Lawn care tips – 12 ways to help your garden's grasses thrive

From improving drainage to general maintenance, we’ve got you covered

lawn with grass and shed with white door and window
(Image credit: Future PLC / Douglas Gibb)

From the cold winter months to the (hopefully) hot UK summers, it’s fair to say that our lawns go through a lot. Thankfully, these lawn care tips will help you maintain a happy and healthy lawn throughout the year.

It can be easy to forget about your lawn. But if you have big lawn ideas and want to make your grass the focal point of your garden, you need to give it the TLC that it desperately needs. But we understand that lawns can be daunting, and it can be hard to understand what your lawn needs… and when it needs it. 

That’s why we’ve consulted with experts and put together the essential lawn care tips that everyone needs to know. We’ve even spit these lawn care tips into sections for reviving your lawn after winter, mowing the lawn, improving drainage, and general maintenance to make it even easier. 

Garden with lawn, lavender border and garden room

(Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd-Davies)

The best lawn care tips 

'Having a beautiful, vibrant lawn is a great way to add value and beauty to your property and create a beautiful and relaxed setting,' says Josh Novell, Director, Polhill Garden Centre. 'To achieve a healthy lawn, there are several steps you can take.'

For you to nurture a lawn that is healthy, happy and thriving, we've pulled together 12 of the best lawn care tips. Packed full of expert advice, our guide will tell you everything you need to know in order to achieve a perfectly manicured lawn that will be the envy of all your neighbours.

Reviving your lawn after winter

1. Fertilise the grass

Green grass surrounded by trees and bushes next to house

(Image credit: STIHL)

'Spring is a great time to feed your lawn to help it recover after winter and provide all the nutrients needed during the growing season for thick, dense grass,' says Jamie Shipley, Gardening Expert and MD, Hedges Direct.   

Learning how to revive your lawn after winter can transform your grass from dry and damaged to well-nourished and healthy. Applying a fertiliser is the easiest way to do this. Make sure you have mowed, aerated, and removed any weeds or leaves from your lawn before fertilising. Then spray a liquid fertiliser onto your lawn. Follow up with a light sprinkling of water to help it absorb into the soil.

'And applying fertiliser in autumn will prepare your grass for harsh weather conditions in winter, as well as increase recovery time if damaged,' Jamie adds.

2. Get rid of leaves, weeds and moss

lawn with grass and shed with white door and window

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Removing debris, moss and dead 'thatch' from your lawn (i.e. scarifying your lawn) is essential when reviving your lawn after winter. 'Using a rake to remove debris and dead grass disturbs the top layer of soil, so you can plant new grass seed to make your lawn look thicker and greener', says Josh from Polhill Garden Centre.

If you're working with small garden ideas, use a spring-tined rake and a bit of physical effort. For larger areas, consider hiring or buying a scarifier with a motor - like this VonHaus Lawn Scarifier from Amazon - which will pull all the moss and dead organic matter out of the lawn, allowing light and air to get in. The debris will still have to be raked up and removed.

Clear leaves with a rake as soon as they fall so they don’t rot and damage grass. For clearing agricultural pests, there are a few ways you can learn how to kill weeds, either by hand, using a traditional daisy grubber, or a chemical treatment. Chemicals are less effort but make sure you follow the instructions to the letter to avoid over-treating and unnecessary damage.

Scarifying your lawn is hard work, but it stops the moss from smothering the grass, giving it a chance to grow. Only scarify in spring; otherwise, you can cause lasting damage.

3. Adjust the cutting height with care

If you have 'let the garden grow' in colder months and your lawn is looking a little unkempt come spring, then fear not. You can gradually decrease the cutting height on your best lawnmower over the weeks each time to reach your desired grass length. It's also important to know when to start cutting grass after winter; wait until the frost has completely gone, or the grass might not be able to grow back properly.

'Ensure your mower is on a setting that will cut around 25% of growth, and leaves around three centimetres of grass length,' says Jamie from Hedges Direct. 'If your lawn is cut too short, there is less leaf area to take in oxygen and sunlight, slowing root development, and the blade could also damage the crowns of the grass plants.' 

As the temperature starts to increase, you can then start to cut more grass when you mow the lawn. 'Cut grass with the lawn mower blades set high for the first few times, then use a good lawn feed to help your lawn look its best,' says Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director, Dobbies.

Mowing your lawn

4. Maintain a mowing schedule

Red lawn mower on grass behind house

(Image credit: Cobra)

'Mowing your lawn regularly is one of the most important aspects of lawn care,' says Jack. 'Not only does it keep your lawn looking neat and tidy, but it also promotes healthy growth.'

Mowing the lawn may not be the most loved chore for many of us, but it's important not to skip it if you're implementing all of the above lawn care tips. 

'I generally recommend doing this once every two weeks or so depending on the growth rate of your particular type of turfgrass,' says Muhammed Haq, Founder, Norfolk Garden Sheds. 'When mowing, always use sharp blades as dull blades will tear rather than cut through the grass which can cause damage to your lawn over time as well as lead to brown patches throughout your yard.'

Improving lawn drainage

5. Aerate your lawn

There are many ways to improve lawn drainage. Where lawns have become very compacted and are not draining well, use a lawn aerator; a very simple tool that has hollow prongs you push into the lawn like a fork. This will remove small plugs of soil which can then have lawn sand brushed into them, and aerating your lawn will ultimately help the lawn to drain faster.

This can also be done using a garden fork pushed into the lawn and wiggled around to break the soil and reduce the compaction. If you have a wet, soggy lawn, plunge a fork into the ground all over your patch (called aerating). Go as deep as possible every 30cm or so, and it will help with drainage and encourage grass root growth for generally healthier grass.

'This simple process can rescue your lawn if it’s been suffering from compacted soil, as it improves drainage and the flow of nutrients, air, and water,' Jamie explains.

6. Install a French drain

lawn with small grass and chair with cushions

(Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd Davies)

Although they’re not a common addition to gardens, French drains are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, especially in waterlogged gardens. 

Matt Kent, landscape manager at Toolstation, says, 'If flooding is a regular issue, you may want to consider installing a French drain. This is a gravel-filled ditch with a perforated underground pipe to drain away the water.’ 

Installing a French drain requires digging in your garden, but it can make a huge difference to your lawn if you have a sloping garden, as it will take the water away from these boggy areas and to a more suitable drainage area. 

Although you can install a French drain yourself, you should consider hiring a professional for this job. 

7. Level your lawn

A garden that is full of bumps, dips, and holes is never going to have good drainage. The water will pool in the lower areas and fall away from the heavier areas, leading to a very patchy lawn. So, levelling a lawn can help that. 

Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench, explains, ‘Having an uneven lawn can cause many different problems, such as swamp-like conditions, difficulty when placing outdoor furniture, difficulty laying paving and decking, danger for children and, of course, an unattractive appearance.’ 

However, you have to make sure that you’re levelling your lawn correctly, so we’d suggest following our guide on how to level a lawn

Headshot of gardening expert Steve Chilton
Steve Chilton

Steve is a passionate and knowledgeable garden expert with several years of experience within the field and has developed strong expertise for all things nature and plants. Steve is a keen educator and loves to share this knowledge with others. He strives to simplify complex garden practices and encourage eco-friendly gardening.

General maintenance for your lawn

8. Spruce up your lawn edges

green wellington boots with half moon edger

(Image credit: Amateur Gardening)

'Sometimes a mower can’t reach the edges of your garden, especially if you have a lawn that is against a wall or fence', Josh says. 'You may need to dedicate some time and use some gardening shears to trim down the edges.'

Use a half-moon edger a couple of times a year to keep your garden edging ideas neat. These tools are readily available and often very affordable and will define the line between flower beds and your lawn, making your whole garden look tidier instantly.

'Edging your lawn is a great way to instantly improve your lawn's general appearance', says Steve. 'It helps keep your garden looking neat and tidy, and is particularly good for shaping small gardens.'

9. Repair patchy grass areas

sowing new grass seed

(Image credit: Amateur Gardening)

The best lawn care tips involve planting seeds for new grass to grow in damaged areas. Rake up the earth until it’s crumbly, then sow seed according to packet instructions. Water the area wel, and don’t walk on it for several weeks.

'Sow new lawns or repair bare patches from April if weather allows, on ground that has been pre-prepared, levelled and firmed,' Marcus from Dobbies advises. 'If you are laying new turf, leave undisturbed for a few weeks to allow time for new roots to establish.'

'You can spread the grass seeds by hand or there are grass seed-spreading tools that you can use,' says Josh from Polhill Garden Centre. 'It all depends on the surface area of your lawn and how meticulous you want it to be.'

It’s also very easy to overseed your lawn, which will result in an even more vibrant and luscious lawn. 

10. Top dress your turf

Top-dressing is a mix of soil, sand and well-rotted compost, but you can also buy pre-mixed bags. For a really well-kept lawn, brush some top-dressing over the grass at least twice a year; once in spring, and once in autumn, to correspond with the lawn's natural renovation periods. 

Buying top-dressing in bulk, like this Rolawn Lawn Top Dressing Bulk Bag from Wickes, means you can keep it in your shed for years to come, and dip back into it at the appropriate times. Apply two lots, allowing a few days between each to let the mixture settle into any holes and dips. This will also encourage grass to thicken and put down more roots.

11. Give the grass a feed

man using watering can for watering new seeds

(Image credit: Amateur Gardening)

'You should feed your lawn in the same way that you'd feed your plants and flowers,' says Steve from Leisure Bench. 'The best time to feed your lawn is just before it rains. This is so that when it does rain, the feed gets washed right down to the roots.' 

Lawn feeds encourage grass to ‘green up’ and look healthy. Once you start feeding lawns they become dependent on it, so it’s important you don’t stop. Start in spring and get into a weekly routine during the main growing season but don’t over-feed as this can cause scorching.

'If you want to promote wildlife in your garden avoid using weed killers on the lawn and allow clovers, bugle, and tiny trefoils to populate the lawn, all of which give bees something to feed on,' says Craig Roman from Dobbies.

12. Give grass a drink in dry spells

With temperatures in peak summer soaring in recent years, grass can often wind up yellow, parched and thirsty. Waiting for the next rainfall isn't enough if you want your lawn to look and stay healthy during dry spells, so the experts recommend to manually water it instead.

If you're wondering can you water grass in the sun, the answer is yes, but you shouldn't do it too frequently. 'Over-watering your lawn can lead to damage as it becomes waterlogged and drowned,' Steve explains. 

'It’s important to water your lawn deeply and less frequently to encourage deep roots,' Jack Sutcliffe, Co-founder, Power Sheds expands. 'This will help your lawn to be more drought-tolerant and well-hydrated.'

FAQs

How do I take care of my lawn UK?

If you're new to garden work, lawn care tips can feel a little overwhelming and it's difficult to know where to start. First of all, know when and how often to cut your grass.

'You should allow your grass to grow to a specific height before you mow,' says grass expert Timothy Greene. 'Use the highest setting on your lawn mower for the first mowing session. After the first cut, you can gradually drop to the recommended mower height for your type of lawn.'

It's important not to cut your grass when it's too short, as it won't be able to absorb enough sunlight and oxygen to grow back properly. This is especially important for beginner lawns, when grass tends to be shorter anyway.

'A new lawn needs a bit more attention and care than a lawn that has been there for a more extended period of time,' Steve explains. 'This is because the grass is newer and fresher, and much less hardy and thick than grass that has been there for years.'

Give your beginner lawn a helping hand by adding a nourishing fertiliser. 'Fertilising your lawn helps to ensure healthy growth and a lush, green appearance,' says Jack from Power Sheds. 'But use the right fertiliser for your grass type and don’t overdo it – too much fertiliser can be harmful to your beginner lawn.'

How do I keep my lawn healthy?

To keep a lawn healthy there are a few simple rules to abide by:

  • Stay off your lawn until you can walk across it without leaving footprints/sinking.
  • Remove debris from lawn.
  • Use a lawn aerator to help lawns drain.
  • Feed and seed bare patches of grass.
  • Avoid weed killers if you want to attract wildlife to your garden.

Follow these lawn care tips, and your grass will thank you! 

Deputy Editor

Jennifer is the Deputy Editor (Digital) for Homes & Gardens online. Prior to her current position, she completed various short courses a KLC Design School, and wrote across sister brands Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes, Country Homes & Interiors, and Style at Home. 

With contributions from