The temperature in the UK is finally rising, which means spending time in the garden will become far more enjoyable. You might find that the cold weather and wet winter have wreaked havoc on your lawn, and now is the perfect time to prepare itfor a glorious spring and summer.
A gardening expert has shared a simple three-day rule to remember before cutting lawns for the first time this spring, as well as some of the key tasks you should be doing now to help revive tired-looking lawns. Clair Albone, Wickes Senior Category Manager for Gardens, said: "Though the longer days and promise of warmth are tempting, it's important to resist the urge of cutting lawns too soon. Waiting until after the last frost is crucial, as cutting grass too early can harm delicate new growth and leave your lawn vulnerable to damage from unexpected cold snaps.
"Once the cold weather has passed, typically between mid-March and early April, gardeners can seize the opportunity to give their lawns some much-needed attention. However, the weather needs to be consistently dry and above 10 degrees for three days to be able to start mowing. This approach is key to unlocking the best possible results for a beautiful lawn this spring."
If you're getting to prepare your lawn for the spring and summer seasons, this is what Clair advises you to do now.
Preparing the lawnGive your lawn room to breathe ahead of spring by sweeping aside leaves, twigs, and debris left behind from winter. This vital step allows light and air to reach grass and soil, kickstarting early growth.
If the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged, a light aeration is next. Aerating the lawn will improve drainage in the ground and ensure nutrients get down deep.
Combatting moss and weeds
Damp winters create perfect conditions for moss to grow, quickly suffocating grass and hindering growth. As temperatures rise, early intervention is key, and one pro tip for removing existing moss and surface weeds is scarifying.
This involves vigorously raking your lawn to pull out moss, thatch, and shallow-rooted weeds. Raking lawns will allow the grass to break and grow back stronger.
Finishing touchesSpring is the best time to add any extra finishing touches to your gardens, as the rising temperatures will bring lawns back to life. Clair recommends taking care when mowing the lawn for the first time this season, as this "sets the tone" for the rest of the season.