As spring approaches, gardeners across the UK are eager to revive their outdoor spaces after the winter months.
However, a lawn care expert warns that common mistakes could compromise the health of your grass.
Expert at The Grass People Chris McIlroy said: "I love seeing people's enthusiasm as the weather warms up, but getting ahead of yourself can lead to common missteps."
A common mistake the gardening expert often sees is mowing too early in the season.
Chris said: "Grass requires time to recover from winter dormancy, and mowing prematurely can stress it. It's crucial to wait until the grass has started to grow and the soil has warmed up before the first mow.
"You also shouldn't cut more than one-third of the grass blade's length in a single mowing session to prevent weakening the grass."
Mowing wet grass is another mistake to avoid as wet grass blades can clump together, leading to "uneven cuts and potentially clogging the mower".
The expert advised: "Mowing on wet soil can cause soil compaction, hindering root growth. It's best to wait until the grass is dry to ensure a clean, even cut."
Watering your grass is essential, but overwatering can lead to "shallow root systems and increase the possibility of disease".
Chris advised: "Water deeply but infrequently. This allows the topsoil to dry out between sessions. Also, watering in the early morning is a good idea as it reduces evaporation and fungal growth risks."
Likewise, do not over-festilise your lawn. The expert said: "Excess nutrients can lead to rapid, weak growth and increase its chances of contracting disease."
Failing to remove the weeds in your garden is a big mistake gardeners make, as this can "quickly lead to an unhealthy lawn".
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Chris said: "Make sure you add your weed treatments to your early spring list of jobs."
Aeration is another often-neglected aspect of lawn maintenance. Compacted soil restricts the flow of air, water and nutrients to grass roots.
The gardener stated: "Spring is an ideal time for aeration, especially in high-traffic areas."
This process involves creating small holes in the soil to alleviate compaction and promote healthy root development.
Find Out More...
However, a lawn care expert warns that common mistakes could compromise the health of your grass.
Expert at The Grass People Chris McIlroy said: "I love seeing people's enthusiasm as the weather warms up, but getting ahead of yourself can lead to common missteps."
A common mistake the gardening expert often sees is mowing too early in the season.
Chris said: "Grass requires time to recover from winter dormancy, and mowing prematurely can stress it. It's crucial to wait until the grass has started to grow and the soil has warmed up before the first mow.
"You also shouldn't cut more than one-third of the grass blade's length in a single mowing session to prevent weakening the grass."
Mowing wet grass is another mistake to avoid as wet grass blades can clump together, leading to "uneven cuts and potentially clogging the mower".
The expert advised: "Mowing on wet soil can cause soil compaction, hindering root growth. It's best to wait until the grass is dry to ensure a clean, even cut."
Watering your grass is essential, but overwatering can lead to "shallow root systems and increase the possibility of disease".
Chris advised: "Water deeply but infrequently. This allows the topsoil to dry out between sessions. Also, watering in the early morning is a good idea as it reduces evaporation and fungal growth risks."
Likewise, do not over-festilise your lawn. The expert said: "Excess nutrients can lead to rapid, weak growth and increase its chances of contracting disease."
Failing to remove the weeds in your garden is a big mistake gardeners make, as this can "quickly lead to an unhealthy lawn".
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Chris said: "Make sure you add your weed treatments to your early spring list of jobs."
Aeration is another often-neglected aspect of lawn maintenance. Compacted soil restricts the flow of air, water and nutrients to grass roots.
The gardener stated: "Spring is an ideal time for aeration, especially in high-traffic areas."
This process involves creating small holes in the soil to alleviate compaction and promote healthy root development.
Find Out More...