New audit raises serious questions about 30 years of lawn education

The Lawn Association has published its Great British Lawn Education Audit, questioning whether commercial practices and product-led advice have replaced independent horticultural education in British lawn care.

The audit examines how domestic lawn care has been taught, promoted and influenced over approximately three decades, highlighting concerns about the influence of sports-turf management, the selection of grass species, routine lawn treatments and the environmental consequences of established practices.

It raises a fundamental question: Are British gardeners being taught how lawns actually work, or simply being instructed which products to apply and when?

David Hedges-Gower, Chairman of the Lawn Association and a turf professional with more than 40 years' experience, said: "In horticulture, we teach the right plant in the right place. Yet when it comes to lawns, we seem to have forgotten that principle. Instead, repeated feeding, scarifying, overseeding and renovation have become accepted as normal lawn care. But who has independently demonstrated that this is the best approach for the average British garden?"

The audit calls for greater independent education, transparent research and a renewed examination of grass selection, soil health, sustainability and the necessity of routine lawn treatments.

It is not intended to criticise individual businesses or professionals, but to encourage an open, evidence-based discussion across the horticultural industry.

The Lawn Association is inviting educators, professional bodies, manufacturers, researchers and gardeners to read the audit and respond to its findings - whether they agree or disagree.