As the vibrant colours of autumn begin to fade, it's time to start preparing your lawn for the winter months ahead. Proper care during this season is essential to ensure your lawn re-emerges healthy and lush when spring arrives. By using the right lawn care products and following a few key steps, you can protect your grass from harsh winter conditions. Here are some essential tips to help you winterise your lawn:

Mow at the Correct

Height Before winter sets in, adjust your mower to the ideal cutting height. Grass that's too long can become matted under snow, leading to snow mould and other diseases, while grass that’s too short can expose roots to freezing temperatures. Aim for a grass height of about 2 to 2.5 inches during your final mow of the season. This length helps protect the grass while minimising the risk of disease and root damage.

Apply an Autumn/Winter Fertiliser

Applying a specialised winter fertiliser is one of the most important steps in preparing your lawn for winter. These fertilisers are rich in potassium, which strengthens the grass, making it more resistant to cold, disease, and drought. Potassium also helps the grass store nutrients over the winter, ensuring a quick green-up in spring. Apply the fertiliser in late autumn, just before the first frost, to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to thrive through winter.

Recommended Product: ICL Landscaper Pro Autumn & Winter Lawn Fertiliser 12-5-20 15kg

Aerate the Lawn

Aeration is a crucial step in winter lawn preparation. It relieves soil compaction and improves water, nutrient, and oxygen penetration to the grass roots. If your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic or consists of clay soil, aerating before winter will create optimal conditions for root growth.

Timing: Aerate in the autumn, a few weeks before the first frost, to allow the grass time to recover and strengthen before winter arrives.

Overseed Thin Areas

If your lawn has bare or thin spots, autumn is the perfect time to address them. Overseeding after aeration allows new grass to establish itself before winter. This helps create a thicker, more resilient lawn that is better equipped to fend off weeds and diseases. Choose a grass seed blend that matches your existing lawn and is well-suited to your climate.

Water Before the Ground Freezes

While it's important to reduce watering as the weather cools, giving your lawn a deep watering before the ground freezes can help protect the roots from dehydration. Ensuring your lawn has adequate moisture before winter sets in will help it survive the dry, cold months. Be careful not to overwater, as excessively wet soil can lead to root rot and other issues.