Spring Into Action with Our 10 Expert Lawncare Tips

 

As spring gathers pace and the days grow longer, your garden is now wide awake after its winter slumber. Amongst the first things to respond to the changing season was your lawn—possibly the centrepiece of your outdoor space, and also one of the most demanding when it comes to seasonal care. However, with the right approach, spring can be the perfect launchpad for a lawn that stays lush, resilient, and beautiful, right through the summer and beyond.

Whether you’re aiming for a pristine, ornamental finish or robust outdoor area for the family to enjoy, please read on for some practical, professional spring lawncare advice, which you can start to follow now…

Tip 1: Tidy Up Winter’s Leftovers

Before you begin any real lawncare, it’s vital to give your garden a proper spring clean. Wind, frost and decay may have left your grass smothered by leaves, twigs, or even fallen branches. All of this debris can block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to an increase in fungi, pests, and diseases.

Use a rake or lawn sweeper to clear the surface, paying close attention to any areas with lingering dampness. If your trees have any damaged branches hanging precariously above your lawn, consider using a small chainsaw or pruning tool to remove them safely. Having a clean slate gives your lawn the best possible chance to bounce back into life.

Tip 2: Reseed Bare or Patchy Areas

Patchy lawns are a common sight in spring, often caused by frost, foot traffic, or pests. But the good news is that spring is a great time to overseed these areas. Choose a grass seed that suits your intended lawn use—fine fescues for ornamental lawns, or more robust ryegrass blends for high-traffic spaces.

Firstly, loosen the soil in bare patches, and scatter the seed evenly. For larger areas, a spreader is a fabulous tool to use. Then, gently rake and tread the seed in. Water lightly and regularly until germination begins, and keep the area free from foot traffic. Overseeding alongside aeration can double the benefits, encouraging thicker, more uniform coverage as the season progresses.

Tip 3: Aerate for Stronger Roots and Better Drainage

If your lawn feels compacted underfoot or is slow to drain after rain, aeration can make a world of difference. This process, which involves spiking small holes into the soil, allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone—boosting health and growth over the months ahead.

You can use a garden fork, manual aerator, or invest in a petrol-powered machine, depending on the size of your lawn. Timing is key: wait until the grass is actively growing and the soil is damp but not too wet, usually when temperatures sit steadily between 10–18°C. In other words, it’s a job to get done now.

Tip 4: Set Your Lawn Up with the Right Feed

Spring feeding is one of the most powerful tools in your lawncare kit. A high-quality, slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertiliser provides your grass with essential nutrients as it emerges from the colder months. It not only encourages thicker, greener growth but helps to strengthen roots and improve resilience against future drought, disease, or wear and tear.

Should you spot yellowing blades or slow growth, these are telltale signs to indicate that your lawn is crying out for nourishment. To apply the fertiliser in the most effective way possible, it’s again worth investing in a push broadcast spreader.

Tip 5: The Time Is Right to Mow

As eager as you might have been to tidy things up back in February or March, it’s always best to delay the first mow of the season until your lawn is actively growing. That will now be happening so, if you haven’t already, it’s time to reach for your lawnmower.

Always set the blades higher than usual for the first couple of cuts. This gentler approach reduces stress on the grass and helps maintain good root development early in the season.

Tip 6: Sharpen Up for a Clean Cut

Sharp mower blades aren’t just a luxury—they’re an absolute necessity. Blunt blades tear rather than cut, leading to ragged edges that turn brown and invite disease. So, whether you use a push mower, ride-on mower, or robot mower, keeping the blades in peak condition ensures a healthier lawn and a cleaner finish.

For robotic mowers, you should replace the blades at least once a year—more often if it’s cutting frequently. With walk-behind or ride-on mowers, sharpening blades every 20–25 hours of use is a good guideline, though some people prefer the ease of replacing them annually.

Tip 7: Control Weeds Before They Spread

Spring is when weeds make their move, so tackling them early is vital. While some people embrace a wilder lawn with a few daisies and clovers, others prefer a neater look. For the latter, there are several methods you can try—hand removal, weed-and-feed treatments, or even using the regular cutting action of a robotic mower to keep growth suppressed.

Automated mowers are especially effective at keeping weeds at bay due to their frequent trimming cycles, which prevent flowering and seed spread. Over time, this promotes a thicker lawn that naturally chokes out unwanted guests.

Tip 8: Manage Fungal Threats Before They Set In

With spring warmth often comes increased humidity—perfect conditions for fungal diseases to take hold. Lawn fungi can manifest as discoloured patches, slimy growth, or general thinning. Prevention is your best bet, and many of the tips we’ve already covered—like aerating and overseeding—help keep fungal problems under control.

In severe cases, a targeted fungicide may be required, but always follow label instructions and combine treatment with proper lawncare practices to avoid future flare-ups.

 

Tip 9: Perfect the Edges for a Professional Finish

Once your lawn is thriving, don’t forget the finishing touches. Using a lawn edger or strimmer around the outskirts of a lawn can elevate your whole garden, giving it a well-maintained, polished appearance. Manual edging shears are great for small areas, while powered trimmers or edgers make quick work of larger borders.

It’s an easy way to give your lawn that garden show look—even if the rest of your outdoor area is still a work in progress.

Tip 10: Make Lawncare Work for Your Lifestyle

Lastly, think about how you use your lawn. Is it a football pitch for the kids? A peaceful spot for barbecues? Or more of a visual centrepiece? Your maintenance choices should reflect your goals. Tougher grass types and more frequent seeding suit heavy-use areas, while ornamental lawns benefit from a slower approach with precise feeding and careful mowing.

When you align your lawncare with your lifestyle, you’ll not only get better results—you’ll enjoy the process a whole lot more too.

Time to Gear Up for a Greener Spring

A beautiful lawn doesn’t just happen by accident—it’s the result of consistent care and the right tools for the job. Here, at Garden Machinery Direct, we’ve got everything you need to get your lawn in top shape this spring. From top-quality lawnmowers and aerators to strimmers, fertiliser spreaders, and beyond, our huge range of garden tools and machinery is backed by the best expert advice and prices that won’t break the bank.

So, shop with confidence today and take your lawn to the next level—because the most attractive gardens always start with the best equipment.