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Winter Advice
With winter feeling like our longest season, it is tempting to think of this as a period when there is no growth happening in any part of our gardens.
Certainly, it is a time for much of nature to lie dormant, effectively hibernating and preserving its energy through these cold, dark months. The grass is no different, turning brown as it works to maximise the stores of water and nutrients it is holding onto.
Frost
Let’s start with the lawn itself. Here in the UK, there is a strong chance your lawn will be frosted over at some stage. Avoid walking on the lawn where possible, as this will damage the grass blades and can leave footprints once the lawn has thawed out. The lawn will bounce back, but it can take months and there is a real chance it will not be restored to its former glory.
No mowing or lawn treatments should be completed either whilst the lawn is frosty. Lawn treatments should be avoided until the morning frost has melted.
Mower Maintenance
Snow
Given that lawns in the South of England rarely suffer from long-term snow coverage, it is not something of a major concern for the lawn. However, it can cause a fungal disease called Snow Mould, which can cause grass to turn white, matted and die back as the snow melts. See our dedicated page for further information.
Waterlogging
Though we rarely have snow, England is no stranger to excessively wet winters. Waterlogging can be a real issue for compacted lawns or those on clay soil, and you should avoid walking on a waterlogged lawn until it has drained to avoid potentially causing longer term damage. Regular aeration can prevent waterlogging in the first place, but for more severe cases, more extreme measures like land drains should be considered. See our waterlogging page for further information.
Returning Moss
Moss is prone to return in the damp conditions, but it is also the best time of year to treat. We usually recommend an iron-based treatment, which not only dries up the moss but hardens the grass plant ready for the tougher winter conditions. Read the instructions carefully on any products before applying and be aware that multiple applications may be required.
You can also remove the moss by raking, but this is very labour-intensive and we find it less effective too. Read our guide on controlling moss in the lawn.
Moss can also appear on hard surfaces like patios, driveways, and decking, and can become very slippery, as well as ruin your garden furniture. See our section on moss for tips for prevention and removal of any moss that creeps up onto hardstanding surfaces and furniture.
Other Jobs
- Don’t forget about the rest of the garden; any vulnerable pot plants can be protected by bringing inside or having their pots wrapped in bubble wrap to provide insulation.
- If you have a pond, cover up to avoid freezing over. Alternatively, a floating object can help prevent it freezing over; some makeshift options include a tennis ball or bottle part filled with stones
- Winter is a hard time for wildlife too, so putting out extra bird seed can help support our feathered friends during times of limited food sources, but avoid peanuts if possible, as these are a badger’s favourite and any that fall onto the floor could encourage a visit.