Avoid 'common' lawn mistakes if you want immaculate green grass by spring
After temperatures plummeted to -15C in some areas of the UK this week, it’s no surprise that Brits are limiting their time outdoors - but one gardening expert has urged green-fingered folk to avoid these common lawn mistake.
Planting guru Lee Smith hails January as the perfect time to spruce up your garden, especially if you want a luscious lawn by the time spring arrives. Before you brave the frosty conditions, Lee has highlighted the easy errors that could leave you with patchy, dry greenery.
The expert, from Composite Warehouse, said: "If you want your garden to look its best this spring, now is the time to get outside to prepare your lawn. Here are the most common mistakes that could be sabotaging your lawn maintenance efforts."
Walking on frosty grass
Many of us are guilty of walking on wet or recently defrosted grass, but the mindless act can cause it to become compact - which can impact roots and stunt development.
Lee said: "When you stand on the frozen grass, you’re causing the cells to be pushed down, which can lead to pesky dead patches come spring. For this reason, you should wait until the frost has melted before walking on your lawn."
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Mowing too early
It can be tempting to fire up your lawn mower and tackle your overgrown grass on the first sunny day of the year, but this can cause more harm than good.
"This is because grass needs time to recover from the harsh winter conditions, and mowing it too soon can impact its health and growth. Instead, wait until the soil and grass have naturally dried out," added Lee.
Cut grass on a dry day
The perfect time to cut your grass is when it reaches around three inches in height, this is because the roots will have had time to establish and strengthen. This means they will be able to withstand the cutting and any stress associated with it.
Lee added: "A dry day will ensure a clean cut for your grass, and it pays to sharpen your mower blades beforehand to prevent tearing the grass. This promotes a more even growth and healthy development for the grass leftover."
Prioritise pest protection
During the winter months, rodents often search for a comfortable base in garden lawns. It’s important to watch out for burrows, small mounds of dirt, gnaw marks and droppings as these are all signs that pests could be close by.
Lee said: "Ignoring these could result in even more damage come spring. It’s also important to check under decking and sheds, as these areas can be a haven for pests."
Over-fertilising can be harmful
Taking pride in your garden could cause you to accidentally over-fertilise your lawn, which can scorch the grass and impact its growth. Proper hydration is also key, so water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
Lee concluded: "You may also want to test the condition of your soil, as healthy soil is essential for a thriving lawn. You can amend this with organic matter or compost as required.
"Preparing your lawn for spring requires a proactive approach in the winter, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set the stage for a stronger and more resilient outdoor space."
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