A comprehensive month-by-month lawn care calendar for the UK

Achieving a healthy and resilient lawn does not happen overnight; it requires careful planning and dedication.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or new to the world of lawn care, it can never hurt to know what to expect each month, particularly when you live in the UK.

The UK’s climate is known for its unpredictability, with blooming springs, occasionally warm summers, and frosty winters, all of which bring their own unique set of challenges.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore lawn care month by month, share gardening tips, and answer common questions.

Why should I follow a lawn care calendar?

Following a lawn care calendar is a great way of ensuring that you stay on track with tasks, as well as getting the most out of each season.

When trying to achieve your dream lawn, it can feel like there is a lot to do all at once, but a lawncare calendar breaks down the tasks into easy, manageable steps.

Other benefits of following a consistent schedule include:

• No missed opportunities. Some lawn care tasks, such as aeration and scarification, can only be completed at certain times of the year. A calendar ensures you can take advantage of these key windows and achieve the best results
• Prepare for harsh conditions. Following a calendar allows you to prepare your lawn for periods of drought during summer heatwaves and remain resilient during the UK’s harsh winters
• Prevent pests and diseases. Detecting these early can be a lifesaver for your lawn, and following a regular schedule will allow you to do this
• Encourage healthy growth. Your lawn care calendar will also ensure that your lawn is getting everything it needs to continue to flourish throughout the seasons
• Save time and effort. Although it may seem like a lot, following a lawn care calendar can save you time and effort in the long run. For example, scarifying a lawn in autumn can prevent excessive thatch build-up, which can suffocate your grass and create the perfect environment for pests

January lawn care

In the UK, temperatures will remain low throughout January, so it is often referred to as a ‘period of rest’ for your lawn.

It is important to remember that during this time, your grass will not grow and will be dormant.

During this time your lawn may turn brown, yellow, or appear faded, so do not be alarmed.

Due to this, we recommend doing the following as part of your January lawn care routine:

• Avoid walking on your lawn. Particularly if frost is present, as walking on frozen grass can cause soil compaction and cause unnecessary damage to your grass blades
• Keep your lawn clear. Remove any debris and leaves regularly, as a build-up of this can prevent your lawn from receiving the necessary nutrients, water, and air it needs to survive
• Check your gardening tools. Use this time to check over your gardening tools, ensuring they are clean and sharp
• Book your mower in for a service. You will be use your mower a lot less in January, so get it in good working order for spring and book it in for a service. A professional service will sharpen the blades, clean the filters, and check for any issues
• Feed your lawn. Although dormant, your lawn’s roots will still be growing under the surface and will require nourishment. Use our Winter Fertiliser, which is packed with nutrients, to keep your grass healthy and strong

February lawn care

Temperatures will still be cool in February, but this month is all about preparing for the upcoming growing season.

February is a great month for monitoring your lawn, as this is the time when pests and diseases will usually make themselves known.

Here are your key lawn care tasks for February:

• Monitor for pests and diseases. Common garden pests like chafer grubs and leatherjackets will feed on patches of your lawn and its roots, leaving bare or discoloured patches
• Clear debris. Continue to remove any debris and leaves from your lawn so it can receive the essentials it needs to thrive
• Look for weeds and moss. If your lawn feels soft and spongy underfoot, it can indicate moss or thatch. We recommend pinpointing the affected areas and applying an effective treatment in spring. Similarly, weeds can only be killed when they are actively growing, usually between May and October
• Check for drainage issues. Waterlogging is one of the most common challenges gardeners can face during winter and early spring. Check your garden to see if there are any areas where water is pooling, as you can aerate them in spring
• Rake lightly. You can gently rake the lawn to clear debris and improve airflow to the soil. However, make sure you do not rake too vigorously, as your grass will still be fragile
• Identify bare patches. Plan and identify any bare patches on your lawn. You can then mark these areas for overseeding in spring to encourage new growth

March lawn care

Spring has finally arrived, and it is one of the most crucial times for grass care in the UK.

Your garden is waking up from dormancy, and you are officially preparing for the growing season.

However, it is important not to do too much to your lawn as it will still be recovering from the harsh conditions of winter.

Here are our recommended lawn care tasks for March:

• Mow with care. Set your mower blades high to avoid removing too much grass. Always mow in dry conditions and never remove more than a third of grass length at once
• Nourish your lawn. Give your lawn the best possible start during the growing season with our expertly blended Nourish & Nurture Fertiliser, formulated to encourage rapid growth after winter dormancy
• Overseed bare patches. Identify any bare or thin patches that have developed and overseed these areas to promote even growth and reduce the risk of weeds. If you are planning to overseed your lawn, your seeds will require mild temperatures and consistent rainfall to thrive and establish strong roots

 April lawn care

Now that spring is in full swing, you can adjust the focus of your lawn care routine to prepare for the warmer months ahead.

This month is all about focusing on regular lawn upkeep, strengthening your lawn, and addressing any remaining issues from winter.

Get prepared with the following grass care tasks for April:

• Regular mowing. Your grass will now be actively growing, so frequent mowing is essential. During this time, you can gradually lower the mower blades but avoid removing more than a third of the grass blade at once.
• Aerate your lawn. If March was too cold, April is a great time to aerate your lawn and alleviate soil compaction, creating the optimal conditions for your seeds to flourish
• Scarify if needed. The conditions are at their best in April for those who want to carry out light scarification or thatch removal. Scarifying your lawn also aids soil compaction, as well as improving the nutrient and water absorption into the soil
• Consider topdressing. A high-quality dressing can help improve your soil structure and replenish essential nutrients.
• Fill in the blanks. If you were unable to overseed your lawn in March, do not worry; April is also a fantastic time for overseeding. Choose the right type of grass seed for your garden and conditions, clear your lawn of any debris, and sow grass seed evenly to fill in any bare patches. Our Special Thick & Thriving Grass Seed Mix is formulated for quick growth, producing a thick and lush lawn

May lawn care

As we reach the end of spring, we generally have warmer weather in the UK, which also means your lawn will have entered its full growth phase.

In May, we recommend focusing on maintaining your lawn’s health and addressing any outstanding issues before the high temperatures of summer arrive.

Here are your lawn care tasks that should be carried out in May:

• Mow more frequently. May is renowned as being the month of mowing in the UK due to increased grass growth. We recommend mowing your lawn at least once a week to keep it healthy and encourage new growth
• Scarify your lawn. Ideally, we would recommend scarifying your lawn in April as the temperatures are cooler, but if you missed this window, then May can still be a good option. Be sure to check the weather, and if it is dry and warm, we advise waiting until autumn to scarify your lawn instead
• Control weeds. This month is the perfect time for tackling those pesky weeds or developing moss. Try our all-in-one Weed Wipeout Treatment for fast and effective results that do not damage your lawn
• Trim your edges. Regularly trimming your lawn’s edges not only keeps it looking neat but also keeps weeds and pests at bay
• Feed your lawn. Just like scarifying, we would recommend feeding your lawn in April; however, do not panic if you do not find the time to do this. Apply our high-quality Nourish & Nurture Fertiliser to your lawn in May to ensure it has all the nutrients it needs ahead of the stresses of summer

June lawn care

June signifies the beginning of summer, which means warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.

This month is all about providing your lawn with consistent care and preparing it to withstand the demands of summer.

Keep your routine simple and complete these tasks to ensure your lawn stays healthy:

• Regular mowing. You should now be mowing your lawn at least once a week but be careful not to cut it too short. If the weather conditions are hot and dry, we do not recommend mowing your lawn as this will cause stress to the grass
• Water deeply. Keeping your lawn hydrated is crucial, especially if the conditions are dry. If there has been rainfall, be careful not to overwater your lawn, as this can lead to waterlogging and fungal growth
• Monitor for pests. Continue to keep an eye out for pests like chafer grubs and leather jackets, who enjoy feasting on healthy roots
• Weed control. If you haven’t already, remove any weeds that will actively be competing against your lawn for nutrients, air, and water

July lawn care

Your grass care priorities in July remain focused on continuing the tasks you carried out in June.

The warmer temperatures and extended daylight hours will start to take their toll on your lawn if maintenance is not consistent.

Keep your lawn vibrant and healthy by completing these tasks:

• Keep up with mowing. Continue to mow regularly but raise your mower’s blades to leave the grass slightly longer. Leaving your grass longer will provide shade for the soil, allowing it to remain cool and retain moisture
• Look out for red thread. A common fungal disease that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It puts stress on your lawn and turns patches of grass pale with red/pink threads on the blades. If your lawn is suffering from red thread, you should promptly apply a high-quality nitrogen feed
• Adjust your watering schedule. Hot weather can dry out your lawn, so ensure you are watering deeply to encourage strong root growth. In summer you should ideally be watering your lawn in the morning before 10 am or in the evening when temperatures are cooler
• Prevent heat stress. Avoid carrying out heavy lawn maintenance tasks on your lawn, like aerating or scarifying, as this will add stress to your lawn and cause unnecessary damage
• Enjoy your lawn. You have worked hard to keep your lawn healthy and looking its best, so make sure you take the time to enjoy your lawn while the weather is nice!

August lawn care

The transition into August means that you will be in the last phase of your summer lawn care routine.

Your focus for this month should be continuing to maintain the health and appearance of your lawn ahead of autumn.

Keep your lawn looking its best by carrying out these tasks:

• Regular mowing. Stay consistent with your mowing routine, but remember to keep those mower blades raised to ensure your grass stays longer
• Consider slit aeration. A technique that is not as harsh as fully aerating your lawn but instead helps water to sink deeply into the soil via small slits to keep your lawn hydrated
• Manage weeds. Weeds thrive in warm and humid conditions, so you will often see them sprouting up in summer. Try to avoid using harsh weed treatments in summer, as this can scorch your lawn, and instead try manually removing weeds or using a high-quality weed killer to spot-treat individual weeds
• Take note of bare patches. Assess your lawn for any bare patches and mark them so they can be overseeded in autumn.

September lawn care

September signifies a new season and a shift in focus to autumn lawn care.

Autumn is all about repairing any damage to your lawn from the stresses of summer while also preparing it for the UK’s harsh winter conditions.

To revive your lawn after summer, you should carry out these tasks:

• No drastic cuts. You can now start to mow your lawn less frequently but be sure to keep it at a healthy length.
• Aerate compacted areas. Lawns can easily compact over summer, so September is the perfect time to aerate your lawn and allow it to breathe and receive the nutrients it needs
• Scarify if needed. You will only need to do this if there has been a significant buildup of thatch in your lawn, i.e. more than an inch. Thatch can retain moisture, which leads to pests and fungal diseases
• Overseed bare patches. Refresh your lawn by overseeding any thin or bare patches. A thicker lawn remains more resilient against pests and diseases that can target your lawn in winter
• Replenish nutrients. Apply our nourishing Nourish & Nurture Fertiliser to provide your grass with the nutrients it needs to survive winter
• Tackle any remaining weeds. Ideally, we recommend tackling any remaining weeds before the temperatures drop. If you have stayed on top of your weed control throughout the year, this can easily be done using an effective weed killer or by manually removing them

October lawn care

October is a great month for tending to any outstanding tasks if the weather does not allow you to complete them in September.

Throughout October, you should continue to focus on preparing your lawn for the colder months ahead.

Carry out these tasks to create a resilient and hardy lawn:

• Adjust your mowing schedule. Grass growth tends to slow at this time of year, so you can start to mow once every two weeks or less, depending on your lawn’s growth rate. Remember to keep the mower blades high and never remove more than a third of the grass at a time
• Aerate your lawn. If you have not already, October is also a great time to aerate your lawn. Aerating your lawn in autumn allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively, encouraging stronger grass growth
• Apply a lawn feed. If you did not feed your lawn in September, then apply our carefully crafted Nourish & Nurture Fertiliser, expertly blended to support grass health and growth
• Clear any debris. Ensuring your lawn is kept clear of debris and leaves will also become an essential part of your winter lawn care routine. A build-up of leaves can block vital nutrients, air, and water from reaching the soil, as well as your lawn becoming waterlogged due to a lack of drainage

November lawn care

In November, we are edging ever closer to winter and your grass entering dormancy.

Although your lawn’s growth may have slowed down significantly, there are still tasks you can complete to ensure your lawn remains healthy throughout winter.

Complete these tasks in November to ensure your lawn is fully prepared for the cold:

• Continue to clear debris. It can be a tedious task, but you need to ensure your lawn is kept free of leaves and debris to avoid a build-up of thatch
• Final mow. November offers the perfect conditions to give your lawn a final mow before the frosty temperatures drop. Remember to only mow your lawn when it is dry and to leave your grass slightly longer than usual to provide better protection against frost
• Final opportunity to aerate. If you have not aerated your lawn already, November is your final opportunity to relieve any outstanding soil compaction
• Give your lawn a late autumn feed. Give your lawn the best possible chance to stay healthy during winter with our nutrient-rich Nourish & Nurture Fertiliser

December lawn care

Cold temperatures, frost, and snow warnings can only mean one thing…winter has arrived!

Just like summer, winter in the UK presents its own set of unique challenges, so once again, we must adapt our grass care routine.

In December, we recommend focusing on protecting your lawn and minimising any risks to its health.

Here are a few proactive tasks you can carry out in winter to maintain a healthy lawn:

• Continue removing debris. Regularly clear your lawn of any fallen leaves and debris to avoid suffocating your lawn
• Nourish your lawn. Before your lawn enters dormancy, feed it with our expertly formulated Winter Wellness Fertiliser, designed to support and strengthen your lawn during the frosty weather  
• Trim your lawn edges. Keep your lawn looking tidy by trimming its edges
• Reduce foot traffic. Try to reduce foot traffic as much as possible during winter, as walking on frosty grass can damage the blades and compact the soil

Grass Care FAQs

1. What is a good lawn maintenance schedule?

A good lawn maintenance schedule is a consistent one that includes careful preparation and planning.

Ideally, it should align with the seasons to ensure your grass receives the best care at the right time.

It can be difficult to remember what to do when so that’s why a month-by-month lawn calendar can be particularly useful when it comes to lawn care.

2. What season is best for lawn care?

Spring is one of the best seasons for lawn care and one of the most critical.

Your lawn will be emerging from its winter dormancy and will require dedicated care and attention to prepare it for the warmer months ahead.

During this time, we recommend carrying out the core lawn upkeep tasks of aeration, scarification, fertilising, overseeding, and getting weeds under control.

However, do not panic if you miss the window for these tasks, as you can also complete them in autumn in preparation for winter.

3. Can you overfeed a lawn?

Yes, it is possible to overfeed grass by applying too much fertiliser or applying it too frequently.

A common sign of an overfed lawn is scorched grass that causes yellow or brown patches to form.

Another key indicator that you have overfed your lawn is an excessive build-up of thatch, which can create a barrier between your lawn and the air, water, and nutrients it needs to thrive.

To avoid this, always ensure you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and use the correct seasonal fertilisers.

Ready to achieve your dream lawn?

Maintaining a healthy lawn all year round does not have to be difficult, especially when you have a bit of extra guidance.

Use our comprehensive month-by-month lawn care calendar to guide you through the seasons and break the process down into simple and manageable steps.

Start your journey to the perfect lawn today by taking our quiz to be matched with your ideal products!