Greensleeves Belfast North

Following a tremendous start to his business in 2006, Ian Perris brought his son Simon into the business to help him to continue to provide an excellent treatment service in the Belfast North area. Now Ian has retired, Simon has taken over the running of the business.

Ian says, “I was really pleased to be able to bring Simon into the business, having helped me a number of times. Being able to bring him into the business meant we could expand our activity whilst maintaining the quality.”

The rapidly growing service offers lawn fertilisation, along with weed and moss control – at a price that compares with treating the lawn yourself.

Tips for a healthy lawn

Cutting your lawn

Do not cut your grass too short. Never cut more than a third off from the top of the grass. Regular cutting will encourage new growth from the base. Taking too much off the grass in one go only encourages it to try and grow taller! Regular cutting reduces the risk of fungal infection and keeps the lawn looking neat and tidy.

Moss control

Moss is a sign that something is basically wrong with your lawn. Too often, gardeners attempt to kill moss in lawns without tackling the problem that actually causes it. Generally, lawns that are well maintained – those that are well fed, cut properly, scarified, aerated and not allowed to develop thatch, will not suffer from stubborn moss problems in comparison to lawns that are merely fed and cut.

Hollow tine aeration

Hollow tine aeration is necessary. Bear in mind that even ‘normal’ use of a lawn leads to surface compaction. For a first-class lawn we recommend hollow tine aeration every 1-2 years

Watering your lawn

Water your lawn when your lawn needs it, do not allow your lawn to dry out too much. During dry periods using a sprinkler 2-3 times a week, for a few hours at a time, will keep the lawn looking its best! Remember, a good soak 2-3 times a week is always better than a light sprinkling every day! Cutting the grass too short in dry periods will cause the plant to dry out more quickly and turn brown.

Q&A with Simon Perris of Belfast North

How long have you been with Greensleeves?

15 years.

Tell us a little bit about what you do…

We provide a friendly and reliable service to our customers, helping them to keep their lawns green and healthy.

Who else is on your team?

Ronnie Sloan and Simon McAtamney.

Which areas do you cover?

Glengormley, Mallusk, Templepatrick, Eden, Glynn, Ballystrudder, Whitehead, Ballyrobert, Straid, Ballynure, Ballyclare, Greenisland, Carrickfergus, Islandmagee, Larne, Glenno, Doagh, Antrim, Mckamore, Dunadry, Parkgate, Randalstown, Ahoghill, Ballmena, Broughshane, Cullybackey, Glenarm, Aghadowey, Ballymoney, Cushendall, Coleraine, Castlerock, Portstewart, Portrush, Portballintrae, Bushmills, Magherafelt, Castledawson, Crumlin, Glenavy, Lisburn, Ballinderry, Nutts corner

What’s the most unusual obstacle you’ve had to overcome, i.e. the steepest/biggest/roughest lawn?

The biggest lawn I ever treated was 10,000m².

Are you a dog or a cat person? (Or anything else!)

Dog.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The freedom it gives me.

Why did you choose to specialise in lawns?

I didn’t exactly. My dad (Ian) bought the franchise in the early days of Greensleeves and after the first year it was doing so well, he asked me to join. Now he has retired, and I have taken over.

Which season is your favourite to work in?

Summer.

What do you like to listen to in your van?

Radio X.

Which is your favourite service station?

Applegreen’s on the M2.

What’s your favourite post-work snack or lunch item?

Salt and vinegar KP peanuts.

Are you a tea or coffee person? 

Coffee.

If people would like to speak to you, what are the best ways to get in touch?

Either by email or our local office number.

To find out more about our services click here.