Looking After Your Lawn This April

Feed Your Lawn: 

• April is a good time to apply a spring fertiliser to give your lawn a boost after the winter months. Choose a balanced fertiliser with a good mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 
• You can opt for organic lawn feeds or slow-release options for a more sustainable approach. 
• Apply the fertiliser when the lawn is dry, and water it in afterward to help the nutrients penetrate. 

Aerate the Lawn: 

• If your lawn is looking compacted or you’ve had heavy foot traffic over the winter, aerating the soil is important to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. 
• Use a garden fork or a lawn aerator to make holes in the soil, spaced about 10–15cm apart. 
• Aerating is particularly beneficial if you have clay-heavy soil or areas with poor drainage. 

Rake Up Dead Grass and Moss: 

• After the winter, your lawn may have patches of dead grass or moss that can hinder new growth. Use a lawn rake or scarifier to remove dead grass, moss, and other debris from the surface. 
• Moss can thrive in damp, shady conditions, so removing it allows grass to grow better. 

Mow Regularly: 

• As the grass starts growing more quickly, begin mowing your lawn regularly to keep it healthy and neat. 
• Set your mower blades higher at first, around 2.5–4 cm (1–1.5 inches), to avoid cutting the grass too short, which can stress the lawn. 
• Aim to mow once a week, but adjust the frequency depending on how fast your grass is growing. 

Patch Up Bare Spots: 

• If your lawn has bare or thin spots, April is a good time to overseed with grass seed. 
• Lightly rake the area to loosen the soil, then sprinkle the seed evenly and gently press it into the soil (using a roller or walking on it). 
• Water the area well, and keep it moist until the new grass establishes itself. 

Control Weeds: 

• Weeds begin to grow actively in April, so it’s time to deal with them before they take over your lawn. 
• Use a weed killer designed for lawns to target broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, clover, and plantains.
• Alternatively, you can spot-treat weeds manually.

Edge the Lawn: 

• As the grass grows, your lawn edges may become overgrown and uneven. Use a lawn edger or a spade to tidy up the edges for a crisp, clean look. This helps to define borders, flower beds, and paths. 

Water When Needed: 

• Even though April can be a wet month, there may be dry spells, so it’s important to keep an eye on the moisture levels in your lawn. 
• If there’s been little rain, give your lawn a light watering, especially if you’ve recently sown grass seed or applied fertiliser. 
• Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. 

By following these steps, you’ll be setting up your lawn for a healthy and vibrant growing season. Happy gardening!