Tips on How to Revive Your Lawn This Spring

 

If your lawn is looking a bit patchy, pale or overrun with moss and weeds, don’t worry – you’re not alone because harsh weather conditions and having a busy family-orientated garden can take a toll on even the best cared-for grass. The good news is that with the right steps and a little bit of effort, you can bring your lawn back to life. Here, we offer you some practical lawn care advice for spring so you can enjoy lusher, greener grass by summer.

Why Take Lawn Care Steps in the Spring?

You should focus on lawncare in spring because as the soil warms and daylight hours increase, grass begins to grow more actively. This makes it the perfect time to correct any previous damage.

While many people assume lawns bounce back from problems naturally, that’s not always the case – especially for newer lawns or those on sandy, free-draining soils. Much of a grass plant’s strength lies underground, in the root system, and if those roots have been damaged, your turf may now be struggling. So, lawn care in early spring gives you the opportunity to intervene before drier weather sets in and puts additional strain on the grass.

Why Lawns May Struggle in Spring

Even after a wet winter, you may notice that your grass is sparse or discoloured. In many cases, lawns that were heavily scarified in autumn, aerated, and treated with autumn feed make a reasonable recovery. But where grass was already thin – or if the turf has been newly laid – damage done to your lawn last year may still be visible.

How to Revive Your Lawn in Spring Following Drought

If the previous year contained a long period of drought, newer lawns or those that sit on dry, sandy soil, may still need a helping hand to recover, depending on the grass type.

Moving forwards, it’s wise to overseed with more resilient varieties of grass, like perennial ryegrass and tall fescue, which tend to recover best from drought.

Tackling Moss

Moss can be a big problem in spring, especially in shaded or poorly drained gardens. It not only spoils the look of your lawn but also hinders healthy grass growth. A wet winter, combined with patchy grass coverage, creates the perfect environment for it to flourish.

Moss tens to thrive on compacted, acidic soil and in areas where grass is weak. One common cause is mowing the lawn too short, which leaves turf more vulnerable. While traditional treatments containing iron sulphate are effective, many gardeners now prefer natural options. Products like Neudorff Organic Moss Control for Lawns and Miracle-Gro EverGreen Premium Plus No Rake Moss Remover break down moss without the need for raking and help prevent it from returning.

If you’re struggling with moss this year, prioritising it in your spring lawn care routine is crucial. Once it’s under control, your grass will have the space and resources to grow back stronger.

Dealing with Lawn Weeds

Weeds love a weak lawn. And after drought or waterlogging, it’s not uncommon to see broad-leaved invaders like dandelion and clover popping up.

So, another of our spring lawn care tips is to encourage a thick, healthy sward as a defence against weeds because dense turf naturally shades them out, reducing the need for chemical control.

However, if weeds are already established, you’ll need to be more proactive. Selective weedkillers will target lawn weeds without harming the grass, but if you prefer a more organic approach, removing weeds by hand is an effective, albeit time consuming, option. Be sure to dig out the roots to stop them growing back.

Once weeds are removed, reseed bare areas promptly to prevent further invasion.

Can You Reseed a Lawn in Spring?

Absolutely, this can be one of your first spring time lawn care steps. Although autumn is the preferred season for sowing new lawns, lawn care in March and April still provides an opportunity for success. With rising soil temperatures and more consistent rain, spring seeding can establish well, so long as you’re prepared to keep the area watered.

For smaller bare patches, patch repair kits that combine grass seed with seedling soil offer a quick and easy fix. Before applying, make sure the area is free from weeds and old grass, and lightly rake the soil to give the seeds a better chance of germination.

In larger areas, you’ll need to cut out the dead turf, break up the soil underneath, and add topsoil before sowing new seed. Lightly firm the ground, then rake the seed in so it’s not left exposed to birds. This is a key task in your step by step lawn care for spring, by helping rebuild your turf’s strength.

The First Mow of the Season

One of the most common mistakes gardeners make in spring is cutting the lawn too soon, or too short. Grass needs time to recover from winter, and mowing too early can stress it further.

Start mowing once the grass is growing, and the ground is reasonably dry. Always set your mower blades high at first, trimming just the top third of the grass. Sharpening the blades beforehand will help make clean cuts, preventing any tearing that weakens the lawn.

A steady mowing routine supports grass recovery and encourages denser growth. It’s one of the most overlooked but vital parts of your spring lawn care steps.

And if you need a new mower, the great news is that you can find Britain’s best range of lawnmowers for sale here.

Feeding and Aerating for Success

Feeding your lawn in spring gives it the nutrients needed for active growth. Choose a high-nitrogen feed (suitable for spring) and apply it according to the instructions. If your lawn is full of weeds, consider a combined weed-and-feed product.

Remember that freshly seeded areas should be left alone, so wait until the new grass is more established before applying fertiliser.

Aeration is another useful step in lawn care before spring fully sets in. So, if you didn’t aerate last autumn, now’s a great time to do it. Using an aerator or garden fork to spike holes will improve airflow and drainage, making it easier for roots to grow deeply.

Scarifying – removing the layer of thatch at the base of the grass – can also help, but go gently if your lawn is already thin. You can view our impressive range of scarifiers here.

Final Thoughts on Early Spring Lawn Care

Spring time lawn care is all about giving your grass the best possible start. Whether you’re dealing with weeds, moss, bare patches, or all three, now’s the moment to get to work. With careful attention and a little patience, your lawn will bounce back – just in time for the warmer months.

So, to recap, the best spring lawn care includes assessing damage, managing moss, dealing with weeds, reseeding where needed, mowing sensibly, and feeding well. Each action plays a part in helping you revive grass in spring and create a garden you’ll be proud of.

Your lawn doesn’t need to be perfect overnight but, with a few thoughtful steps, it can be healthy, green, and ready for summer.