The most commonly asked spring lawn care questions answered

As the spring sunshine coaxes gardens back to life, homeowners across the UK are turning their attention to their lawns to get them in the best condition for the warmer weather. 

A lawn is the pride and joy, often the focal point of a family’s outdoor space. British Garden Centres, the nation’s leading family-owned garden centre group, have put together some expert advice to the most frequently asked spring lawn care questions.

When can I start mowing my lawn?

The first mow of spring should be done when the grass reaches 5-8cm (2-3 inches). Start with a light trim and gradually lower the mower blades to a 25mm (1 inch) cutting height.

Mow only when the grass is dry to ensure even cuts and to prevent pests, diseases, and potential damage to the mower. Mowing too early, while the grass is still dormant, can stress the blades, weaken grass roots, encourage thatch buildup, and promote weed growth. We also recommend waiting for a dry spring day when the grass is actively growing.

For the first mow, we advise never removing more than one-third of the grass blade’s height. Mid-morning is the ideal time to do the first mow of the year as it allows dew to evaporate and leaves time for the grass to dry before the evening. After your first mow, you don’t need to do it again more than once every two weeks, increasing to weekly during the summer months when the growing season is in full swing.

What is scarifying, and when should you do it?

Scarifying a lawn removes moss, thatch, and weeds that compete with grass for nutrients, water, and light, promoting a healthier lawn. It is best done in spring or autumn when the grass grows actively. Scarify annually if thatch is 2cm+ and biennially if under 1cm.

Manual scarifying is so easy, and all you need is a rake.  Scarifying with a rake is cost-effective and eco-friendly, suitable for small gardens with moss. Rake sections gently in one direction to avoid harming healthy grass, and this will pull up the moss and thatch. Mow the lawn to about 2.5cm on a dry day before scarifying to help the scarifier reach the soil and roots.

What is aeration, and why should you do it?

Aeration is crucial to alleviate soil compaction caused by rainfall, debris, and limited root growth, especially after a wet winter.

Skipping aeration can lead to drainage issues, water pooling, and weakened grass roots, which you don’t want if you want your lawn to be in tip-top shape come summer. Again, a simple job that can be done with either an aerator or a garden fork.  All you need to do is spike the lawn at least three inches deep, spacing the holes no more than three inches apart. This improves drainage and allows air and nutrients to reach the roots, and your lawn will thank you for this in the warmer months.

How and when should you seed your lawn in spring?

Choose a calm, dry day if you wish to reseed your lawn, whether it be sowing from scratch or filling in patches.

Start by preparing the ground and mow or rake the area to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and remove any weeds and thatch that hasn’t been scarified.

Rake the soil until it is crumbly and sow your lawn seed as per the package instructions. Once the seeds are sown, gently rake them in to ensure they are covered for proper germination. Lightly compact the soil by treading on it, which will help seed and soil contact, as well as protect them from weather disturbances. Minimise foot traffic in the area to allow the new seeds to establish strong roots.

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 72 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.