Early spring lawn advise
Now is the perfect time to plan your lawn maintenance programme for spring. Your lawn may not be looking its best just now, which is to be expected at this time of year, but once temperatures rise and with some TLC it will start to recover as the grass begins to grow. Wait until temperatures rise sufficiently in spring before carrying out maintenance such as feeding, overseeding or scarification.
Service mower
Don’t forget to service your mower if you haven't already done so, to ensure it is in good working order ready for the first cut of the year. A well maintained mower with sharp blades is essential for maintaining a beautiful lawn. A dull mower will damage the leaves, making the lawn look untidy.
Mowing
Try to stay off the lawn if there’s a heavy frost or the ground is very wet. Any damage will not repair itself until the grass is actively growing again in spring. Whilst temperatures remain low, mowing won't be necessary, but once temperatures start to rise and the grass begins to grow, mow your lawn if necessary and conditions allow. Over winter your lawn will have been bombarded by falling leaves, twigs and other debris. If need be, start off by giving your lawn a good rake over a day or two before its first cut.
Despite there being little growth in winter it is advisable to raise the cutting blade height on your mower for the first few cuts. This prevents you overstressing the lawn before strong spring growth occurs. The height can be brought down gradually as we move into spring.
Aerate
Aerate consolidated areas of the lawn with a fork or spiking machine, providing the ground isn’t too wet. This will relieve compaction, improve drainage and allow more air into the root system.
