The Complete Month-by-Month Lawn Care Guide for the UK: Tips for Every Season

Looking after your lawn isn't just a springtime job - it's something that needs a bit of attention all year round. Whether it's mowing, feeding, scarifying, or just keeping off it when it's frosty, there's always something to keep in mind. This handy month-by-month guide walks you through what to do and when, so your lawn stays healthy and looking its best, whatever the season.

SPRING

As air and soil temperatures increase and days lengthen, it is time to start preparations for the coming season.

• Keep off the grass when conditions are wet or frosty.
• Order supplies of seed for any planned reseeding to repair or thicken the lawn with the correct grass mixtures.
• Plan the feeding and weeding programmes for the coming seasons.

March

• Inspect the lawn and note areas that need:
  • Treating for moss or weeds
  • Feeding
  • Removal of thatch and reseeding (thatch can harbour pests and diseases, encourages surface rooting and reduces drainage)
  • Weedy areas marking for overseeding (soil temperature needs to be at least 10°C for grass seed to germinate)
• Brush the lawn to remove debris when surface conditions allow.
• Start mowing as growth increases (above 10-12°C), using the highest mower setting. Empty the grass box regularly.
• Start edging work where needed.
• Treat moss when temperatures are high enough and scarify once moss turns straw colour. Do not scarify living moss.
• Apply a slow-release spring/summer fertiliser to all areas.

April

• If no frost is forecast, aerate to improve oxygen levels and drainage.
• Light rolling may help after frost damage.
• Treat isolated weeds by hand or use selective herbicide for larger areas. Avoid herbicides where naturalised bulbs are present.
• Scarify to improve growth and reseed thin areas when temperatures are high enough. Water if needed.
• Apply spring fertiliser if not done earlier.
• Increase mowing and lower cutting height (13-19mm), but do not cut more than one third of the blade.
• Light rolling can help new grass to 'tiller' instead of mowing too early.

May

• Continue lowering cutting height and increase mowing frequency.
• Trim the edges.
• Spot-treat weeds and feed the lawn.
• Water newly-establishing grass if soil is dry.
• 'No-mow May' may be beneficial for diversity but could reduce bird activity. Ensure proper mowing tools are used for longer grass.

SUMMER

As you use the garden more, watch for bare patches developing due to wear.

• Irrigation may be needed before grass shows stress. Apply enough water to reach the roots early in the day or overnight.
• Watch for fungal diseases during humid conditions.

June

• Unless in drought, mow twice a week at 6-13mm. Raise to 25-30mm during dry periods.
• Irrigate as needed.

July

• Mow regularly at summer height.
• Irrigate during dry weather.
• Lightly spike the lawn, ideally before expected rain.
• Avoid weed/feed treatments if grass is stressed.
• Trim edges as needed.

August

• Continue mowing and leave grass longer in dry conditions or if irrigation isn't available.
• Continue trimming edges.

AUTUMN

"Grass grows by the inch and is killed by the foot" - keep off the grass in wet or drought-stressed weather. This is the season for renovation and repair.

September

• Begin lawn maintenance as temperatures cool and rainfall increases.
• Scarify and aerate.
• Repair bare patches and over-seed where needed.

October

• Reduce mowing frequency and raise height (13-19mm).
• Hollow tine aeration if drainage issues occurred last winter/spring.
• Top dress with loam/sand mix to level the surface.
• Apply autumn/winter fertiliser to toughen grass and promote root development.

November

• Keep off wet or frosty lawns.
• Raise mowing height to 25–30mm (or taller).
• This may be the final cut of the season depending on weather.
• Clear leaves and debris to avoid moss and fungal issues.

WINTER

This is the quiet season. Grass is dormant unless the weather is mild. Avoid lawn activity in frosty or wet conditions.

December

• Continue clearing fallen leaves.
• If dry and mild, do a final mow before cleaning, servicing and storing the mower.

January

• Keep clearing debris to allow light to reach the grass.
• If mowing is necessary, do so only when dry and frost-free using a high setting.

February

• Conditions may still be cold, wet or frosty.
• Brush off worm casts on dry sunny days.
• Spike poor drainage areas and brush in sand/loam mix.
• Watch for yellow or brown patches caused by Fusarium.