How to Get Your Garden Lawn Summer Ready

A lush, green lawn is the centrepiece of any British garden, providing a welcoming space for relaxation and outdoor activities throughout the summer months. However, achieving a healthy lawn requires careful preparation in the spring, followed by consistent maintenance in the summer. If you want your lawn to thrive during the warmer months, you’ll need to follow key steps, from clearing debris and scarifying to overseeding, fertilising, mowing, and watering. This guide covers everything you need to do to get your garden lawn summer-ready.

Spring Clean and Preparation

Spring is the ideal time to prepare your lawn for the upcoming summer. After months of damp and cold weather, your grass may be struggling with accumulated debris, moss, and compacted soil. Taking the time to properly clean and condition your lawn in early spring will help set the foundation for strong, healthy growth.

Clear Debris

The first step in lawn preparation is clearing away any unwanted debris. Over autumn and winter, leaves, twigs, and other organic matter can build up on the surface of your lawn. This layer of debris can block sunlight and air from reaching the grass, leading to poor growth and increased risk of disease.

To clear your lawn, use a garden rake or a leaf blower to remove fallen leaves and twigs. Pay attention to corners and shaded areas where debris tends to collect. If left unattended, organic material can decompose and encourage the spread of moss and fungal diseases. A clean lawn allows for better air circulation and provides an ideal base for the next steps in lawn care.

Scarify: Remove Thatch and Moss

Once your lawn is clear of debris, the next step is scarification. This process removes thatch – a layer of dead grass, roots, and moss that can build up over time. Thatch prevents water and nutrients from reaching the soil, leading to patchy, unhealthy grass.

Using a lawn scarifier, rake through the grass to remove the thatch and moss. If you have a small lawn, a manual scarifier will do the job, but for larger gardens, an electric or petrol-powered scarifier may be more efficient. Scarification is best done in early spring when grass is actively growing and can recover quickly. After scarifying, your lawn may look a little rough, but don’t worry – it will soon bounce back with the right care.

Aerate the Soil

Over time, soil can become compacted, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. Compacted soil makes it difficult for water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate, leading to poor root development and weak grass growth.

To aerate your lawn, use a garden fork or a hollow-tine aerator to create small holes in the soil. This helps loosen compacted areas, improving drainage and allowing air to reach the roots. If your lawn suffers from waterlogging, aeration is particularly important to prevent moss growth and encourage stronger grass.

Overseed Bare Patches

If your lawn has thin or bare patches, overseeding is essential for a uniform, lush appearance. Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over existing turf to thicken the lawn and fill in gaps.

Choose a high-quality grass seed mix suited to your lawn’s conditions. For example, if your lawn is in a shady area, opt for a shade-tolerant mix. Before overseeding, lightly rake the soil to create a good seedbed. Spread the seeds evenly and gently rake again to ensure they make contact with the soil. Water the area well and keep the soil moist until the new grass establishes itself.

Fertilise for Healthy Growth

Spring is the perfect time to feed your lawn with a high-quality fertiliser. Applying a spring lawn feed will provide essential nutrients that promote strong growth, improve colour, and increase resistance to disease and drought.

Look for a balanced fertiliser containing nitrogen (for leaf growth), phosphorus (for root development), and potassium (for overall health). Apply fertiliser evenly using a spreader or by hand, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid over-fertilising, as excessive nitrogen can lead to weak, fast-growing grass that requires more mowing.

Summer Maintenance

Once your lawn is prepped and growing well, it’s essential to maintain it properly throughout the summer months. Regular mowing, watering, and weed control will keep your grass looking its best during the warmer weather.

Mow Regularly and Correctly

Mowing is one of the most important aspects of lawn care, but doing it incorrectly can damage your grass. During summer, mow your lawn regularly to encourage healthy growth and maintain a neat appearance. However, avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can weaken the roots and make it more susceptible to drought and weeds.

Set your mower height to leave the grass at around 4-5cm (1.5-2 inches) during summer. If there’s a heatwave or dry spell, raise the cutting height to provide extra shade to the soil and reduce moisture loss. Always mow with sharp blades to ensure a clean cut and prevent tearing.

Water Deeply and Wisely

During dry periods, your lawn will need watering to stay green and healthy. However, rather than frequent shallow watering, it’s best to water deeply once or twice a week. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making the grass more drought-resistant.

The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler, reducing evaporation. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as this can cause water to evaporate quickly before it reaches the roots.

Weed Control

Weeds compete with grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight, so keeping them under control is crucial. Common UK lawn weeds include dandelions, clover, and daisies.

For minor infestations, remove weeds by hand or use a weeding tool. For larger areas, apply a selective lawn weed killer that targets broadleaf weeds without harming the grass. Be sure to follow application guidelines carefully to avoid damaging your lawn.

Topdressing for Lawn Health

Topdressing involves applying a thin layer of soil or compost to the lawn’s surface. This process helps improve soil structure, enhances drainage, and promotes even growth.

Apply topdressing after aerating and overseeding for the best results. Use a mix of sand, loam, and compost, spreading it evenly across the lawn and brushing it into the grass. This will encourage deeper root growth and create a smoother, healthier lawn.

Maintain Your Mower

A well-maintained mower is essential for keeping your lawn in top condition. Regularly check and clean your mower to prevent grass clippings from clogging the blades and affecting performance. Sharpen the blades at the start of the season to ensure a clean cut that minimises stress on the grass.

Check the mower’s oil and fuel levels if you have a petrol model, and keep the battery charged for electric models. Store the mower in a dry place to prevent rust and mechanical issues.

Avoid Mowing in a Heatwave

During extreme heat, mowing can stress your grass and make it more prone to drying out. If a heatwave occurs, reduce mowing frequency and raise the cutting height to leave longer grass. This provides shade to the soil, helping to retain moisture and protect the grass from excessive heat damage.

Getting your garden lawn summer ready requires careful preparation in spring and consistent maintenance throughout summer. By clearing debris, scarifying, aerating, overseeding, and fertilising early in the season, you’ll create the perfect conditions for healthy grass growth. Regular mowing, deep watering, weed control, and topdressing will help maintain a lush, green lawn throughout the warmer months. With these steps, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space all summer long.