January is a quiet month for lawns, with growth largely halted.

This is the time to avoid unnecessary traffic on the lawn, especially during frost or waterlogging, as footprints can damage frozen grass plants and compact soil. Keep the surface clear of fallen leaves and debris to prevent smothering and disease. Mowing is not required unless the winter is exceptionally mild, and even then it should be minimal with a high cut.

As daylight increases, lawns slowly begin to wake up.

Continue to keep the lawn clear of debris and avoid walking on frosted grass. Check drainage and note any problem areas such as moss, thinning grass, or compaction. Towards the end of the month, you can service lawn equipment and plan any spring renovations such as overseeding or scarifying.

March marks the start of the active lawn care season. Before giving the lawn its first light cut, brush it vigorously to remove surface rubbish. Give it a thorough raking with a spring tine rake so that the grass and weeds are set up to meet the mower blades. Two light cuts just to ‘tip off’ the grass aresufficient. Trim and neaten the edges of the lawn. If your mower does not have a roller on it, this is the time to give the lawn a roll when the surface is dry. This is a good time for lawn restoration work.

 Early spring is also ideal for overseeding bare patches as soil temperatures begin to rise.

Give the lawn its Spring feed and start weed control. Where moss is a problem, apply a moss killer. Mow the lawn weekly, reducing the height of the cut a little, although not below 2cm (1in). Cut out coarse grasses and keep the edges of the lawn trimmed.

Increase frequency of mowing as necessary, gradually reducing the height of the cut to Summer levels. This is the best month for weed control when the grass is dry but the soil moist. Water thoroughly if drought is apparent.

Mowing the lawn twice a week may be necessary if the soil is moist. If on the other hand there is a long dry spell, raise the height of the cut and mow once a week. If weeds remain after initial treatment, repeat the process although not during a long dry spell. Rake the lawn before mowing to keep grass and clover ‘runners’ under control. Keep edges trimmed and water copiously in long dry spells.

Summer stress can take its toll on lawns. Mow regularly at the Summer cutting height and keep edges trimmed. A Summer ‘tonic’ feed may be applied during any showery spell. 

Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid scarifying or heavy treatments at this time. Lawns may slow down or lose colour, which is normal and temporary.

August conditions are often similar to July, but recovery opportunities increase. Mow regularly at the Summer cutting height. Rake the lawn once again before mowing to keep runners under control. 

This is a good time to plan autumn renovations, assessing moss levels, compaction, and worn areas.

September is the best month for lawn improvement.

Decrease the frequency of mowing and start raising the cutting height. If worm casts appear brush off prior to mowing. If any diseases are spotted, treat with fungicide. Think about scarifying to remove moss and thatch, aerating compacted areas, and overseed to thicken the lawn. Apply an autumn lawn feed to promote strong root development rather than soft leafy growth. Soil warmth and moisture levels are ideal for seed germination and recovery.

Growth slows but lawn care is still important.

Regular mowing stops this month, and the cutting height should be raised to a minimum 2cm (1in) for the last cut or two. Also, if spiking and top dressing or Autumn feeding have not already been done, then now is the time. Lawn repairs should also be undertaken this
month:- levelling out bumps and hollows, reseeding bare patches, removing coarse grasses, etc. Brush away fallen leaves and worm casts.

As temperatures drop, lawns prepare for dormancy.

Reduce mowing frequency and stop altogether once growth ceases. Clear leaves regularly and avoid walking on wet or frosty grass. Good hygiene at this stage helps reduce disease over winter.

December is about minimal intervention. Avoid mowing and heavy foot traffic. Keep the lawn clear of debris and allow it to rest.