Evenings beginning to get brighter and hearing the first sounds of birds chirping are sure signs that spring is rolling around. Gardens are on the cusp of bursting to life, and there’s most likely plenty of prep to be doing to get things ready for a beautiful spring. One area that may need some TLC at this time of year is the lawn, to get it back to its best after the winter months and weather changes.
To help you get your lawn in top top shape, we’ve shared our spring lawncare tips below!
- Scarify and aerate lawns
Lawns can suffer from compaction after winter, causing grass to become yellow and weeds to grow. Scarification and aeration are vital in rejuvenating lawns and getting them in prime condition for the season ahead. Scarifying removes any thatch and unwanted debris from the grass roots while aerating perforates the soil with small holes – both of which allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots, encouraging strong, vibrant growth.
A scarifier may be needed if a manual rake is not up to the job as they can easily remove unwanted debris, as steel blades propel forward and collect the thatch and moss as it moves. Aerators have sharp, hollow tines that extract soil, leaving small neat holes that easily welcome vital nutrients, air and water in.
- Overseeding
Overseeding is quite simply spreading lawn seed to help thicken lawns and encourage healthier growth. It can encourage a thicker, more vibrant lawn as it fills in any bare or damaged patches of grass, helping to improve its overall appearance while reducing the number of weeds and moss.
Preparing lawns by overseeding can help to ensure the grass is as thick and healthy as possible for the spring and summer months. It’s also a great way of filling any sparse patches.
3. Tackle the first mow of the year – and avoiding scalping!
When you’ve ticked scarification and aeration off your lawn to-do list, and conditions have been dry for a few days, it’s time to tackle the first mow of the year!
It’s important to remember that the first few cuts are important though, as even if the grass has started to grow, it still won’t be at its full strength, so it’s vital that you take care to prevent causing damage.
Most lawnmowers have an adjustable height level that raises the blades from the grass to prevent scalping, which can stress the grass. So, for the first mow, raise the height to the maximum setting as this will help stimulate grass growth and encourage the blades to thicken over time. Cutting the grass too short can strip it of essential moisture and cause it to dry out.
As spring progresses into summer, you can mow the lawn more frequently, and at a lower height. As it begins to grow more rapidly as the season progresses – consider leaving it a little longer to help it cope with drier periods – leaving lawns greener and lusher for longer!
4. Mulch into spring
They may not seem like anything special, but lawn clippings form mulch which is a very valuable source of nutrients. Sprinkling a light layer of cuttings onto your lawn after mowing creates a mulch that will lock in moisture and nutrients, helping to grow thick, healthy grass. An easy and effective way to do this is by opting for a mulching lawnmower. As well as trimming grass to the desired length, mulching lawnmowers also recycle grass clippings by returning them to the lawn. As the fine blades of grass decompose over time, nutrients are returned to the soil, acting as a natural fertiliser treatment!
5. When and when not to fertilise
Similar to watering, it’s best to hold off fertilising the lawn until we are further into the season. Using fertiliser while the grass is tender and in the early period of regrowth will risk it becoming scorched as soon as the weather gets warmer. Instead, it’s best to wait for the grass to gain some strength so that it can better absorb the fertiliser, which can help it thrive during extreme heat.
6. Go beyond mowing
It’s important to remember that lawncare isn’t all about mowing, it’s also about making sure the tools and machinery you use are in good working condition before the season starts too. Simple care and maintenance at the start of spring can really help a lawn look its best, so make sure to get your lawnmower serviced first!
A service involves checking, cleaning and changing spark plugs and air filters, changing the oil and making sure that the safety functions are up and running. A service should be done before the start of every season to improve the performance of your lawnmower and extend its lifespan. It’s also important to check that lawnmower blades are nice and sharp before mowing too, as blunt blades can tug at grass, causing damage to the roots, and impacting its growth.
Cobra’s recommended spring lawncare products
The SA32E electric scarifier not only provides a robust scarifier but a bladed aerator, with 12 high-quality steel blades reaching deep into the soil, which is vital for elements, such as water, air and nutrients, to penetrate the root and encourage a vibrant, thick lawn.
The SA32E electric scarifier not only provides a robust scarifier but a bladed aerator, with 12 high-quality steel blades reaching deep into the soil, which is vital for elements, such as water, air and nutrients, to penetrate the root and encourage a vibrant, thick lawn.
The MX3440V cordless lawnmower offers five cutting heights between 25mm and 75mm, easily allowing adjustment throughout the year to provide healthy grass during every season. Its battery-powered design provides a powerful yet lightweight combination, eliminating the backache of maintaining lawns and the need for petrol and electric cables.
Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 500E Series petrol engine, the MM51B mulching lawnmower provides a powerful drive with five cutting heights between 30mm and 75mm while its mulching function allows you to cut grass and fertilise at the same time – making it simple and easy to create a luscious lawn.
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