Spring Awakening for Your Lawn
There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping out into the garden on a crisp spring morning, the air fresh with the scent of new growth. After the long, wet winter, our lawns often look a little worse for wear—patchy, moss-ridden, or just looking a bit lifeless. But with a bit of care now, you can transform it into a lush, green carpet ready for the season ahead.
Start with a Good Rake
Before anything else, give your lawn a thorough once-over with a spring-tine rake. Over winter, dead grass, moss, and debris build up, preventing air and nutrients from reaching the soil. This layer—called thatch—can suffocate new growth if left unchecked. A good raking not only removes this build-up but also stimulates fresh shoots to emerge.
If moss is a problem, consider applying a moss killer a week before raking to make removal easier. Once the moss turns black, it’ll come up much more easily.
Aerate for Healthier Roots
If your lawn has been compacted by heavy rainfall or foot traffic, aeration is the next step. A simple garden fork pushed into the soil at regular intervals will do the trick, or you can use a hollow-tine aerator for a more thorough job. This improves drainage, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deep into the roots, which in turn encourages stronger, healthier growth.
Patch Up Bald Spots
A patchy lawn can look a bit sorry for itself, but it’s an easy fix. Rake over the bare areas, scatter a quality grass seed mix, and lightly cover with topsoil or compost. Keep it moist until the new grass establishes. If your garden has shaded areas, make sure you use a shade-tolerant grass seed—it makes all the difference in those trickier spots.
Feed for a Greener Lawn
Just like us, grass needs a good meal to get going in spring. A slow-release lawn fertiliser will give your grass the nutrients it needs to grow thick and strong. If you prefer an organic approach, a thin dressing of compost will work wonders, feeding the soil as well as the grass.
Apply fertiliser on a damp day or just before rain—this helps nutrients absorb into the soil rather than sitting on the surface.
Keep Weeds in Check
Spring is the time when weeds wake up just as enthusiastically as your lawn does. Dandelions, buttercups, and clover can quickly take hold if left unchecked. The best approach is to remove them early before they spread. Hand weeding works well for small areas, while a selective lawn weed killer can help in larger spaces.
The First Mow of the Season
Resist the urge to give your lawn a drastic first cut. Instead, set your mower to its highest setting and take off no more than a third of the grass height. This encourages strong growth and prevents the lawn from becoming stressed. Keep the mower blades sharp—blunt blades tear at the grass rather than cutting cleanly, leading to brown tips.
As the weeks go on, gradually lower the cutting height to encourage a thicker, healthier sward.
Ongoing Care for a Perfect Lawn
A well-kept lawn isn’t just about one big spring clean—it’s about regular care. Water deeply during dry spells, mow regularly but never too short, and keep an eye out for weeds creeping in. If you stay on top of it now, your lawn will reward you all summer long.
Need a Hand with Your Lawn?
If you’d rather leave your lawn care to the professionals, we’re here to help. Marcus Bergin Gardening offers expert lawn maintenance, aeration, scarification, and seasonal treatments to keep your lawn in top condition. We work across Cheltenham, Bishop’s Cleeve, Winchcombe, and surrounding areas, ensuring your garden stays beautiful all year round.
Call us at 07488 390 576
Let’s get your lawn looking its best this spring!
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