I’m a lawn expert – grass will be thick and green by summer with quick tasks now

If you want a lush, green lawn this summer, now is the perfect time to start prepping. Early spring is the perfect time to start tending to your after the dormant period of winter.

With a little effort now, you’ll be enjoying a thick, vibrant lawn in your all summer long. Daniel Brooks, founder at BuyLawnTurf has provided essential advice for keeping your lawn in great shape. From aerating your soil to avoid water-logging, these 12 expert tips will help you protect and maintain your lawn, ensuring it remains vibrant, green, and is ready to impress come springtime.

How to prepare your lawn for spring and summer

• Aerate your lawn frequently – Prevent water-logging and improve drainage with simple aeration techniques. Using a garden fork, you can create small air pockets to keep your lawn breathing.

• Mow to maintain, not cut – While lawn growth slows, it doesn’t stop completely. If needed, give it a light trim with the mower set to a higher cut height to avoid damaging the grass.

• Apply a winter fertiliser – Strengthen your grass roots with a fertiliser rich in potassium, preparing it to withstand cold weather and encouraging healthy growth in spring.

• Remove debris and leaves – Fallen leaves may look pretty, but they can block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to lawn diseases. Clear leaves regularly to avoid this.

• Restrict foot traffic – Frosty grass is fragile, and walking on it can damage the blades. Avoid walking on your lawn (and keep pets off too) until the frost has thawed.

• Prepare for a new lawn in spring – Thinking of laying fresh turf next year? Winter is the perfect time to test your soil’s pH and level out uneven ground.

• Apply ferrous sulphate (iron) – This winter essential strengthens grass, keeps it green, and helps to control moss. Apply as a spray or granules following the manufacturer’s guidance.

• Re-cut lawn edges – Softer, wetter ground makes it easier to create crisp, defined edges for a polished garden look.

• Service your lawn mower – Winter is the best time to sharpen mower blades, change the oil, and replace spark plugs to ensure it’s ready for action in spring.

• Hand-remove weeds – Weeds don’t stop growing in winter. Take advantage of damp soil conditions to hand-pull weeds, ensuring healthier grass growth next season.

• Scarify to remove thatch and moss – Use a rake to remove thatch (a mix of dead grass, roots, and moss) that prevents healthy growth. Doing this now makes a big difference in spring.

• Let worm casts dry before brushing them away – Those small mounds of soil caused by worms are a sign of healthy soil. Wait for them to dry and sweep them aside to avoid damaging the grass.