A DIY enthusiast has shared three essential tasks to carry out in winter that can help you get a lush lawn come spring.
Ben, who boasts 62,000 followers on TikTok, imparted his wisdom in a video, stating: “How to keep your yard healthy over the winter. I like to start by aerating, then over-seed with a good quality grass seed and finish with a fertiliser (slow release is best). Come spring your lawn will still look healthy, thick and green.”
Ben’s guidance was met with enthusiasm, as evidenced by a flurry of heart-eye emojis left by one admirer in the comments section. But are these tips truly effective?
Aerating your lawn in December can be helpful. It improves drainage, helping to prevent waterlogging from heavy rain, and allows grassroots to breathe and absorb moisture more effectively.
But caution is advised when tending to your lawn in winter. Grass is often dormant during the colder months, and aerating can cause unnecessary stress since the roots aren’t actively growing to repair aeration holes.
If the soil is frozen, it may also be too hard to aerate properly. For those considering this approach, it’s recommended to target only compacted soil areas. Gentle aeration with a fork, rather than a heavy machine, should be done selectively, avoiding any frosted or overly damp patches of the garden.
While it’s generally more effective to overseed when it’s not frosty, you can still see some positive results by doing it in December. This method of sowing seeds in winter is known as ‘dormant seeding’ – and it can be a game-changer for filling in bare spots and preventing pesky weeds from sprouting in the spring.
Additionally, Ben suggests applying fertiliser to your grass can be beneficial. Just ensure you’re using a product that’s suitable for winter ideally something that’s low in nitrogen and high in potassium. This promotes root growth and can fortify your lawn.
It’s as easy as that – three simple steps to get you lawn looking tip top in no time!