As the days lengthen and the first signs of spring appear, the familiar scent of freshly cut grass is just around the corner. However, before you pull your mower out of the shed and head straight for the lawn, a bit of preparation is essential.
March can be a tricky month for British gardens. The ground is often still soft, and the grass is just waking up from its winter dormancy. Taking the right steps now will set the foundation for a healthy, lush lawn throughout the summer.
1. Give Your Mower a Health Check
Your machinery has likely been sitting idle for several months. Before starting it up, a quick inspection can prevent long-term damage. Check the blades for bluntness and ensure the battery terminals are clean.
If you have a smaller urban garden, a lightweight and hassle-free machine like the Stihl RMA 235 Cordless Lawn Mower is a perfect choice for the new season. Weighing only 14kg, it is incredibly easy to manoeuvre. It features an “eco-mode” which automatically adjusts the motor speed to suit the grass conditions, helping you get the most out of the Stihl AK battery system during those first few mows of the year.
2. Clear the Winter Debris
Winter storms often leave the lawn littered with twigs, stones, and fallen leaves. It is vital to clear these before your first mow to protect your machinery. Hitting a stray stone or a thick branch can easily damage a blade or a crankshaft.
To make this job effortless, the Stihl BGA 45 Cordless Leaf Blower is an excellent tool for clearing paths and lawns of loose debris. It is part of the Stihl AI Line, meaning it has a built-in battery and is incredibly lightweight. Using a blower is far more efficient than a manual broom for getting those stubborn autumn leaves out of corners and flower beds before the mower comes out.
3. The “One-Third” Rule
The biggest mistake many gardeners make in March is “scalping” the lawn. For the first cut of the year, you should only aim to remove the top third of the grass blade. Cutting too low, too early, can shock the grass and encourage moss to take hold.
For larger lawns that require more power, the Echo DLM-310/46SP Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is an excellent tool for the job. As a self-propelled model, it takes the effort out of mowing, which is especially helpful if your lawn has grown thick over the winter. It features a robust 46cm steel deck and 7 different cutting height positions, allowing you to set the mower high for that crucial first spring cut.
4. Wait for a Dry Spell
While we are all keen to get started, mowing a damp or waterlogged lawn in early spring is a recipe for disaster. Heavy machinery can compact the soil, while wet grass tends to clump and clog your mower. Wait for a dry afternoon when the moisture has lifted from the blades.
If you want to achieve that classic British striped finish from the very start of the season, consider the Mountfield Empress 46 Roller Li Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower Kit. This 48v machine features a rear roller to create beautiful stripes while you mow. This kit comes complete with two 4Ah batteries and a dual charger, providing plenty of run-time to get your garden looking its best for the spring.
5. Tackle the Moss
If your lawn looks more grey than vibrant green, you may have a moss problem following a wet winter. March is an excellent time to use a scarifier to remove “thatch” and moss, allowing light and air to reach the soil. This encourages thicker, healthier growth as the temperatures begin to rise.
A perfect tool for this is the AL-KO Combi Care 38 E Comfort Electric Scarifier. Currently featured in our special offers, this 2-in-1 machine comes with both a scarifying roller to tackle moss and an aerator roller to help your soil breathe. It is a compact, electric solution that transforms a dull, moss-ridden lawn into a healthy environment ready for new seed and fertiliser.
Ready for the season?
Preparation is the key to a stress-free gardening season. Whether you need a compact Stihl for a small patch or a powerful Mountfield with a rear roller, having the right equipment makes all the difference.
Click here to explore our full catalog of special offers to get you started in the new season.
