Mr Tom Clamp, Head of Technical at Doff – a manufacturer of premium garden care products – shared his expert advice on how to keep your lawn in the best condition.
“Winter brings several challenges for lawns, from frost damage to nutrient depletion,” said Mr Clamp.
“Left unchecked, these issues can weaken your grass, making it harder for your lawn to recover in spring.”
This is why “a few simple adjustments” to protect your lawn over winter can make a world of a difference.
Mr Clamp’s first tip is to use winter-specific fertilisers because they “contain less nitrogen”, which reduces the risk of fragile grass that can’t handle the harsh winter.
“These fertilisers focus on building strong roots with phosphorus and enhancing cold resistance with potassium,” Mr Clamp explained.
“Some also include trace elements like iron, which keeps your lawn looking green even in colder weather.”
Another important lawn care tip is to “scarify the lawn if you notice a build-up of thatch or moss”.
Using a rake or scarifying machine, you remove moss, weeds, and thatch, thereby improving the flow of water and nutrients to the roots.
“Aeration is also key,” said Mr Clamp. “Making small holes in compacted areas allows air, water and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively.”
Also be mindful to remove any fallen leaves and debris off of the lawn, as these can otherwise trap moisture and increase the risk of disease.
For lawns that are already looking worse for wear, gardeners will need to wait till spring to make amends.
When the soil temperature rises above 7C, and the risk of frost is low, that is the time to rescue the lawn.
This all likely to be in early spring, which is when you will need to oversee any bare or thinning patches to restore the lawn’s density. “A good quality feed will promote quicker recovery,” Mr Clamp assured.
In preparation for spring, it’s also advisable to sharpen the mower blades, as ragged cuts can cause problems.
Mr Clamp explained: “Ragged cuts can lead to brown edges and make your lawn more vulnerable to disease.”
During winter, however, it’s best not to cut the grass – especially when it’s frosty or wet.
Top tips for lawn care in winter
- Winter-specific fertilisers
- Scarify the lawn
- Aeration
- Remove debris
