Start by removing any leaves, twigs, moss or other debris that may have built up over winter. This helps light and air reach the soil, and gives your lawn and garden beds a clean slate for new growth.

If the ground is very wet or compacted, wait until it dries out a little before raking or walking over it to avoid damaging the soil structure.

When temperatures consistently stay above 5°C and frosts are behind us, your grass will begin to grow again. If the ground is dry and firm, it’s time for your first mow of the season.

Before cutting, check over your lawnmower—sharpen blades, charge any batteries, and make sure everything’s in working order. Start with a higher cutting height to avoid damaging the grass. You can lower this gradually as growth picks up.

Scarifying helps remove moss and thatch, improving airflow and nutrient absorption. Even if your lawn looks moss-free, it’s still worth doing to encourage stronger spring growth.

After scarifying, rake up any debris and aerate compacted areas using a garden fork, aerator, or tiller. A tiller is especially useful for larger lawns or areas with heavy compaction, helping to break up the soil and improve drainage. This gives your lawn the best chance to absorb water, nutrients, and air.

Now that your lawn’s been mowed and scarified, it’s time to fertilise and provide the soil with vital nutrients like nitrogen. Spring feed for lawns can help boost early growth and ensure that your lawn stays lush into early summer.

You can start to use spring grass feed from as early as March and top up as required in spring before the soil gets too dry and hot in summer. Lawn fertiliser works best on damp soil, so keep watering your lawn if it’s drier than usual in spring and early summer.

If you still have weeds and moss in your lawn after scarifying, consider using weed and feed products to encourage grass growth and tackle unwanted weeds and moss. Take extra care not to use harsh chemicals during your spring lawn care.

Regular mowing and a well-fed lawn are also natural ways to reduce weed and moss regrowth over time.

If you’ve removed weeds or scarified heavily, you might see some bare patches. Spring is an ideal time to overseed these areas—March through May offers the right balance of warmth and moisture.

Reseed after feeding to give the grass the nutrients it needs to establish. If some patches remain thin by late summer, you can overseed again in early autumn.

With your spring lawn care planned out, why not help shape up other plants around your garden? Aim to finish any hedge trimming by mid-spring, as this is when birds and other animals may begin nesting. Many shrubs can be pruned at any time from winter to mid-spring to ensure even growth and good shape. Avoid significant hedge trimming and pruning once the leaves have fully established in the summer, as this can stunt the plant’s growth.

For many, early spring means reaching back into the shed or garage and grabbing the necessary tools for spring lawn care. These storage areas often get cold and damp over winter, so it’s worth checking that cables are still safely connected and blades of lawnmowers and hedge trimmers are rust-free.Maintain your tools by ensuring they’re clean, refuelled if necessary, and stored carefully for next use.