“I’m a lawncare expert, here are 7 top tips to get your lawn ready for spring”

Winter conditions, including frost, snow and prolonged rainfall, can take their toll on grass, making early spring care essential for rejuvenation. By taking a few simple steps now, gardeners can help restore lawn health and encourage strong growth as temperatures begin to rise. 

Here, Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra Garden,  to the UK’s largest range of powered lawnmowers, shares his expert advice on preparing your patch for a lush and healthy spring season. 

How does winter weather damage lawns? 

During winter, cold temperatures can cause the water inside grass cells to freeze, making the blades rigid and more prone to breakage. Ice, snow and repeated heavy foot traffic place additional strain on the turf, leading to compacted soil and restricted airflow. These conditions limit the amount of oxygen, water and nutrients reaching the roots, slowing the lawn’s recovery when spring arrives. By acting early in the season, lawns can bounce back more quickly and establish the ideal conditions for healthy growth. 

7 essential lawn care tips for spring 

1) Start by scarifying 

Scarifying the lawn is a great place to start. Over winter, moss, thatch and garden debris can build up on the surface of the lawn and prevent new shoots from developing. Using a scarifier or a sturdy rake to remove this layer allows fresh air, light and nutrients to reach the soil while encouraging new growth. 

2) Create additional air flow 

Aerating the lawn is equally important for strong root development. Soil often becomes compacted during the colder months, restricting the movement of water and oxygen. Creating small holes across the lawn using a garden fork or aerator improves drainage and helps roots grow deeper and healthier. 

3) Overseed sparse patches 

Overseeding patchy areas can help restore density and improve the overall appearance of the lawn, and early spring is an ideal time to get sowing. Choosing a grass seed mix suited to your soil type and watering regularly during dry spells will support successful germination and allow it to become well-established.  

4) Introduce a lawn feed 

Applying a balanced, slow-release fertiliser that’s rich in nitrogen, phosphate and potash will support strong root development and encourages vibrant green growth as the season progresses. 

5) Weed regularly to prevent competition 

Tackling weeds early on can prevent them from competing with grass for vital nutrients and space. Removing weeds by hand or applying an appropriate topical treatment early in the season can help keep lawns healthy and reduces problems later in the year. 

6) Start the season with a gentle mow 

When it comes to mowing, the first cut of spring should be gentle. Set your mower to a higher cutting height of around 33–34mm to avoid removing too much of the grass blade, and then gradually lower the blades for future mows. A light trim encourages fresh growth while maintaining an even, tidy appearance without placing unnecessary stress on an already fragile lawn. 

The Cobra cordless range of mowers offers generous adjustable cutting heights to suit different conditions, starting as short as 17mm for everyday summer cuts and reaching up to 75mm for overgrown or fast-growing turf. 

7) Monitor moisture  

It’s important to monitor moisture levels - especially during changeable weather. While spring showers are beneficial, excessive water can lead to waterlogging and suffocate grass roots, . B improving drainage through aeration and avoiding unnecessary watering, you can maintain the right balance for a flourishing lawn.  

By following these simple steps, lawns can bounce back from winter damage and continue to thrive for the season ahead. 

For more expert advice from Cobra, or to browse their extensive range of garden machinery products, visit www.cobragarden.co.uk.

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Editors notes

The Cobra Garden range is constantly expanding and now consists of over 130 products to cover both domestic and professional requirements. Cobra incorporate a comprehensive range of petrol, electric and cordless lawnmowers, handheld machines and lawncare products.