Keep off it when it's frosted or waterlogged
Walking on a frozen or sodden lawn breaks the grass blades and compacts the soil, leaving brown footprints that last. If the frost is thick or the ground is squelchy, stay off until it dries.
The cold months decide how your lawn performs next year. Here's what to do — and what to stop doing.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
A great-looking lawn in summer is built in autumn and protected through winter. A few simple habits during the colder months make a real difference to next year's turf.
Walking on a frozen or sodden lawn breaks the grass blades and compacts the soil, leaving brown footprints that last. If the frost is thick or the ground is squelchy, stay off until it dries.
As growth slows, cut less often and raise the mower height. Leaving the grass a little longer through winter helps it cope with cold and shade, and protects the crown of the plant.
A thick carpet of leaves starves the lawn of light and air, and can rot the grass underneath over winter. Clear them regularly — they make great compost.
Use the quiet season to plan: scarify, aerate and top-dress in early spring, sort the patches you want to repair, and test the soil if you're unsure what the lawn needs. A little preparation now pays off when growth restarts.
From garden maintenance to a full lawn care-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.