Your lawn in winter

A rested lawn will end winter in good shape, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

WHILE autumn is one of the key seasons for feeding and treating our lawns, winter is the time when we let it rest. Minimal growth, saturated soil and freezing conditions make grass vulnerable to damage and unable to repair itself.

Walking over it or using the lawn as a venue to play football or exercise your pets when the ground is wet or frozen will quickly ensure it is churned up into a muddy mess.

Once grass blades are damaged they won’t regenerate until next spring, and the space they leave will be colonised by weeds and moss. Never try to feed your grass now in the hope things will improve, as any new growth encouraged by fertiliser will be too weak and tender to withstand winter.

The presence of unused chemicals on the soil and grass can also do more damage than good in winter.