A lush green lawn is the heart of any garden. It creates a welcoming outdoor space, adds beauty to your property, and can even increase its value. However, keeping a lawn healthy in the UK’s unpredictable climate isn’t always easy. Between heavy rain, moss, weeds, and occasional droughts, homeowners often struggle to achieve that perfect garden look. To help you out, here are ten tried and tested lawn care tips.
1. Mow Regularly
Cutting your grass regularly encourages thicker growth and prevents weeds from taking over. For most gardens, once a week during the growing season is ideal. Always adjust your mower height according to the season — higher in summer to avoid scorched grass.
2. Don’t Cut Too Short
It may be tempting to mow the grass very short, but this weakens the lawn and exposes it to weeds. Keep grass around 2.5–4 cm in spring and autumn, and slightly longer in hot summer months.
3. Water Deeply, Not Frequently
Instead of frequent light watering, give your lawn a deep soak once or twice a week. This encourages deeper root growth and creates a more resilient lawn. Morning or evening watering is best to avoid evaporation.
4. Fertilise Seasonally
A healthy lawn needs nutrients. Use a spring fertiliser rich in nitrogen for growth and a balanced autumn feed to strengthen roots before winter.
5. Control Weeds and Moss
Weeds compete with grass for nutrients, while moss thrives in damp, shaded conditions. Use selective weed killers and treat moss with iron sulphate or professional removal services.
6. Aerate the Soil
Compacted soil prevents water and nutrients from reaching roots. Aerate your lawn in autumn or spring by spiking holes with a garden fork or using a lawn aerator.
7. Overseed Bare Patches
Bare spots ruin the look of a lawn and allow weeds to settle. Reseed patches in early autumn or spring, when soil is moist but not waterlogged.
8. Edge Your Lawn
Crisp edges instantly make a garden look tidy. Use a half-moon edging tool to define borders along paths and flower beds.
9. Remove Lawn Thatch
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that builds up over time. Scarifying (raking out thatch) in spring or autumn helps the lawn breathe.
10. Hire Professionals for Regular Care
If you don’t have the time or equipment, a professional lawn care service ensures your garden stays in top condition all year round.
