Welcome to TruGreen Hungerford
TruGreen Hungerford are your local specialist lawn care business and are part of the world’s largest LawnCare company.
We offer a range of services to help improve the condition of your lawn using a customised series of treatments. We pride ourselves on ensuring that we are able to offer our customers the most appropriate customised service for their lawns. Take our 14-point lawn analysis for example. We’re happy to evaluate your lawn’s overall health and provide you with a detailed report with no obligation to you.
We cover a wide local area in addition to Hungerford, including Wantage, Swindon, Pangbourne, Marlborough and Devizes. For more information, see our map.
Why choose us to provide your Lawn Care Services?
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- More than 35 years business experience has taught us that each lawn is unique and thus, we customise our lawncare services to suit you and your garden.
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- We constantly evaluate our products, equipment and methods of lawncare to ensure that we are able to offer the most appropriate customised service for your lawn.
Give us a call for your FREE no-obligation 14-point analysis on 01793 317327, fill in the form on our ‘Contact Us’ page, or email us direct at downlands@trugreen.org.uk.
Registered Address
Downland Garden Services
2 Old Bath Road
Newbury
Berks
RG14 1QL
About Us
Jonathan Bell, 53, is the owner and operator of TruGreen Professional LawnCare Downlands and will provide bespoke lawn care solutions to residents across Hungerford, Marlborough, Devizes, Swindon, Wantage, and Pangbourne. After receiving full training from TruGreen’s brand operations manager and former Wembley head groundsman, Steve Welch, and completing his City & Guilds spraying qualifications, Jonathan is ready to serve the c.40,000 households within his businesses’ territory.
Areas We Cover
TruGreen covers Hungerford. We offer a variety of customised lawn services aimed at improving the appearance of your lawn.
Our business also covers: Wantage, Swindon, Pangbourne, Marlborough, Devizes and surrounding areas.
Please contact us for more information on 01793 317327.
Lawn care services available
Here at TruGreen Downlands we understand that every lawn is different. That’s why we provide a FREE 14-point lawn analysis to ensure that your lawn gets the best possible bespoke lawn care package.
Our package includes:
Lawn Fertilisation
Grass plants need on-going nutrition, and absorb their nutrients through their root system. Therefore a good soil rich in nutrients is essential for a healthy lawn. Fertilisation is a lawn treatment that provides, or supplements, the natural nutrients needed to become a healthy lawn. The fertilisers used are changed depending on the time of year to ensure the correct level of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P) and Pottasium (K) are maintained.
Weed and Moss Control
Moss is something that every lawn suffers from at one time or another. Unless treated and removed, moss will continue to choke out the grass plants. There are various reasons for the build up of moss in a lawn, but very damp and shaded areas are at most risk.
There are hundreds of different weeds which will need to be kept in check with a professional strength weed killer. Different weeds will require a different weed killer for the treatment to be effective.
Pest control
There are a number of grass pests that are common in the UK. A grass pest is a creature that lives within the soil and feeds on the grass plant. Many grass pests feed on the root of the plant which causes a rapid deterioration in the condition of your lawn, causing large areas of discoloured grass and potentially a dead lawn. The most common/destructive pests are Leather Jackets and Chafer Grubs. Watch out for Crane Flies (Daddy Long Legs) landing on your lawns at the end of Summer/Autumn as this is when they lay their eggs. An insecticide should be applied as soon as possible to avoid damage to the lawn.
Fungus & disease control
The development of most diseases are usually dependent upon weather conditions, so recent weather conditions are to be considered during any diagnosis. Most diseases will have certain characteristics such as discolouration of the grasses, brown, dry patches or signs of fungi (mushroom type growth).
Scarification
Scarification is a mechanical operation which helps to remove all unwanted organic matter from around the base of the grass plant (thatch) and tidy up any straggly lateral growth from your lawn. The process will also remove moss that will otherwise choke the grass plant and restrict growth.
Your lawn may need scarification to prevent the build up of debris which could lead to other problems. Thatch will naturally build up over a period of time resulting in an inferior grass quality and appearance, so it is vital that this layer is kept to a minimum. Scarification will also aid fresh grass growth giving an increase in grass density. Thatch and moss infested lawns will not wear well or cope with drought conditions, giving further reasons to support a regular scarification.
Aeration
Modern living means that lawns become compacted very easily and benefit from aerating twice a year. Aeration involves piercing the lawn to allow water, oxygen, fertilisers and other nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively and reach the roots. There are two main types of aeration which benefit the lawn; solid tine aeration, which aids the development of the grass plant, and hollow core aeration which facilitates the application of a top dressing and improves drainage.
Mowing your lawn correctly
The importance of watering your lawn
TruGreen also offer specialist growth regulator treatments so that you can mow your lawn less often!
If all of this has gone over your head, call in TruGreen Downlands and let us do the hard work! Call us today for your free 14-point lawn analysis on 01793 317327.
Seasonal Advice
You too can have a perfect lawn with these tips from the TruGreen experts. Here’s what you need to do to your lawn and when in each season.
Spring
Spring lawn alert
Moss is something that every lawn will have to deal with at some point. Moss will manifest itself and choke out healthy grasses, as well as starving the grass plant of the all-important nutrients applied through fertiliser. There are various reasons for the build-up of moss in a lawn, but very damp and shaded areas are at most risk and combined with limited hours of daylight and increased rainfall during the winter months, the ideal conditions are produced for moss to develop and take over the lawn.
The application of a quality commercial product, based on sulphate of iron, followed by a programme of scarification will keep the moss at bay and allow for the grasses to grow and thicken. Scarification will also reduce the thatch layer which if left to build-up will become an ideal growing medium for mosses, and it is additionally important to introduce aeration in improving drainage, along with the application of a balanced fertiliser in achieving a strong and healthy lawn.
TruGreen tips to achieving a great lawn!
Moss treatment using Ferrous Sulphate
Scarification to remove mosses and thatch
Aeration to improve drainage and fertiliser efficiency
Balanced of fertiliser to allow for healthy grass growth
Summer
Don’t allow Red Thread to ruin your lawn
Red Thread is one of the most common turf diseases found in the UK, resulting in irregular red patches on the lawn. It can occur at any time of year, but more commonly during the summer months and will favour damp, shady, poorly aerated and compacted soils that are lacking in nitrogen. Red Thread will not generally kill the grass plant, but does give an unsightly appearance to the leaf, spoiling the appearance of the lawn.
Dependent upon the severity of the red thread the damage can be treated by applying a high nitrogen fertiliser or more commonly by the use of a contact fungicide.
TruGreen tips to achieving a great lawn this summer!
Apply the correct fertiliser in managing warm weather conditions
Maintain the grass height between 25-30mm
Apply a fungicide at the first signs of disease
Apply irrigation when necessary during the cooler part of the day to prevent evaporation.
Autumn
Good lawn care in Autumn will leave your lawn better prepared for the Winter.
When maintaining lawn quality and health, it is crucial to apply the correct autumn fertiliser. Controlling the level of potassium will raise the turf’s tolerance to disease, wear and soft growth as well as helping it to withstand low temperature during the winter months.
Additional benefits of our controlled release autumn fertilisers include the retention of colour and a healthy root structure, important factors if the lawn is to survive possible frost and snow.
Prepare your lawn for winter
All lawns benefit from having any remaining thatch that has accumulated over the summer months removed before the onset of winter, and it is equally important to maintain drainage if moss is to be controlled.
Maximise your lawn’s ability to overcome the winter by speaking with your local TruGreen operator about the level of scarification and aeration that may be required. Combining these mechanical services with an autumn fertiliser will allow for a more healthy lawn come the end of the winter.
Winter
TruGreen’s lawn care expert Steve Welch is advising garden owners to be prepared to protect their lawns this winter against a repeat of last year’s blight of snow mould.
As snow mould occurs under a blanket of snow it is often not until the snow has melted and winter is over that you may know if you have been affected or not. The disease manifests itself as a white or pink patch where the lawn has literally gone mouldy. Prevention is key with this particular lawn disease and there are several factors to take into consideration which may affect its likelihood:
Shade and high moisture, accompanied by cool temperatures.
Inadequate circulation of air above the lawn.
Rapid, forced and weak growth of grass in autumn.
Alkaline soil pH, between 7 and 14.
Weak turf, perhaps due to wear or irregular mowing.
Blunt mower blades causing a poor cut.
Compacted soil and poor drainage.
If you feel your lawn may be susceptible to any of these conditions, then an outbreak can be reduced by a number of means, including the following:
Regular aeration and scarification.
Regular mowing.
Alternating the direction of the cut helps the grass to stand upright and will help air move between the plants.
Lowering nitrogen applications at the end of the summer / early autumn period.
The most enthusiastic gardeners can play a role by removing dew with a rake in the mornings.
Lost? Let us take care of your lawn whilst you sit back and watch the transformation. Call us on 01793 317327 for more information today!
Keep your lawn moss free this spring
An unprecedented amount of rainfall has produced an excessive amount of damp which has allowed for moss to invade many lawns across the UK.
Moss is something that every lawn will have to deal with at one time or another. Moss will manifest itself and will choke out healthy grasses, as well as starving the grass plant of the all-important nutrients applied through fertiliser. There are various reasons for the build-up of moss in a lawn, but very damp and shaded areas are at most risk and combined with limited hours of daylight during the winter months, the ideal conditions are produced for moss to develop.
Moss loves to grow in poor conditions and will thrive where other plants struggle, taking over their space. It is most common on compacted soil, where you can experience poor drainage, is suited to low fertility, common in the early spring, and where grass has been mown too closely the previous year. Once it’s established it will quickly spread, appearing as an unwanted and unsightly addition to a lawn.
The application of a quality commercial product, based on sulphate of iron, followed by a programme of scarification will keep the moss at bay and allow for the grasses to grow and thicken. Scarification will also reduce the thatch layer which if left to build-up will become an ideal growing medium for the further development of mosses. Aeration will further improve the ground conditions, removing unnecessary moisture and minimising the chances of moss returning.
By visiting your lawn regularly your TruGreen lawn expert will identify problems whilst they are still small and treat them before they cause serious damage. Our extensive experience has shown that a lawn thrives after regular moss treatment and scarification and because we operate a bespoke system, we can customise the treatments to the specific needs of your lawn.
So do not wait for a moss disaster to happen, spring into action and call your local TruGreen lawn expert today.
Keep your weeds at bay
Weeds have a large number of mechanisms and characteristics that enable them to survive, many having thick wax type leaves that can be resistant to some herbicides, have fast reproduction methods, the ability to reseed in six weekly cycles and in many cases a more robust root system than any of the common grass species you will see typically in the UK. Therefore it is important that the correct herbicide is chosen in treating the weed and the correct applicator and nozzles are used or the end result will be that the weed will continue to flourish at the expense of the grass quality. It is important to remember that not all weeds are the same in establishment and growth, having one of three life cycles Annual, Biennial or Perennial.
Annual weeds: Live for a single season. These weeds germinate from seed in the spring or summer, flower and then die.
Biennial weeds: Live for two seasons. During the first growing season, these weeds remain in a vegetative state and, in the following year, produce flowers, set seed and die.
Perennial weeds: Live for multiple seasons and flower more than once. This is the most common type of growth cycle where the majority of lawn weeds are found including dandelion, daisies, speedwell, plantains, buttercup etc.
More troublesome weeds where the stems are low-growing, often with short hairs restricting the capacity for plant to absorb the herbicide, can establish quickly and will have the effect of preventing grass growth. This group of weeds are more difficult to control and an additional treatment may be necessary, and include Speedwell and Yarrow.
Cultural Control through lawn maintenance
There are a number of cultural methods that can be considered in keeping weeds at bay. Maintain the grass height to between 25-30mm as this will prevent seed heads invading the grass sward. The density of the sward will also deter weeds from establishing. Good soil fertility is essential, as this will gives the grasses perfect growing conditions, allowing them to compete against the weeds.
Photo Gallery
TruGreen Downlands is crowned a winner in the Great British Franchisee Awards
Owned and operated by Jonathan Bell, TruGreen Downlands scooped a prestigious award this week which recognises excellence in franchising.
After setting up his business in 2016, Jonathan Bell has taken TruGreen Downlands from strength to strength as well as shown resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic which forced many small businesses companies to close their doors for a short while.
Offering lawncare services throughout Swindon, Wantage, Devizes, Hungerfood and more, TruGreen Lawncare is everyone’s one-stop-shop for professional and highly-rated lawncare. From Moss Treatments, Scarification, Weed Control to lawn Pest Management and more – TruGreen Downlands offers it all.
Hosted by Which Franchise, the Great British Franchisee Awards focuses on the people who have made UK franchising a success. They recognise the outstanding performance of franchisees, regardless of the size of their business or the sector they work in.
With a tough criteria to fill, TruGreen Downlands clearly demonstrated what it takes to be Great British Franchisee. From proof of Franchisee Stability and Business Experience, Customer Satisfaction, Inspired Leadership and to Driving Business Growth and Community involvement – this prestigious award is no easy gain, especially following a challenging year following COVID-19.
Jonathan Bell said: “It’s great to get some external recognition! My team and I are delighted to have received this award!”
The awards judging panel consisted of Suki Dehal – Lloyds Bank, Head of Franchising, Aman Nirwal – BDO, Senior Key Account Manager Franchising, Euan Fraser – AMO Consulting, and Derrick Simpson, Companion of the British Franchise Association.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed reviewing all the applications and it has been so refreshing to see how all sizes of businesses from various sectors have coped and adapted their business in response to not only Covid-19 but looking at sustainable growth and business resilience for many years to come. It was great to see so many applications and from a cross section of franchisees too,” Aman Nirwal, BDO.
TruGreen Downlands are proud to be Dementia Friends supporters
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about the condition. Dementia touches the lives of millions of people across the UK. Dementia Friends was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion.
A Dementia Friend or Dementia Friends Champion such as the maids at Merry Maids of Inverness are individuals who have a better understanding of dementia; will know how to act more sympathetically towards people with dementia in their communities and workplaces; and has committed to taking a practical action to help people with dementia, contributing to a dementia friendly community. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.
We felt that it was important for each one of our maids to become Dementia Friends as we often visit customers homes where someone is affected by Dementia, either personally or through a friend or relative. The training provided has helped our maids to become familiar with the condition, and understand how to act more sympathetically.
We know that being Dementia Friends will be a huge benefit to our customers existing and new.
Happy customers
Delighted with the transformation of our mixture of moss(mostly), grass and clover to a lush grass lawn throughout that has attracted much admiration from friends and family, in a relatively short few months…great job thanks
Thank you again for all the fantastic attention you have given us this year. It really is reassuring to know we have an expert overseeing our much loved lawn.
I am delighted with all the work that you have done on my lawn and it is looking really good.
Thank you.
I am really pleased with how the lawns look – so much better than before you got to work on them!