To keep your lawn in tip-top condition, it is important to care for your lawn and to give it some TLC. 
Grass are little plants, if you keep them healthy the lawn will take care of itself. Our helpful guide gives you advice on why, when and how to feed your lawn.
Our advice pages below gives your information on how to care for your lawn through the seasons.
Spring is a great time to feed and condition your lawn, kill moss and weeds and begin mowing after the long winter months.
If you want to, now is also a good time to sow new lawn seed either to help with patchy lawns or to start a completely new lawned area.
Mowing
Your grass will begin to grow much more rapidly as the weather warms up but you need to be careful when it comes to mowing your lawn.
– Do not mow your lawn if the soil is very wet.
– Do not cut the grass if there is frost or snow on the ground.
Be gentle with the first few cuts of the season, making sure just to trim the top third of growth.
You can then allow your lawn to recover for a few days before cutting again on a lower blade setting.
During Spring you may only need to cut your lawn every few weeks.
Killing Weeds and Moss
After the winter months you may notice a lot of moss and weeds in your lawn. This causes problems as they use up the vital nutrients and moisture that your grass needs to be healthy.
Our range of products can be used a few days after mowing in order to make raking the moss out easier.
Resolva Lawn Weedkiller Extra works equally well for smaller patches of affected lawn – although this needs to be used between cuts.
Only use lawn weedkillers as normal weedkillers will kill your lawn.
Feeding and Conditioning
Your flowers are not the only plants in your garden that need feeding.
It is best to use lawn feed after you have cut your lawn and removed most of the weeds and moss.
Dealing with Compact Soil
Spring is the perfect time to aerate your lawn whilst the soil is still slightly moist.
Aerating improves the drainage of the soil around the grass roots to help prevent rotting and to encourage healthy growth.
Take note of areas of your lawn that experience heavy foot traffic as these are prone to having compacted soil.
For larger areas of lawn you can purchase a Lawn Aerator however for smaller, problem areas you can use a garden fork, pushing the spikes in to a depth of 7-10cm.
Westland Lawn & Turf Dressing can be placed in the aeration holes in order to add all of the right ingredients that assist in lawn growth.
Summertime, the time of year we get to enjoy our gardens the most.
From admiring the flowers in full bloom and picking the plentiful fruit, to sitting back in your favourite sun spot enjoying a cheeky tipple listening to the tennis.
Summer in the garden is all about enjoying the lawn and making the most of your outside space.
It’s the perfect place to host garden parties, BBQs, sunbathing and even garden games.
If it’s a hot summer then it can result in damage to your lawn.
However, don’t worry too much; your lawn is there to be enjoyed and as long as you follow our summer lawn care advice below, it will bounce back quickly.
Mow Regularly
Allowing the grass to grow a little longer than normal will help reduce the stress on your lawn, just amend the mower blade setting a little higher to achieve this.
Even though you want the grass to be a little longer
it is still recommended to mow at least twice a week, if there are particularly harsh periods of drought then it should be pushed back to once a week.
Persistent hot and dry weather can quickly affect the appearance and overall health of your grass, so moisture is key, water deeply 2-3 times per week.
Feed and Condition
Summer lawn care is about keeping your lawn looking green and healthy during the summer wear and tear, so it needs to receive some TLC in the form of feed and conditioning. All lawns need feeding in order to maintain strength.
Safelawn is a child and pet friendly lawn feed, available as a granular and also liquid form.
Safelawn will naturally help to prevent weeds and moss as well as give you a greener and stronger lawn.
Simply apply by hand or using a spreader as per the pack instructions.
Keep on Top of Weeds and Moss
It’s always best to remove any obvious weeds from your lawn as they will compete with the grass for moisture, and unfortunately the moss can often win.
Find a lawn treatment that kills moss & weeds whilst also keeping your grass green.
Start Planning for a New Lawn
Sowing a new lawn in the summer can be a challenge due to the drier soil conditions, but with good planning and watering it is perfectly achievable.
- Mark the area where you want to sow you new lawn with string
- Kill of any weeds
- Dig over the whole area, breaking up big lumps of soil
- Rake over the ground so it is as level as possible
- Wait until the soil is moist (by rain or watering) and there are no forecast droughts/heatwaves
Raking
If Autumn leaves are left on your lawn for too long they will rot down on top of the grass releasing pathogens and potentially causing disease.
Keep on top of these fallen leaves using a leaf rake to get them together; don’t forget to compost your garden waste!
Mowing
Grass will be growing much more slowly in the Autumn months compared to Spring and Summer so you may need to adjust your mower settings to cut the grass at a higher level.
Killing Weeds & Moss
Aftercut Autumn All In One is a Weed and Feed which has been specially formulated for the colder Autumn months.
Wait until the moss has turned black, which should happen about 2 weeks after treatment, and remove them with a garden rake.
Feeding & Conditioning
Once again, the use of Aftercut Autumn All In One will provide your lawn with enough feed for these colder Autumn months.
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones are a great way to protect your lawn on those heavily trodden paths, and now is a great time to think about placing some before the lawn gets moredelicate in Winter.
Sowing a New Lawn
Autumn is a great time to sow a new lawn as the soil is still warm from Summer and combined with the Autumn rain this provides the ideal growing conditions.
Winter may be a quiet time for your lawn, but it’s the perfect opportunity to assess its condition, plan for the upcoming season, and ensure it’s well-prepared for the warmer months. With proper care and attention during the colder months, you can ensure your lawn stays healthy and vibrant, ready to thrive once spring arrives. Here’s a guide to help you take the right steps for your lawn care throughout winter.
Stop mowing
As the temperature drops, it’s time to give your lawn a break from mowing. When temperatures fall below 5°C, grass growth slows down and eventually halts,meaning there’s no need to mow. Mowing during this period can harm the grass, causing unnecessary stress and potentially damaging the lawn. Only mow if the grass is still actively growing, and the weather conditions are favourable. Avoid mowing when heavy frost, snow, or wet conditions are expected, as these can cause the grass to tear or become soggy and compacted.
Winter is also an ideal time to service your lawnmower. Take the opportunity to clean or repair it so it’s in top shape for the busy spring season.
Sweep up fallen leaves
Winter lawn care isn’t just about what you do to the grass – it’s also about maintaining a clean and healthy surface. Fallen leaves, twigs, and debris can build up over the winter months, trapping moisture and encouraging diseases, pests, and excessive worm activity. To prevent this, periodically sweep away leaves using a lightweight rake or brush. This will keep your lawn breathable and minimise the risk of fungal problems.
Be cautious about foot traffic while cleaning up, as walking on the lawn too much can lead to soil compaction or even damage delicate grass blades, especially when the ground is damp.
Look out for water puddles
Puddles of water after heavy rainfall can indicate poor drainage in your lawn, often a result of soil compaction. Compacted soil doesn’t allow water to drain properly, which can cause water to pool on the surface. If you notice puddles forming, it’s a good idea to plan for aerating the lawn in the spring. Aerating involves creating small holes in the soil to improve drainage, allowing water and nutrients to reach the root system more effectively.
Aerating your lawn will also promote better airflow, helping the grass grow stronger and more resilient. This is especially important in high-traffic areas where soil compaction is more likely. If you don’t have an aerator, a garden fork can work just as well – simply push it into the soil, pull it out, and create holes across the lawn to help relieve compaction.
Caring for new lawns over winter
If you sowed a new lawn or laid turf in the warmer months, it’s essential to give it some extra care during the winter. New grass can be particularly vulnerable to frost damage, so keep foot traffic to a minimum to avoid compressing the soil or damaging fragile shoots. Grass that’s newly established may not repair itself until the weather warms up in spring.
In cases where frost has caused new turf to lift, you can use a heavy roller during a dry spell to gently flatten and re-set the grass. Be cautious not to damage the turf, as it may still be fragile.
Prepare for a new lawn
Winter is the perfect time to plan for a new lawn in the spring. If you’re thinking of sowing new grass or laying fresh turf, you can start preparing the soil now. Begin by digging over the lawn area during the winter, breaking up any large clumps of soil. Leaving these clumps on the surface will allow the frost to break them down further, which will improve the soil texture and make it easier to work with come spring.
As winter progresses, take some time to review your garden’s layout and consider what type of grass will best suit your space. Are there areas that get a lot of sun or others that are more shaded? Do you need a lawn that’s drought-resistant or more tolerant of heavy foot traffic? Planning these details now will help you choose the right grass seed or turf for the conditions.
Stay on Top of Lawn Health and Maintenance
Although lawn care during winter is quieter, it’s essential to stay vigilant about any issues that may arise. If you notice patches of uneven growth or signs of disease, address them as soon as possible, as they can become more problematic as temperatures rise. Winter lawn care is
about setting your lawn up for success by planning and taking preventative measures.
In the coming months, your lawn will begin to recover from the cold, and with proper care, it will emerge lush and vibrant when spring arrives. Use this quieter period wisely by preparing for the season ahead, ensuring your lawn is in great shape to flourish as the days grow warmer.
Sowing lawn seed is a cost-effective way of getting yourself a brand new lawn and is more simple to do than you may think.
You can get a variety of lawn seeds, if you are unsure which seed would work best for you and your garden area then contact us for some advice.
It is best to sow your Lawn Seed in Spring between March and May.
Step 1: Preparation
Clear the Area.
The soil in the area in question needs to be completely clear of weeds, plants and debris
If you need to use a weedkiller on the area, take note of how much time you need to allow before sowing your lawn seed.
Prepare the Ground
You need to dig over the soil in the area to break down any existing clumps; be sure to take out any roots or large stones to leave the soil completely clear.
You then need to firm the surface, by either using a roller or by walking over the area.
To ensure a level surface you can rake over the area in multiple directions.
If you wanted to, now would be the time to add a 3-4cm layer of top soil.
Once applied, the area then needs to be raked again to maintain a level surface.
Step 2: Sowing
Different lawn seeds may have different rates of application so be sure to read the packaging of your selected lawn seed carefully before sowing.
You need to sprinkle the lawn seed over the area at the required rate – doing this in multiple directions can help to achieve a uniform and even spread of the seed.
Then lightly rake over the surface in order to mix the seed and soil slightly.
The surface now needs to be firmed again, this can be done using a light roller or you can walk over the area as before.
Your new lawn needs to be watered thoroughly.
This needs to be done with a fine spray to avoid puddles forming and the seed being washed away.
Try using a watering can with a fine rose, a sprinkler or a hose with a fine attachment.
Step 3: Caring
A newly sown lawn needs to be watered thoroughly on a daily basis until established.
If it is hot, wait until the sun has gone down in order to avoid scorching your nice new lawn!
First Mow
The first time you mow your lawn should be when it is 5-8cm long and DRY.
Have your mower on the highest setting to avoid damaging your lawn’s new roots!
