With temperatures taking a nosedive to -15C in parts of the UK, Brits are understandably spending less time outside.
However, gardening expert Lee Smith is calling on those with green thumbs not to fall prey to typical lawn care blunders. According to the planting expert, January is an ideal month for garden maintenance to ensure a lush lawn by spring. Before you face the chilly outdoors, Lee points out simple slip-ups that could result in uneven, lacklustre turf.
Lee, from Composite Warehouse, advises: “If you want your garden to look its best this spring, now is the time to get outside to prepare your lawn. Here are the most common mistakes that could be sabotaging your lawn maintenance efforts.”
One major error is walking on frosty grass, which many do without thinking. This can compress the grass and affect root growth, leading to dead spots when warmer weather returns.
Lee warns: “When you stand on the frozen grass, you’re causing the cells to be pushed down, which can lead to pesky dead patches come spring. For this reason, you should wait until the frost has melted before walking on your lawn.”
Another mistake is mowing too soon. It might be tempting to cut the grass at the first sign of sun, but doing so prematurely can be detrimental.
“This is because grass needs time to recover from the harsh winter conditions, and mowing it too soon can impact its health and growth. Instead, wait until the soil and grass have naturally dried out,” Lee advised.
When your grass reaches around three inches in height, that’s the perfect time to give it a trim. This allows the roots to establish and strengthen, enabling them to withstand the cutting and any associated stress.
“A dry day will ensure a clean cut for your grass, and it pays to sharpen your mower blades beforehand to prevent tearing the grass. This promotes a more even growth and healthy development for the remaining grass,” Lee added.
During the winter months, keep an eye out for signs of pests in your garden lawn, such as burrows, small mounds of dirt, gnaw marks and droppings. “Ignoring these could result in even more damage come spring. It’s also important to check under decking and sheds, as these areas can be a haven for pests,” warned Lee.
Over-fertilising can be harmful to your lawn, scorching the grass and impacting its growth. Proper hydration is also key, so water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
Lee added: “You may also want to test the condition of your soil, as healthy soil is essential for a thriving lawn. You can amend this with organic matter or compost as required. Preparing your lawn for spring requires a proactive approach in the winter, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set the stage for a stronger and more resilient outdoor space.”
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