Spring is a very important season for looking after your lawn. After the rigours of winter it needs careful attention as soon as the days start to lengthen and the grass starts to grow. Giving the lawn the care it needs now will ensure the best possible results throughout the year.

Mowing

First of all you will need to give the lawnmower the once over before you use it again. Check that any electrical wires are sound and have no cuts or heavy abrasions on them. Check plug connections are tight and any connections to the lawnmower haven’t become stretched or damage during storage. Petrol mowers may need a quick MOT, check for oil and fuel leaks and make sure oil is topped up and the air filter is clean. Finally and most important is the cutting blade. Carefully inspect the blade for damage (disconnect mower from mains supply or remove spark plug lead off the plug if petrol mower) if the blade needs sharpening then this is best done with the blade removed. Please follow manufacturer’s instruction on this. A blunt blade will chew at the grass rather than cut it, leaving a poor quality finish. A sharp blade means a sharp looking lawn!

As the grass starts to grow you will need to start to mow your lawn. It is very important in early spring that you set the mowing height quite high taking no more than one quarter of the length of the plant off at a time otherwise the lawn will become stressed. A little and often approach is better in spring. As the grass grows faster as we move further into spring increase the mowing frequency and gradually reduce the height of cut to give the desired finish.

Apply a Spring Lawn Food

This gives the lawn the essential nutrients it needs over the spring period. Apply a spring lawn food in early spring and then again six weeks later. The grass is growing more quickly at this time and like any other plant need the correct nutrients in order to grow strong and healthy. Healthy grass means a thicker looking lawn and will also give an attractive green colour to your lawn. Good quality lawn feed is available at most DIY outlets.

Depending upon the wear and tear that the lawn has received over the previous months you may want to over seed the lawn in early spring. Applying new seed to the lawn will help fill out any gaps that have appeared through the winter. A good quality lawn seed is best (DIY Stores) and always follow recommendations etc.

Topdressing

If your lawn has become uneven then topdressing will even out any low areas. A rate of 1 – 3 kg per square metre will be sufficient when brushed into the lawn surface especially in lower areas. Carry out topdressing when the lawn is dry. Topdressing also helps break down thatch and aids drainage. Good quality top dressing can be found at most DIY stores.

Aeration

Aerate consolidated areas of the lawn with a hand fork, pushing the fork in as far as possible at intervals of 12-18 inches. If you have a large lawn it might be worth considering asking for a quote from Seerys to do this work for you Contact on 0115 963 3351 or use our Contact us form

Scarification

This is necessary for any lawn as it removes old dead grass and any moss that has accumulated. It aids with better drainage and also helps the grass grow. Relatively in-expensive machines can be sourced from local DIY stores  to help with this job, but if you are feeling energetic then a spring tine rake and some elbow grease will do the job just fine (have the kettle on though as a cup of tea will be needed!)

Remove all the debris from the lawn area.

Broadleaf weed treatment

Broad leaved weeds should be treated using a suitable selective herbicide. If only a small amount of weeds are present then hand weeding will be fine. Use a small hand fork and gently tease the weeds out making sure the entire root is removed. Fill any holes back in with soil an apply lawn seed if noticeable.

Dealing with moss

Not Kate Moss, the moss that’s in your lawn. If moss is a problem on your lawn you will need to scarify it out. You may also consider applying moss-killer product before scarifying. This will help to kill and remove more of the moss, allow the moss to turn brown/black before scarifying. Apply lawn seed to the area once completed to aid re-establishment of the lawn.

If you would like us to quote for any of the above jobs or set up a lawn care schedule with you please Contact  on 0115 963 3351 or use our Contact us form