Looking After Your Lawn This February

Keep Off the Lawn 

• Avoid Foot Traffic: If the ground is wet or frosty, try to avoid walking on the lawn. Walking on a frosty or waterlogged lawn can damage the grass and compact the soil, which can hinder growth in the spring. 
• Clear Any Debris: Use a rake to gently clear any fallen leaves, twigs, or other debris from the lawn. This helps prevent mold and fungal diseases and allows the grass to breathe. 

Inspect the Lawn for Moss 

• Moss Control: Winter can encourage moss growth, especially in damp, shaded areas. If you notice a moss problem, you can apply a moss killer or iron sulfate to your lawn to reduce moss buildup. However, be careful with the timing; don’t apply moss killers if there’s a risk of heavy frost, as this can damage the lawn. 
• Rake Out Moss: After treating for moss, use a rake or lawn dethatcher to gently remove the dead moss. This will help your lawn breathe better and allow the grass to grow more freely. 

Check for Lawn Diseases 

• Inspect for Winter Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of fungal diseases like fusarium patch or snow mould, which are more common in cold, damp conditions. These diseases appear as patches of discolored grass, often pink or yellowish, and may require specific treatments. 
• If you spot any diseases, consult with a local garden center or lawn care specialist to determine the best course of action. 

Aerate the Lawn 

• If the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, consider lightly aerating your lawn. This helps reduce compaction, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or clay soil. You can use a garden fork or a lawn aerator to create small holes in the soil, which improves water penetration and root growth. 
• Do it carefully, as the soil can still be quite soft and you don’t want to damage the grass. 

Mend Any Bare Patches 

• Repair Damage: February is a good time to plan for repairing any damaged or bare patches in the lawn. You can take action now by spreading lawn seed on bare patches. Ensure that the soil is not frozen and keep the area moist to encourage germination when the weather warms up.
• If the weather remains cold and you’re unable to sow seed, you can prepare the areas by gently raking and leveling them so that you can sow the seeds in early spring. 

Top Dressing 

• Apply a Light Top Dressing: If your lawn has areas that are a bit uneven, consider applying a light top dressing of compost or soil over the worst spots. This can help level the lawn, improve soil structure, and encourage healthy growth once the weather warms up. Be careful not to cover the grass too thickly, as it can suffocate it. 

Plan Lawn Care for Spring 

• Spring Fertilising: In late February or early March, you can start thinking about applying a spring lawn fertiliser to give your lawn a nutrient boost as it comes out of dormancy. Look for a product with a higher proportion of nitrogen to promote lush, green growth. 
• Weed Control: You can also start planning for weed control. Consider using a weed-and-feed product in spring. 

Sharpen Mower Blades 

• Prepare Your Mower: It might still be too early to mow, but February is a good time to prepare your mower for the upcoming season. Sharpen the mower blades and give your mower a quick tune-up, so it’s ready for use once the grass starts growing again in spring. 

While the lawn is in its dormant phase during February, keeping it free from debris, addressing any moss or disease issues, and preparing it for spring growth will set you up for a healthy, lush lawn in the coming months. 🌿