After a long, soggy British winter, it’s no surprise your lawn might be looking a bit worse for wear. A bit patchy here, some mossy invaders there, and perhaps a general sense of “meh.” But fear not — spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your grass and set it up for a summer of lush, green brilliance. Here’s your no-nonsense (but still rather friendly) guide to spring lawn care in the UK.
Clear the Debris and Wake Up the Lawn
Start with a good old tidy-up. Rake up fallen leaves, twigs, and any other winter debris that’s been hiding out on your lawn. Not only does this make the lawn look better instantly, but it also lets light and air back in, which the grass desperately needs after months under the grey clouds.
While you’re at it, give the lawn a light rake or scarify it gently by hand if there’s a build-up of thatch or moss. Don’t go too mad — we’ll save the full-on scarifying session for autumn.
First Mow of the Season
The first cut is the deepest — or rather, it shouldn’t be. Set your mower blades a little higher than usual and aim for a trim rather than a scalping. Never cut more than a third off the length of the grass in one go. And for heaven’s sake, wait until the grass is dry. Mowing wet grass leads to clumps, clogging, and a lot of muttering under your breath.
If you’ve not already done it, now’s the time to sharpen your mower blades. Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it, which makes the lawn look ragged and invites disease. A quick sharpening now will pay off all season.
Aerate the Soil
Soil compaction is one of the main reasons lawns look lifeless in spring. After all that winter rain and foot traffic, your lawn’s roots are gasping for air. Aerating the lawn — simply poking holes in it — helps oxygen, water, and nutrients reach the roots where they’re needed.
You don’t need fancy machinery. A garden fork will do, or better still, a product like the SpikeMat — it’s an innovative, eco-friendly spiking tool that makes aeration a breeze for everyday gardeners. No heavy machinery, no petrol, no faff.
Feed the Grass, Not the Weeds
A hungry lawn is a weak lawn. Apply a good-quality spring lawn fertiliser, preferably one that’s rich in nitrogen to encourage healthy green growth. Many spring lawn feeds also contain weed killer to give dandelions and clover the boot while giving your grass a good meal.
Apply feed after mowing, preferably when rain is expected (or give it a good water in). Follow the instructions to the letter — no need to go heavy-handed. More isn’t better, it’s just expensive and possibly damaging.
Overseed Patchy Areas
Got some bare or threadbare spots? Spring is a great time to overseed. Rake the area lightly, sprinkle grass seed over the top, and water gently. Choose a seed mix that matches your existing lawn (or go for a hard-wearing mix if you’ve got pets or kids).
To stop the birds from turning your efforts into a buffet, consider lightly covering the seed with a dusting of soil or compost. Keep the area moist and try not to walk on it while it establishes.
Finishing Touches
If you want to go the extra mile, tidy up the lawn edges with a half-moon edging tool. It’s a simple job but one that makes a lawn look professionally finished — and might just win you some admiring glances over the fence.
Conclusion
Spring lawn care doesn’t need to be a chore. With a little time and the right approach, your lawn can recover from winter and become the verdant centrepiece of your garden. Clear the debris, give it a tidy trim, breathe life into the soil with aeration, feed it well, and overseed those patchy bits.
Before long, you’ll be kicking back on a healthy, green carpet with a cuppa in hand — and perhaps even impressing the local blackbird with your grass-growing prowess.
