Winter lawn care is mostly about what you should not do rather than what you should. Lawns in Hampshire are vulnerable to compaction and disease during the cold, wet months — the wrong actions at this time of year can create problems that last well into spring.
What to Avoid
The most important winter lawn rule is to stay off wet or frozen grass. Grass blades are brittle when frosted and will snap rather than bend, leaving brown footprint marks that take weeks to recover. Compaction on wet ground creates drainage problems that persist through spring.
- Do not walk on frozen or frosted grass
- Avoid mowing when waterlogged or frozen
- Do not apply weed and feed in cold weather
- Avoid heavy garden machinery on wet lawn areas
What You Can Do
In mild spells above 7°C, a light mow on the highest setting keeps the lawn tidy without stress. Check that any drainage work is functioning. Clear fallen leaves promptly — a mat of decomposing leaves will kill the grass beneath within weeks.
Planning for Spring
Winter is the ideal time to plan spring lawn renovation. Order seed, feed and moss killer now. Consider whether the lawn needs scarifying, aerating or levelling — and book a professional lawn care service for March if so.
A&T Landscapes provides year-round lawn care services across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 for a lawn assessment.