Lawns may not look great in late winter but there is a simple way to make them healthy again in spring (Image: Getty)
can look pretty awful in late winter, but there are a few simple jobs that can be done now in February to ensure you get thick green grass throughout the rest of the year.
If your grass is currently looking brittle and soggy, do not despair. This is pretty common in the wintertime due to the frosty, rainy weather.
However, the experts at , have shared it is important to get back out into the now if you want to help improve your lawn and ensure it grows for spring.
They said, “February is part of the low season for lawns, but that doesn’t mean there’s no maintenance work to do if you want great-looking, healthy grass all year round.”
How to look after lawn health in February
Clean up worm castings
Earthworms are highly beneficial for lawns as they help improve airflow and drainage so there is less chance of the grass becoming waterlogged.
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If your lawn is mossy and riddled with weeds then leave it alone for now (Image: Getty)
However, if you see strange coiled soil on your lawn, then you likely have a worm cast pile up, which needs to be removed as it makes grass muddy and leads to patchy spots.
The expert said: “As the soil is damp at this time of yea,r you might notice casts as worms move through the surface of the soil. This is a good sign, as they help to cultivate and improve the soil. However, if casts are left to build up they can encourage weed growth, so you can keep on top of them by brushing back into the lawn when dry.”
Simply use a broom or rake to remove the castings without damaging the grass.
Search your lawn for any weeds or moss
Moss needs to be removed from lawns as it competes with grass for nutrients, water and sunlight which greatly weaken lawns.
It is recommended not to remove moss or weeds from grass in early February when it is not growing, as it will not be able to recover from the removal and is more likely to become stressed.
Try not to step on frosty grass as it can greatly damage the lawn (Image: Getty)
Instead, take note of any weedy or mossy areas of your lawn and start to plan the best way to remove it once the weather gets a little warmer.
The expert said: “Keep an eye on winter moss and schedule a treatment for late February or early March, along with a feed. Getting on top of moss in good time stops it from becoming a bigger problem.”
Keep off frosty grass as much as possible
It may sound odd, but sometimes the best thing to do in the garden is nothing and it is best to avoid stepping on lawns after it has been rainy or if it is covered in moss.
When grass is wet, it freezes in the winter, turning the blades brittle and easily damaged if stepped on.
Damaged grass is more vulnerable to fungal diseases and mould and can become stressed, which means it will take longer to repair itself once spring arrives.
The expert said: “Keep off the grass at frosty times, as stepping on it can cause damage. Try to reduce shady patches where possible as they will take a long time to thaw. Protect grass with windbreakers where possible as strong winds can cause extra damage to frozen grass.”