During the winter months, leaves die off and the wind blows leaves and foliage from trees and bushes onto the lawn. The lawn may also have suffered from snowfall and may present an unhappy, grey/brown appearance. It is a good idea at this time to clear the lawn using a fine rake, leaf blower/vacuum or wheeled leaf collector.
Once the ground has dried, warmed up (+10°c) and growth has resumed, bare patches in the lawn can now be resown. Spring fertilisation helps the lawn to quickly grow green and strong again, if no nutrient reserves were provided during the previous year through continuous mulching. Nutrients are essential for the growth of grass, especially nitrogen (N), which promotes cell division and consequently the formation of every part of the grass plant. A lack of nutrients is visible through a loss of the green colour and poor growth. Good fertilisers contain nitrogen, potash, phosphate and magnesium in even proportions.
From around mid-April (about now!), dead material can be removed using a lawn scarifier , which also aerates and loosens up the turf. Scarifying is the vertical cutting or scoring of soil and grass roots, which ensures improved aeration of the soil, with lawn thatch and weeds being removed. A lawn which is scarified once or twice a year shows improved growth, is healthier and has a more attractive appearance.
Only mow islands of flowers or desirable patches of wildflowers once they have bloomed, in order to allow them to seed. To ensure that the flowers blossom again the following year, do not fertilise these particular areas.
