Stephen Olive

Lawn Care Expert & Research Lead

Stephen Olive is a Lawn Care Expert & Research Lead at Evergreen Garden Care. Based at the Evergreen Research Station near Ipswich, he leads the research behind the products and solutions designed to help gardeners achieve healthier, greener lawns.

Working across lawn food, grass seed, weed control and lawn-care innovations, Stephen plays a key role in ensuring products are tested and developed to perform in real UK garden conditions. His work combines scientific research with practical gardening knowledge, helping to turn complex lawn-care science into straightforward advice that gardeners can use with confidence.

With over a decade of experience across turf management, horticulture and environmental care, Stephen is passionate about helping people get the best from their lawns, whatever their level of gardening experience.

Experience and expertise

Before joining Evergreen Garden Care, Stephen worked closely with greenskeepers, sports turf managers and amenity professionals, gaining first-hand experience of the challenges involved in maintaining healthy, resilient grass. This practical background has given him extensive knowledge of lawn nutrition, grass establishment, weed management and long-term lawn health.

Earlier in his career, Stephen worked in agricultural field trials, evaluating products across a wide range of crops, locations and growing conditions. This experience reinforced his belief that successful products must prove themselves in real-world environments, not just under controlled conditions.

Stephen studied Countryside and Environmental Management at Harper Adams University, developing a broad understanding of how outdoor spaces can benefit both people and wildlife. This perspective continues to influence his approach to lawn care, balancing high-performing results with responsible gardening practices.

Stephen’s approach to lawn care

Stephen believes that a great lawn should be practical, enjoyable and achievable for everyone. Rather than striving for perfection, he encourages gardeners to create lawns that suit the way they live, whether that’s a space for children to play, pets to explore, or family and friends to gather.

Through his articles and advice, Stephen helps gardeners understand:

• When and how to feed their lawn
• How to choose the right grass seed for their needs
• Effective ways to manage weeds while protecting the surrounding grass
• How to maintain a healthy lawn throughout the year
• Simple steps to improve lawn quality and resilience

Whether you’re repairing bare patches, tackling persistent weeds or establishing a new lawn from scratch, Stephen’s advice is grounded in research, practical experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by UK gardeners.