As winter fades away and spring emerges, it’s time to breathe new life into your lawn after the cold, dormant months. Spring lawn care sets the foundation for a healthy and vibrant lawn throughout the growing season. In this guide, we’ll outline essential steps for preparing your lawn, addressing winter damage, and rejuvenating it for the spring season in the UK.
Assessing Winter Damage
Begin by inspecting your lawn for signs of winter damage, such as patches of dead or yellowing grass, compacted soil, or fungal diseases like snow mould. Rake away any debris, thatch, or dead grass to allow air and sunlight to reach the soil surface.
Repairing Damaged Areas
If you notice bare patches or thinning areas in your lawn, consider overseeding to promote thick, lush growth. Loosen the soil in the damaged areas with a rake or garden fork, then spread grass seed evenly over the prepared soil surface. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil and keep the area consistently moist until the new grass establishes.
Find our full range of lawn seeds, including seeds suitable for after Winter lawn care here [LINK]
Feeding the Soil
After a long winter, your soil may benefit from a boost of nutrients to support healthy grass growth. Apply a spring lawn fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) to replenish essential nutrients and encourage strong root development. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and timing, typically in early to mid-spring.
First Mowing. The essential First Lawn Cut of the Year
As temperatures rise and grass begins to grow actively, it’s time for the first mowing of the season. Wait until the grass reaches a height of around 5-8cm before mowing. Set your lawn mower blades to a higher setting to avoid scalping the grass, leaving it at a recommended height of 3-4cm. Mow in dry conditions to prevent clumping and stress on the grass plants.
Lawn Border and Edging Maintenance
Spring is an excellent time to redefine the borders and edges of your lawn for a crisp, tidy appearance. Use a half-moon edging tool or mechanical lawn edger to create clean lines along flower beds, pathways, and other garden borders. Trim any overgrown grass or weeds along the edges to maintain a neat and manicured look.
Essential Equipment
To properly care for your lawn in spring, ensure you have the following equipment:
- Lawn mower with adjustable cutting height
- Rake for removing debris and thatch
- Grass seed for overseeding damaged areas
- Spring lawn fertiliser
- Half-moon edging tool or mechanical lawn edger
- Garden fork for aerating compacted soil
- Hose or sprinkler system for watering newly seeded areas
By following these spring lawn care tips and using the right equipment, you can rejuvenate your grass after winter, address any damage, and set the stage for a lush and healthy lawn throughout the spring and summer months. With proper care and maintenance, your lawn will thrive and become the envy of the neighbourhood.