Spring is the ideal time to rejuvenate your lawn after the dormancy of winter. With longer days and warmer temperatures, your grass is primed for growth. Implementing a comprehensive spring lawn care routine will set the foundation for a lush, healthy lawn throughout the year.
Key Spring Lawn Care Tasks
Mowing is one of the first tasks to tackle as soon as the grass begins to grow in spring. Start with your mower blades set to a higher setting to avoid stressing the grass after its winter dormancy. Regular mowing promotes denser growth and keeps your lawn looking neat and tidy throughout the season.
Scarifying, or dethatching, is essential for removing the build-up of dead grass and organic matter that can prevent air, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil. Using a scarifier or a sturdy rake, gently clear away this layer to improve the overall health of your lawn. Similarly, aeration is another vital step to ensure your soil remains well-drained and oxygenated. Creating small holes in compacted areas helps roots develop deeper and ensures better absorption of water and nutrients.
If your lawn has bare or thin patches, overseeding is the perfect solution to restore its lush appearance. Select a grass seed that matches your existing lawn, spread it evenly over the affected areas, and keep the soil moist until the new grass is established. Feeding your lawn is also critical during this time. Apply a balanced spring fertiliser to replenish essential nutrients, promote growth, and strengthen your grass against the stress of the coming summer months.
Weeds can quickly take over if left unchecked, so early spring is the time to tackle them. Hand-pull any isolated weeds, or use a selective herbicide for widespread infestations. Finally, take a moment to tidy up the edges of your lawn. Neatening these boundaries not only improves your lawn’s appearance but also prevents encroachment into flower beds or pathways.
By taking these steps, you’ll set your lawn up for a thriving season, ensuring it becomes the centrepiece of your garden.
MARCH LAWN CARE TIPS
- Cut straggly grass with carefully set mower, collecting the grass clippings.
- Brush ground regularly if dry to remove debris.
- At sign of growth, roll surface with light-to-medium weight garden roller.
- Brush surface to remove debris.
- Mow grass, start reducing mowing height gradually (do not remove more than 25%).
- Always use a grass box.
- A two-directional 50/50 mowing is best at first.
- Make sure the mower is set correctly, achieve a clean cut.
- Two days after first mowing apply organic fertiliser designed for spring/summer applications.
- If no rain within three days of application, water fertiliser into topsoil.
APRIL LAWN CARE TIPS
- Apply an organic fertiliser mid-month.
- Apply selective weed killer to broadleaved weeds if required.
- Apply moss killer if needed. Sulphate of iron is useful to controls moss, invigorate desirable grasses and deepen green colour of overall appearance.
- Gradually reduce mowing height.
- Step up mowing frequency to twice weekly.
- Always remove clippings.
MAY LAWN CARE TIPS
- Scarify area rake to remove dead grass lying in base of sward or “thatch”
- If a large quantity of material is removed at first pass, scarify every two-to-three weeks during the growing season, until only a small amount of debris is removed.
- If grass is sparse in areas, over-sow with Inturf Classic Seed mixture by hand or machine, at the rate of approximately 25 grams per square metre.
- Apply Inturf Premium Topsoil brushed into surface of sward, effectively covering the seeds, approximately 900 kilos (1 bag) per 50 square metre garden.
- Continue mowing two-to-three times a week and aim to be at an optimum mowing height of between 25mm (1″) to 37mm (1¼”).
- Continue routine rolling.
- Apply an organic fertiliser.
Spring Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Growing Season
Spring lawn care is essential to restore and rejuvenate your lawn after winter, setting the stage for healthy growth throughout the year. From mowing and scarifying to aerating and feeding, each task plays a crucial role in promoting a lush, vibrant lawn. Tackling weeds and overseeding bare patches ensures a flawless finish, while maintaining tidy edges enhances the overall appearance. With the right spring lawn care routine, your garden can become a stunning outdoor space, ready to enjoy all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions on Spring Lawn Care
What should I be doing to my lawn in spring?
Spring is a key time to give your lawn the best start after winter. Begin by clearing debris such as leaves, twigs and winter build-up so light and air can reach the grass. Rake to remove dead grass that can smother new shoots, and consider lightly scarifying compacted areas to improve airflow. Brush or dethatch where appropriate, then mow at a moderate height to gradually encourage fresh growth. Applying a balanced spring fertiliser can also support green-up, and consistent watering as temperatures rise will help new roots to establish.
Is March too early to mow the lawn?
Not necessarily, if the grass is actively growing and the soil is firm and dry enough underfoot, you can start mowing in March. The key is to avoid cutting when the ground is very wet or when growth is minimal. Start with a higher cutting height and reduce gradually as the season progresses to avoid stressing the turf. Always ensure mower blades are sharp so cuts are clean and encourage healthy shoot development.
Should I scarify my lawn in spring?
Scarifying can be very beneficial in spring, particularly on lawns that have built up dead thatch or moss over winter. It helps remove unwanted debris and allows light, air and water to reach the soil surface more effectively. However, it should be done when the grass is actively growing not when the soil is wet or the lawn is dormant to avoid undue stress. After scarifying, it’s important to water and feed the lawn to support recovery and encourage fresh growth.
