As the weather gets colder and wetter, it’s important to take steps to protect your lawn
Ben Lyons Content Editor and Grace Piercy
08:39, 10 Oct 2025
The expert said to not cut grass shorter than 5cm(Image: Getty)
With temperatures falling and rainfall increasing, caring for your garden might seem less urgent. But a gardening expert has advised Britons to carry out some straightforward tasks to safeguard their lawns throughout winter.
Gardening specialist Harry Bodell from PriceYourJob has offered guidance on protecting your lawn as the chillier months draw near. His primary recommendation is to aerate it regularly, explaining that autumn and winter’s heightened precipitation can render your garden “swamp-like”.
Aeration methods will guarantee proper drainage and prevent pooling and waterlogging. Several straightforward approaches exist for this, with the most economical being a conventional garden fork.
Insert the fork into the earth beneath your turf to approximately 10-15cm depth and wiggle it backwards and forwards to form small cavities that will promote air circulation, water movement and enhanced nutrient delivery to the roots. Continue this procedure throughout your entire lawn.
Another of Bodell’s recommendations is to modify your cutting height. Turf will keep growing during winter and might still require occasional trimming, reports the Express.
Configure your mower to 5-6cm to maintain the lawn, only cutting on dry days. This will shield the grass from frost and avoid unnecessary strain.
The specialist also suggested a winter feed abundant in phosphate and potassium. This fortifies the roots and hardens the blades, helping ready the turf for the cold.
Steer clear of high-nitrogen mixtures that promote blade development. One key task to stay on top of is clearing away debris and fallen leaves.
If left unchecked, they can quickly accumulate and suffocate your lawn, blocking the already limited sunlight and fostering diseases. Use a light rake, and any leaves you gather can be used to create your own compost.
Bodell also advised limiting foot traffic during frosty periods. When trodden on, the cells in frozen grass burst, causing damage and leaving behind footprints that will remain visible after it has thawed.
Consider installing stepping stones, but only if they are going to be a permanent feature.
Another method to safeguard your lawn is to maintain tidy edges. Damp grass means softer soil, making it easier to manipulate.
If your lawn is extremely waterlogged, consider fitting a gutter along the edge to drain away surplus moisture.
Those wishing to get their lawn ready for the next spring can begin preparations now. This season is an excellent time to test your soil’s pH levels and add any necessary nutrients, smooth out any uneven and bumpy areas with a high-quality topsoil and start preparing the ground thoroughly.
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