When is the right time to mow?
The first mow of the season should happen once the grass is actively growing and the ground is firm underfoot. If your lawn is still waterlogged, hold off. Mowing wet soil can cause compaction and ruts as well as damaging fragile new growth. Choose a dry day and make sure the grass isn’t saturated.

Don’t cut too low
One of the most common mistakes people make is to mow very short. This is not a good idea at this time of year, especially after the first growth spurt. Scalping the lawn weakens grass, exposes soil and invites weeds and moss to take hold. A simple rule is the “one-third rule”: never remove more than one third of the grass height in a single cut. Keeping grass slightly longer early in the season helps it establish stronger roots and improves drought resilience later on.

How often should you mow?
Frequency depends on growth, but as a guide, mowing once a week during spring is usually ideal. During periods of rapid growth you may need to mow weekly, while in slower growth it can be less frequent. Regular mowing is a good thing as it encourages thicker turf by promoting lateral growth rather than tall, thin blades.

Seasonal lawn care tips

Check your mower blades. Sharp blades cut cleanly, while dull ones tear grass, leading to browning and stress. Some people go for a full service, offered by some great independent local businesses.

Spring is also the perfect time to give your lawn some attention beyond mowing. Light scarifying can remove thatch and improve airflow, while aerating compacted areas helps water and nutrients reach the roots. If your lawn looks tired after winter, applying a spring feed can support healthy colour and growth.

Returfing is also worth considering if winter has left your lawn with large bare patches, persistent moss, or areas that simply haven’t recovered. Spring provides ideal conditions for new turf to establish thanks to milder temperatures and increased moisture in the soil. Prepare the ground by removing debris, levelling the surface, and improving soil quality as this will help new turf root quickly and create a consistent, healthy finish that blends seamlessly with existing grass.

Set your lawn up for the season
Good mowing habits now shape how your lawn performs all year. Start high, mow regularly, and avoid cutting when conditions are too wet or too dry. With the right approach, your lawn will thicken, recover from winter, and stay greener through the warmer months.

Ready, set… mow (just don’t rush it).

Key points

• Start mowing when the lawn is dry and actively growing.
• Keep blades higher and follow the one-third rule.
• Mow regularly and repair or returf damaged areas early.

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

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

Moss

If moss is starting to spread across your lawn, it’s rarely the grass itself that’s the problem. Moss thrives in damp, shaded conditions, which are much more obvious during the winter months. The most common causes are:

• Poor drainage
• Compacted soil
• Shade from buildings, fences or trees
• Constant damp or surface water

Winter rain and lower evaporation rates simply highlight these underlying problems. If moss is left untreated, it will continue to outcompete grass when growth resumes in spring.

Muddy patches

When areas of your lawn turn to mud, it’s usually because the soil beneath has become compacted and can no longer drain properly. Water sits on the surface instead of soaking in, leaving the grass roots starved of oxygen. This is especially common in high-traffic areas such as:

• Walkways and shortcuts
• Dog runs
• Kids play areas
• Drive-on or access points

If you’re planning to lay new turf in spring, these areas should be addressed now. Improving drainage and relieving compaction before turf goes down makes a huge difference to how well it establishes.

Yellow or pale grass

Cold weather puts grass into a dormant state, so yellowing or pale patches don’t mean the lawn is dying. Once temperatures rise, healthy grass will naturally green up again.

Bare patches

Unlike colour changes, bare or thinning areas won’t recover without help. If you can already see bald patches in January, they will still be there in spring — and often worse. Winter is the ideal time to repair, prepare or returf these areas so your lawn is ready when growth begins again.

Key points

• Moss and mud mean soil problems, not grass problems
• Discolouration is normal, but bare patches are not
• Winter is the best time to prepare for spring success

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

Here’s why!

When grass freezes, the water inside each blade turns to ice. These ice crystals make the grass brittle, meaning the blades lose their usual flexibility. Step on frozen grass and the blades are more likely to snap rather than bend. Unlike during warmer months, grass can’t easily recover from this kind of trauma in winter, so those footprints can linger long after the frost has melted.

The damage doesn’t stop at the blades themselves. Repeated foot traffic on frosty lawns can also compact the soil beneath. Compacted soil reduces air circulation and drainage, making it harder for grass roots to access the oxygen and nutrients they need. Come spring, this can result in patchy growth, poor colour and a lawn that struggles to bounce back.

There’s also the issue of disease. Damaged grass creates open wounds that are perfect entry points for fungal infections such as snow mould. Once established, these diseases can spread quickly, leaving unsightly brown or yellow patches that take months to repair.

So, what’s the best approach? Simply give your lawn a little winter respect. Stick to paths where possible, wait until the frost has fully thawed before walking on grass, and avoid unnecessary foot traffic during prolonged cold spells. Your lawn may not thank you immediately, but when spring arrives with lush, green growth, the payoff will be obvious.

In short, admire the frosty beauty from afar. Your lawn will be healthier for it.

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

When your lawn is wet, tread carefully

Winter rain can leave your grass sitting on waterlogged soil. When this happens, the main rule is simple: keep off as much as you can.

Wet soil compacts easily, and compacted soil means unhappy grass roots. If you need to walk across a soggy lawn, try sticking to the same path each time so the compaction is limited to one small area. A pair of stepping stones or planks can help if it’s a route you often use, for example to your bird table or log store.

If the lawn is prone to staying boggy, lightly spiking it with a garden fork can improve drainage. But only do this when the soil isn’t too sloppy, or you’ll just make more mess.

Frosty mornings, keep off the grass

Frost might look pretty, but it’s tough on turf. Frozen grass blades become brittle, so walking on a frosty lawn can crush them, leaving brown tracks that linger long after the thaw. The best approach is to enjoy the sparkle from a distance and avoid any foot traffic if you can, until the frost melts.

The same rule applies to mowing. In winter, mowing is rarely needed anyway but absolutely avoid it if the grass is frozen or very wet. You’d be surprised that some people do attempt this!

Snowfall? Don’t panic

A layer of snow actually acts as a gentle insulator, protecting your lawn from harsh winds. The problem usually comes afterwards, when snow is compacted into icy paths by footsteps.

If possible, avoid creating trails across snowy lawns, as these can cause the same damage as walking on frost. Once the snow melts, the grass should recover on its own.

The great leaf clean-up

A deep layer of leaves left to sit all winter create damp, dark conditions that encourage rot and moss. A quick weekly rake or leaf-blow during autumn and early winter helps keep things healthy. And remember that raked leaves make great compost.

If you aren’t fussed about having a perfectly tidy lawn, just remove the biggest leaf build-up and leave some, as they provide good cover for your garden wildlife.

Should you fix patchy areas now or later?

Winter isn’t the time to sow new seed as it’s simply too cold for germination. But you can prepare.

If you notice bare spots forming, gently clear away debris or thatch, and add to your spring to-do list. Once the weather warms, the ground will be ready for overseeding.

However, if the patches are large, you can actually still lay turf in the winter, unless the ground is frozen. For more information read our dedicated blog: Can you still lay turf in the winter? – HCT Turf

Under the bird feeder

Bird feeders are a great way of supporting our wild birds through the winter. However, the lawn underneath tends to suffer. Spilt seed, constant traffic, and scratching birds all add up to a muddy, bald patch.

You can reduce the damage by:

• Moving feeders occasionally so the wear spreads out
• Using trays or catchers to limit dropped food
• Placing a small gravel or bark mulched area under a hanging feeder

Or you can decide not to worry about it, enjoy watching the birds and then reseed or returf in spring.

A few extra winter lawn tips

Clear debris after storms. Fallen twigs and branches can smother small areas of grass if left for weeks.

Don’t feed your lawn in winter. High-nitrogen fertilisers encourage growth, which grass simply can’t sustain in cold weather.

Keep mower blades clean and sharpened and book your mower in for a service. This means you’ll be ready for that all-important first mow when conditions are right.

Watch out for moss. If moss is already creeping in, improved drainage and gentle autumn raking can help prevent a takeover.

Key points

1. Keep off wet or frosty lawns to avoid stressing the grass
2. Don’t worry too much about fixing bare patches unless there’s a major issue that needs urgent attention.
3. A little regular clearing (leaves, debris, snow piles) keeps grass healthy and ready for warmer days.

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