Wet wet wet – but not a write off

The West Country has had an exceptionally wet start to 2026, with January rainfall across Devon and Cornwall at 191% of the long-term average. That’s an extraordinary 264mm. Just look out the window to confirm that the rain is still coming as we move towards the end of February. With the soil saturated and the grass looking tired, it’s no wonder people are eyeing their gardens with mild despair.

But here’s the good news: lawns are far tougher than they look.

Grass is surprisingly resilient. When the ground is waterlogged, the roots might struggle for oxygen temporarily, and you may notice yellowing, moss creeping in, or surface puddling. None of that automatically spells disaster. It’s usually just a sign that the soil needs time and a bit of spring warmth to recover and rebalance.

In fact, the bigger risk right now isn’t the rain itself. It’s us.

Walking repeatedly over saturated ground compacts the soil, squeezing out air pockets and making drainage worse. Dragging the mower out during a brief dry spell can tear soft turf and create ruts. Panic-fertilising can encourage weak, sappy growth that won’t thank you later. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your lawn is absolutely nothing.

When conditions improve, temperatures rise and the ground begins to dry, that’s the time to:

• Gently rake out moss and debris.
• Aerate compacted areas with a fork to improve airflow.
• Returf any bare patches.
• Resume mowing gradually, keeping blades on the higher side at first.

Most lawns bounce back remarkably quickly once warmth and light return. Grass roots can survive short periods of waterlogging, especially in established lawns with decent soil structure. A soggy February does not mean a ruined summer.

It’s also worth remembering that a wet winter can have upsides. We’ve been hearing jokes about hosepipe bans coming despite the weather, but we have hope for full reservoirs over the summer. Come July, you might even be quietly grateful for all this rain.

So yes, it’s been wet, what you might call ‘properly’ wet. But before you write off your lawn as a lost cause, give it time. Spring has a way of performing small miracles, and your grass is far more patient than you think.

Key points

• Waterlogged doesn’t mean ruined
• Heavy footfall, early mowing and panic feeding cause more damage than the rain
• Warmer soil and a little TLC will help a fast, natural recovery.

We supply quality turf all year round.  If you would like further advice on lawn care or would like to talk to us about your order, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com