Winter can be tough on your lawn, with cold temperatures, excess moisture, and frost creating challenges for healthy grass growth. Proper winter lawn care is essential to prevent damage and keep your grass strong. By following a few simple steps, you can protect your lawn through the colder months and ensure it’s ready to thrive in spring.
1. Prevent Waterlogging
Excess water can suffocate grass roots and create muddy patches. To keep your lawn well-drained:
- Aerate the Soil – Use a garden fork or aerator to create small holes in compacted areas, allowing water to drain more easily. Learn more about aeration from the RHS.
- Improve Drainage – If your lawn suffers from poor drainage, consider adding a sand-based top dressing or installing drainage channels.
- Avoid Walking on Waterlogged Grass – Walking on wet grass compacts the soil, making drainage worse and damaging the turf.
2. Keep Your Lawn Free from Debris
Fallen leaves and organic matter can smother your lawn and encourage disease.
- Regularly Rake Leaves – A light rake will remove leaves without harming the grass.
- Use Leaves as Mulch – Instead of discarding them, compost dry leaves or use them as mulch for flower beds.
- Remove Moss and Thatch – If moss builds up, use a scarifier or moss killer. Check the RHS guide on moss removal.
3. Mow Carefully (If Needed)
Grass grows slowly in winter, but occasional mowing can help keep it tidy.
- Mow Only When Necessary – If your grass exceeds 5cm, cut it on a dry day using the highest mower setting.
- Keep Blades Sharp – Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, making it vulnerable to disease.
4. Avoid Frost Damage
Frost makes grass brittle, increasing the risk of damage.
- Don’t Walk on Frosty Grass – Foot traffic on frozen grass breaks the blades, leaving unsightly brown patches.
- Wait for Thawing Before Mowing – Never cut grass when it’s frozen, as it can cause stress and weaken the lawn.
5. Feed Your Lawn with the Right Nutrients
Applying the correct fertiliser helps your lawn survive the winter months.
- Use a Low-Nitrogen Fertiliser – A high-phosphorus or potassium feed strengthens roots and prevents disease. Check Garden Organic’s advice on fertilisers.
- Avoid Overfeeding – Too much nitrogen encourages weak growth that won’t withstand cold weather.
6. Repair Damaged Areas in Early Spring
If your lawn suffers from winter wear, start repairs as soon as the weather improves.
- Overseed Bare Patches – In early spring, reseed thin areas to encourage thick, healthy grass.
- Loosen Compacted Soil – Aerate and top-dress with sand to improve structure and drainage.
Need Help with Your Lawn This Winter?
Keeping your lawn healthy through winter takes time and effort. If you need professional assistance, Steve’s Garden Services can help with lawn care, aeration, and moss removal.
Protect your lawn this winter and enjoy a lush, green garden come spring! 🌿
