as garden furniture, toys, plant pots, leaf piles, and grass cuttings. Sunlight is a vital nutrient source for your lawn and depriving it now can lead to struggles in the upcoming growing seasons. Take the time to remove these items before the most severe winter weather hits.

The recovery of a lawn that has been affected by frost and cold winter weather depends on the extent of the damage. When the temperature rises, it’s best to wait and allow the grass to recover on its own. In many cases, the grass can bounce back even if it appears wilted or brown. However, if the damage is severe and there are large bare patches, consider overseeding those areas with a suitable grass seed. To help the grass recover further, avoid walking on the lawn as much as possible to prevent further stress. Additionally, water and fertilize the lawn as needed and aerate the lawn to relieve any compaction.

Restoring your lawn’s health after a period of heavy rainfall

British weather is notoriously rainy and unpredictable, but this last month has been filled with severe storms and heavy rainfall across the country. This type of weather can wreak havoc on gardens and landscapes so it’s important to ensure lawns are as prepared as they can be. We’ve compiled a guide to help you understand the severity of waterlogged lawns and highlight some preventative measures that will ensure your garden remains healthy and protected throughout these wetter autumn months. 

The impact of excessive rainfall on lawns 

When rain pours relentlessly, lawns can become compacted and challenging to manage. After long periods of rainfall, the ground can become oversaturated, and water is unable to drain away. Waterlogged soil impedes the flow of air, water, and nutrients, hindering grass root growth. Oxygen-starved roots become weaker and more prone to disease, nutrient deficiencies, and pest infestations. The damp conditions also foster the growth of fungi, causing discolouration and lasting damage. Heavy rainfall can also wash away the topsoil, exposing grassroots and leading to erosion, resulting in uneven surfaces and unattractive bare patches. 

Assessing the damage 

The signs of an oversaturated and waterlogged soil lawn are fairly obvious. The ground will feel squelchy and soft underfoot and there may be puddles or pools of water on the surface. Grass may also turn yellow or look wilted and limp. In the most severe cases, the lawn may be partly or fully submerged underwater.  

Five preventive solutions. 

The best way to ensure your lawn is protected against waterlogging is to implement some preventative strategies. By addressing the underlying causes of waterlogging and implementing these practical solutions, you can protect your lawn and avoid any severe damage.  

• Aeration: Throughout the year it is essential to aerate your lawn to increase air circulation, loosen soil and create small channels that allow water and nutrients to penetrate all the way to the roots. Autumn is the best time to scarify your lawn if it is suffering from compaction, which will be noticeable if the ground feels very hard and rainwater is running off it easily. This is not uncommon after hot weather and long summers spent in the garden. Aerating your lawn will create a healthier root system so that it will manage better in periods of heavy rainfall or waterlogging. Concentrate on areas that receive the most wear and or feel particularly hard underfoot. Cobra’s SA32E Electric Scarifier and Aerator has the ability to both scarify and aerate your lawn, which will allow air and moisture to reach the soil and encourage strong, vibrant growth.  

• Improve drainage: Identify areas of your lawn that are prone to flooding or pooling water. Consider adding a layer of mulch or compost to improve soil structure and drainage or create a man-made drainage channel to redirect the water.  

• Create a gradient: Another way to encourage water runoff and prevent pooling is to adjust the slope of your lawn to redirect water to a different area of the garden that has better drainage or to a drain itself. If there is a particularly low-level area of your garden, fill in those spots to improve the overall water distribution. 

• Plant strategically: Fill your garden with water-loving plants that thrive in really moist conditions as these will help absorb excess water during heavy rainfall events. 

• Monitor watering practices: Be careful to make sure you are not contributing to waterlogging by watering grass or plants too soon after rainfall. Adjust your routine to complement natural weather conditions during the autumn months as there is typically more rain than in the warmer months. 

Once you’ve implemented these preventive solutions, monitor your lawn’s progress. Regular maintenance and keeping an eye on drainage patterns will help prevent any future waterlogging issues. 

Essential tools to make winter garden maintenance safe, efficient and productive

1. Chainsaw for winter tree maintenance

Winter can be a daunting season, with the freezing temperatures and the added burden of snow and ice making the thought of going outdoors less appealing. Preparing your garden for the cold months ahead requires effort and planning, especially when there are trees or large bushes to maintain, but it pays dividends in the future. Thankfully, we have three essential tools to make this task more manageable and ensure the well-being of both gardeners and their landscapes during the treacherous winter working conditions!

One of the primary concerns during winter is the potential damage heavy snow and ice can inflict on trees – this is where a reliable chainsaw comes to the rescue. It becomes an indispensable tool for pruning and removing dead or damaged branches, which not only promotes the overall health and vitality of trees but also safeguards the surrounding plants.

Winter storms can easily bring down trees and branches, posing risks to homes, vehicles, and garden structures. Having a chainsaw on hand allows gardeners to keep their trees well-maintained and to swiftly clear away any fallen branches. Cobra’s CS35040VZ Cordless Chainsaw is equipped with a 14 inch Oregon bar and chain, offering superior cutting capabilities for both pruning trees and preparing firewood. Being battery powered, it eradicates the need for electricity cables or petrol, providing power at the touch of a button.

For homeowners with fireplaces or wood stoves, a chainsaw is an invaluable piece of winter kit. It efficiently processes fallen trees or trims branches into firewood, perfect for fire baskets and wood-burning stoves so homeowners can save on heating bills and reduce their carbon footprint without the cost of purchasing logs.

2. Long-reach hedge trimmer for those hard to reach places

Hedge trimming during winter can have numerous benefits but can be hazardous if not done with the right equipment, especially in cold and icy conditions. Now is the best time to trim your hedges as pruning when they’re dormant can promote healthier regrowth come spring and allow them to receive as much sunlight and circulation as possible.

The HT50LRH24V Long Reach Hedgetrimmer is designed to tackle even the most awkward jobs, with the versatility to change from a standard 50cm cutting length to the long reach option via a simple, attachable extension pole. It has a double-sided reciprocating precision cutting blade with a tooth spacing of 20mm, along with two-speed modes (eco and turbo), to make hedge shaping and tidying even easier.

Start by removing any dead or diseased branches and shape the hedge by trimming to the top and sides. Collect all the trimmings and dispose of them properly, you could even compost smaller branches or turn them into mulch.

3. Wood chipper for taming winter debris

Winter can leave gardens covered in leaves, twigs, and debris. A wood chipper quickly transforms this mess into valuable wood chips suitable for mulching, creating pathways, or enriching compost piles. The Cobra CHIP650L Wood Chipper is a robust machine, designed to handle branches up to 80mm/3″ in diameter, offering a compact yet powerful solution for winter garden maintenance needs.

As winter approaches, Cobra offer tools that empower homeowners to tackle the season’s challenges with ease, making labour-intensive tasks manageable and efficient whilst ensuring the safety and health of gardens and homeowners.

6 common mowing mistakes to avoid this autumn!

Amidst the falling amber leaves, darker evenings, and crisp air, many people tend to overlook the importance of maintaining lawncare practices throughout autumn and are unaware of the excess stress this is causing their precious lawns.

As the hot summer season fades away, autumn is a crucial time for you to give the garden that extra bit of attention to ensure it survives any difficult winter conditions and is healthy and vibrant when spring comes around again.

We’ve compiled the most common autumn mowing mistakes, to help you know what to avoid doing and set the foundation for a resilient lawn that thrives year after year.

1. Putting the mower away too early

In the autumn, grass typically grows more slowly as it focuses on strengthening its roots. While it is doing this, instead of stopping cutting, we advise that you raise the height of your mower’s cutting blade to approximately 5cm and only mow every week or fortnight.  This will stop putting undue stress on your grass and will leave longer grass stems for your lawn to capture sunlight as the amount it is exposed to reduces. We recommend purchasing a mower with a wide range of adjustable cutting heights so you can make better use of your machine all year round.

Our MX3440V Cordless lawnmower has five cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 75mm, making it the ideal machine for every season.

You’ll know it’s time to put your mower away between late September and October when you experience the first frost. When the time comes, make sure you don’t put your mower away dirty – clear off debris and wash away dirt to unclog blades and reduce the risk of lawn disease.

2. Mowing immediately after rainfall

Dry spells can be rare in autumn and a common mistake people make is to mow the lawn after it has been raining or whilst the grass is still wet. While it may be tempting to seek any opportunity to get the grass mown, mowing wet grass can damage your mower as it is more likely to clump and jam the cutting blades, which could cause things to overheat.

3. Not aerating your soil

After a long summer of BBQs, garden parties and relaxing in the sun, soil can become compacted, preventing your lawn from getting the water and nutrition it needs. Our SA32E Electric Scarifier and Aerator has been designed specifically to suit the UK’s changing seasons and the aerator blade makes quick work of breaking down any compacted soil. The machine uses steel blades to make small holes in the ground allowing better air circulation, improving soil structure, and boosting your lawn’s overall health – making it luscious and green come springtime

4. Forgetting to fertilise

Summer months packed full of varying temperatures, heatwaves and droughts, can sometimes leave lawns in need of a helping hand to get back to their prime. Apply a specifically formulated autumn feed to encourage root growth and give soil nutrients a boost. Sprinkle the fertiliser across your lawn and if it doesn’t rain within a day or two, water it in until absorbed.

5. Letting leaves and debris build up

It can be tempting to let fallen leaves build up but it is really important to regularly clear and rake debris as it can block out sunlight killing your lawn underneath. Leaving damp leaves sitting on grass for a long period of time can also allow them to turn matted and cause thatch, becoming even harder to remove and encouraging fungus to grow. Leaves also prevent daylight and nutrients from reaching the grass, causing lots of future problems like weeds and moss.

Regularly make the effort to remove leaves to make the job less time-consuming in the long run. You can even use the leaves to make compost or mulch ready for any new spring planting.

6. Ignoring brown or odd-coloured patches of grass

This year’s array of varied summer weather conditions will most likely have had a significant impact on lawn health across the country, so it is really important to pay close attention to any brown, dead or odd-coloured patches of grass. Autumn is the best time to reseed any patches of turf to ensure they get a chance to grow to a healthy level before winter, which will encourage more vibrant growth next spring. However, autumnal weather, being warm and damp, creates the perfect growing conditions for many fungi and lawn diseases. Keep an eye out for any changes to your lawn so you can act quickly and prevent a full infection from taking over your prized garden.

Why and how you should tackle the seemingly unimportant task of clearing autumn leaves.

As the season changes and trees begin to drop their leaves, gardens will transform into a stunning blend of auburn and amber hues, and lawns will slowly be covered by fallen leaves. Although the continuous task of clearing leaves can feel mundane, neglecting this seemingly unimportant task can result in issues that go beyond just maintaining a tidy garden.

We’ve compiled the top three reasons why this autumn task is more essential than it seems and how and when it is best to clear them.

Keep lawns healthy

One of the biggest problems caused by not clearing leaves is the damage it can cause to lawns. While leaves may seem harmless as they cover the ground, they can cause serious harm to your lawn’s health. A dense layer of fallen leaves can block sunlight and trap moisture, creating an environment where fungal diseases can grow. The lack of sunlight can hinder photosynthesis, impeding grass growth and eventually leading to thin, patchy, or dead areas of lawns.

Prevent pest infestations

When leaves are not cleared, they can provide a welcoming shelter for unwanted pests that thrive in warm and moist environments. Populations of insects and rodents can grow rapidly and quickly becoming a nuisance and can even cause damage to your property or spread diseases to plants and pets that share your garden.

Avoid drainage issues

If leaves are left to pile up in gutters and drains, rainwater cannot flow through properly. This can lead to clogged gutters and water overflow, causing damage to your home and garden. Unblocking drains can be expensive if you have to get someone out and can be a dangerous task to tackle without the correct equipment.

How and when to clear leaves

Clearing leaves that have been left to pile up and be both difficult and time-consuming. The longer the leaves are left to decompose, the more compressed they become, making it physically demanding to remove them. Regularly clearing leaves can help you stay on top of the task and prevent you from facing a daunting pile of deep, heavy, wet leaves.

It’s best to clear leaves on a dry day because wet leaves are heavier and harder to move, and always do it before a frost or snow as winter weather can make fallen leaves slippery and hazardous.

To do this with maximum ease, we recommend two tools – a leaf sweeper or a blower (ideally one with vacuum capabilities too).  A leaf blower takes the backache out of gathering leaves so you can quickly gather debris into manageable piles. With a 2-in-1 tool, you can quickly switch between settings and hoover away the debris piles. Battery tools are ideal for doing this type of gardening task quickly, as there is no need to find sockets for electric cables or fill the tool up with petrol.

For larger areas, a push lawn sweeper may also be required as it allows you to smoothly clear up leaves productively.  A sweeper uses cylindrical brushes to sweep up debris and collects it in a rear bag, making the tidy-up process swift and easy. 

Reusing fallen leaves

Another good reason to clear fallen leaves is the opportunity to repurpose them to help your garden. Piles of leaves make the perfect home for all sorts of wildlife like hedgehogs, frogs, and blackbirds, so form leaf piles in a shaded spot to give nature a helping hand during the harsher seasons. That said, make sure to check the leaves you are clearing before you start to look for any small animals that may be sheltering in them.

Alternatively, gather fallen leaves and use a shredder to cut them down into smaller pieces, to create mulch or compost – again making sure to check for wildlife first! This organic material can be added to plants or lawns, providing them with additional nutrients and helping to maintain a sustainable and productive garden.

For further information or to browse our products, visit www.cobragarden.co.uk.

Essential tools for every novice gardener: The 24v lightweight, cordless range

Summer has finally arrived so it’s the perfect time for any novice gardeners to take the first steps of their gardening journey. Gardening offers the optimal opportunity for you to reconnect with nature, escape the pressures of everyday life and even have a good workout! 

However, finding the right tools and equipment can seem overwhelming when starting out, which is why we developed the lightweight, cordless range to provide new gardeners, or simply those who need tools to get the job done, with everything you need to create your own beautiful outdoor retreat. 

The Cobra 24volt cordless range includes a grass trimmer, leaf blower, chainsaw, and hedgetrimmer, ideal for any entry-level gardeners looking for simple ways to get those picture-perfect hedges and a neat and tidy lawn. All the tools operate off the same interchangeable battery, meaning you no longer need to worry about finding a plug socket or tripping over wires.  The range makes your garden maintenance speedy and convenient, perfect if you are less passionate and simply need a means of garden maintenance!  

The quickest way to instantly smarten up your lawn is to neaten and define the edges with the high-performance GT3024V Cordless Grass Trimmer (£89.99). The tool is lightweight and allows for precision in narrow spaces or on uneven terrain that can’t be accessed with a lawnmower.  

When it comes to cutting back hedges use the H5024V hedgetrimmer (£89.99) which is also now available as a long reach model (HT50LRH24V) with an additional 200cm to 250cm telescopic shaft for £134.99. The lightweight design helps take the backache out of pruning unruly hedges and makes it easy to tackle those hard-to-reach spots.  

Keep your plants healthy by pruning and removing dead shrubs or unwanted growth with the CS1024V chainsaw (£199.99). The compact design means you can work quickly through dense foliage or tight spaces to improve plants’ shape and structure whilst ensuring healthy regrowth.  

During summer, it is essential to keep lawns clear of leaves and debris so that the grass can soak up the sun and promote stronger, more vibrant growth. The LB45024V leaf blower (£119.99) is ideal for clearing small to medium areas with ease thanks to its lightweight and highly manoeuvrable design.  

By regularly keeping on top of these outdoor jobs, you can create a beautiful garden sanctuary to be enjoyed throughout all the sunny summer months. Our cordless range means jobs can be enjoyed peacefully without distraction, providing you with the chance to relax whilst you’re creating a garden haven.  

Your summer survival guide for maintaining a healthy and nourished lawn.

With global temperatures rising, this year is predicted to have the hottest weather yet leaving many of us worried for the state of our precious lawns and gardens. Our lawns are used to cool and wet weather, so the drastic change in climate and temperatures during summer months can leave them tressed and at risk of drying out.

But fear not! We’ve compiled our top tips for keeping lawns healthy and nourished throughout the hotter and drier weather.

Keep your lawn heathy all-year round!

Maintaining good lawncare practices throughout the year will give your lawn the best chance of surviving even the longest and hottest of heatwaves. If a lawn is in poor condition at the start of the summer, grass roots will be much more likely to weaken and deteriorate once the high temperatures hit. Keep on top of lawncare by regularly eliminating weeds, aerating and scarifying your lawn, and applying fertiliser throughout all the seasons – way before the summer comes! This will ensure your grass has the best chance of reviving rapidly after the summer, regardless of how hot the weather may get!

There are also many ways you can prep your garden for extreme weather earlier in the year. For example, if there is an area of grass that tends to go brown or die each summer, a cleverly placed table, parasol or tree can offer some much-needed shade and protection. You could also use a water butt to collect rainwater over the spring, so you can be both kinder to the planet and more prepared should a hose pipe ban come into effect!

Although an artificial lawn may seem like a tempting option for an easy, low-maintenance solution, these will overheat in the summer creating a risk for delicate skin on feet and paws … not to mention the all-round negative environmental effects on the planet’s essential pollinators and wildlife.

Keep the mower to hand!

In the summer months, your lawn will grow rapidly so make sure you have your mower to hand to give your grass a trim at least once a week. We have the UK’s largest range of lawnmowers so there really is something for everyone. For rapid mowing we recommend our MX3440V Cordless Mower, or the GTRM34 model is a powerful option that has 7 adjustable cutting heights and an integrated rear roller.

During a heatwave, increase the cutting height on your mower as longer grass stems will shade the soil, help capture more moisture and be able to better resist drying out. We also recommend using the mulch attachment on your mower as this will leave a fine layer of mulch on the surface of your lawn which will lock in moisture and prevent any roots from burning in the sun.

Aerate your soil

A long summer of outdoor gatherings and family garden fun can take their toll on lawns leaving them looking worse for wear as autumn hits. The SA32E 12 steel blade aerator, will help alleviate any compaction caused by heavy garden furniture or excess garden use. This will allow vital nutrients to circulate in the ground and give roots space to breathe and grow back stronger before the colder months arrive.

Be waterwise!

Lawns are hardier than you may think and can actually survive long spells of dry weather.  During the summer, make sure to do an occasional heavy watering to ensure grass stays well hydrated making for a more robust lawn. However, amid a drought only water your grass if truly necessary to avoid wasting water, or being at risk of a costly fine if there are hose pipe bans in your area!

In warmer temperatures, make sure to irrigate the ground before watering to allow moisture to permeate soil roots, as otherwise, the water will simply run off without being absorbed. During a heatwave, we recommend watering early in the morning, between 6am and 8am, to reduce the amount of water evaporating at surface level during the high midday temperatures.

Give your grass a helping hand

If you are regularly watering your lawn throughout the summer, you may also be washing away essential plant nutrients from the soil. Give your grass a helping hand with a suitable lawn feed to help maintain its health and vitality. During a heatwave, make sure you choose a fertiliser that is designed specifically for hot and dry condition as these contain higher levels of potassium which improve the grass’s ability to absorb water and improves root growth.

So even though your lawn may lose some colour during the summer months…don’t panic! Regularly watering and aerating the soil will make sure your lawn fully recovers as autumn arrives. Keeping on top of lawncare throughout the year, and watering sensibly, will give your grass the strength to withstand any hot temperatures leaving you with peace of mind to enjoy all the sunny weather.