Looking After Your Lawn This April

April is one of the most important months for lawn care — the grass starts growing strongly, and what you do now sets up your lawn for the whole year. Here’s how to get it in great shape:

🌱 1. Start Regular Mowing (But Don’t Go Too Short)

Growth kicks in during April.

• Mow once a week if needed
• Keep blades higher than summer height (around 2.5–4 cm)
• Never remove more than one-third of the grass height at once

👉 Cutting too short now can weaken the lawn and encourage weeds.

🌿 2. Feed Your Lawn

After winter, your lawn needs nutrients.

• Apply a spring lawn feed (high in nitrogen for leafy growth)
• Choose a dry day and water in if no rain is forecast
• Avoid overfeeding—it can scorch grass

🌧️ 3. Repair Bare Patches

April is ideal for reseeding.

• Lightly rake the area
• Add fresh topsoil or compost
• Sow grass seed and keep it moist

👉 Warmer soil + spring rain = good germination.

✂️ 4. Edge for a Crisp Finish

Neat edges make a huge difference.

• Use edging shears or a half-moon tool
• Define borders along paths and beds
• Keeps grass from creeping into flower beds

🌬️ 5. Aerate Compacted Areas

If your lawn feels hard underfoot:

• Spike with a garden fork or aerator
• Focus on high-traffic areas
• Helps water, air, and nutrients reach roots

🍃 6. Rake Out Thatch & Moss (Lightly)

If moss built up over winter:

• Gently rake to remove dead grass and debris
• Avoid aggressive scarifying unless the lawn is strong

👉 Heavy scarifying is better left for later spring or autumn.

🌼 7. Tackle Weeds Early

Weeds start growing fast now.

• Remove by hand (roots and all)
• Spot-treat with lawn weedkiller if needed
• A thick, healthy lawn is the best defence

🐾 8. Watch for Damage

Check for:

• Pet urine patches
• Waterlogging issues
• Signs of pests (like leatherjackets)

👉 Fixing problems early prevents bigger repairs later.

💧 9. Water If Needed (But Don’t Overdo It)

April can be surprisingly dry.

• Water newly seeded areas regularly
• Established lawns usually don’t need much unless it’s very dry
• Deep, occasional watering is better than little and often

☀️ 10. Keep Off When Wet

Try not to walk on soggy grass.

• Prevents compaction and muddy patches
• Especially important after rain or early morning dew

🌿 Bonus Tip: Consider Overseeding

Even if your lawn looks okay:

• Lightly overseed thin areas
• Improves density and crowding out of weeds