Looking After Your Lawn This January

Avoid Walking on Frosty Grass 

• Protect the Grass: When the grass is covered in frost, it becomes very brittle. Walking on frozen grass can damage the blades, causing them to break or become crushed. Try to avoid walking on the lawn when it’s frosty or frozen. 
• Keep Off During Wet Conditions: Similarly, avoid walking on the lawn during periods of heavy rain or when the ground is waterlogged, as this can compact the soil and damage the grass. 

Moss Control 

• Inspect for Moss: Moss can thrive in wet, shady, and poorly-drained lawns, especially in winter. If you notice moss growth, use a moss rake or spring-tine rake to remove it gently. 
• Moss Killer: If moss is a persistent problem, consider applying a moss killer treatment, though it’s typically better to do this in late winter or early spring when the weather is milder. 

Leaf Clearance 

• Remove Fallen Leaves: While it might seem like an autumn task, removing leaves that have fallen onto the lawn in January is still important. Leaving them on the grass for extended periods can block light, promote fungal diseases, and cause the grass to suffocate. 
• Use a Rake: Use a rake to gather fallen leaves.

Weed Control 

• Spot Weeding: If you notice any weeds popping up on the lawn, it’s best to pull them by hand or use a weedkiller that is safe for lawns. However, avoid applying herbicides in freezing weather, as they may not be effective or could damage the lawn. 
• Check for Broadleaf Weeds: While weeds are less active in winter, it’s still a good time to monitor your lawn for any broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions or plantain, that might need control in early spring. 

Aeration (If Necessary) 

• Check Soil Compaction: If your lawn tends to get waterlogged or feels spongy, soil compaction might be an issue. In some cases, aerating the lawn with a garden fork or aerator spikes can improve drainage and allow air and water to reach the roots more effectively. This is usually more effective during mild spells, not in freezing weather. 

Maintain Garden Tools 

• Clean and Sharpen Lawn Equipment: Use the winter months to clean and sharpen your lawnmower blades, garden forks, and rakes. Properly maintained tools will make your lawn care tasks easier and more effective come spring. 

Mowing (Only if Necessary) 

• Don’t Mow Regularly: Grass growth is very slow in winter, so mowing isn’t necessary unless there’s an unusually warm spell or if the grass has grown too long. If you do mow, set the mower blade to its highest setting and avoid cutting too much off the top. It’s best to leave the lawn a bit longer in winter to help protect the grass. 

Repairing Winter Damage 

• Monitor for Damage: After harsh frosts or snow, inspect your lawn for any signs of damage, such as brown patches or areas where the grass has died. You can patch up these areas with fresh grass seed in early spring, but avoid doing so in January, as the conditions are too cold for seeds to germinate effectively. 

The main focus for lawn care in January is to protect the grass from frost damage, keep it free from leaves and debris, and plan ahead for the spring.