Spring Lawn Care Advice
Spring is a very important season in the care of your lawn. After the winter snow and ice , it’s now time to give your lawn, some careful attention. As the spring days start to lengthen your grass will start to grow. Giving the lawn the care it needs now will ensure the best possible results throughout the year.
Mowing
As your grass starts to grow you will need to start to mow your lawn. It is very important early in spring that you set the mowing height on your mower quite high , just top the grass , taking no more than a quarter of the length of the plant off at a time. A “little and often” approach is better in spring. As we move further into the spring months increase your mowing frequency and gradually lower the height of cut on your mower to give the desired finish.
Applying a Spring Lawn Feed
This gives the lawn the essential nutrients it needs over the spring period. The grass plants are now growing rapidly and need the correct nutrients , in the correct quantities, to become strong and healthy. Healthy plants will give an attractive green colour to your lawn.
Overseeding and Topdressing
Depending upon the wear and tear that the lawn has received over the winter months you may want to overseed your lawn in early spring. Apply a mix of lawn seed and lawn top dressing , brushed into the surface of the lawn. The seed will germinate and fill in any sparse and thin areas..
If your lawn has become uneven then topdressing will even out any low areas. It is a good idea to add lawn seed to the topdressing to help fill in any thin areas. It is always best to carry out topdressing when the lawn is dry.
Aeration
Aerate compacted areas of the lawn , either with a garden fork or with a hollow tine lawn aerator. This will relieve compaction, improve drainage and allow more air into the root system leading to a healthier lawn.
Scarification
As you can see in the photo below, scarifying usually leaves the lawn not looking its best but it will quickly recover and will certainly benefit from the removal of thatch and moss ( all the thatch and moss seen on the lawn in the picture is removed )
Dealing with moss
If moss is a problem on your lawn you will need to rake or scarify it out. You should also consider applying moss-killer product before scarifying. This will help to kill and remove more of the moss , but remember to allow the moss to turn brown / black before scarifying. After this , if taking the moss out leaves your lawn thin in some areas , it may be appropriate to overseed (see above) using lawn seed.
