1. CLEAR DEBRIS

Start by clearing the lawn of any fallen leaves and branches. It is best to do this when conditions are dry as moisture will make leaves and debris stick to the lawn. While a good ol’ rake will do the job, a leaf blower or vacuum will speed up the process. 

2. TACKLE WEEDS

It’s best to get rid of weeds while they’re young and their roots are still weak; at this stage they can be removed by hand. Once weeds have taken hold they have to be dug up, leaving unsightly, grass-free patches in the lawn. A light application of weed killer is a good idea to prevent further sprouting, but be careful not to overdo it as this can burn the grass. 

4. MOW THE LAWN

It is advisable to cut the grass regularly with a mower that has sharp blades to keep the lawn looking healthy.  Infrequent mowing can cause a lawn to become stalky and less attractive.  Use a line trimmer for garden borders and hard to reach places. Look out for any problem areas, such as bare spots where new lawn needs to be planted or high-traffic areas where fertiliser can be used to improve the grass.

5. FERTILISE

Apply fertiliser to the lawn to break winter dormancy and give the lawn a helping hand. A slowrelease fertiliser will help the grass grow stronger and healthier in preparation for stressful summer conditions. Know which fertiliser will work best with the lawn and soil type. Visit a local garden centre to choose from many different fertilisers including organic, chemical, granular or liquid. 

6. GARDEN TOOLS AT THE READY

Gardening equipment and power tools should be maintained to function at their best for easy and fuss-free gardening.  Sharpening lawn mower blades ensures a clean cut and helps the grass recover after every mow. Replace the mower oil to keep the engine running smoothly and to extend the life of the machine. Check the cutting line of the trimmer. Over time the line will weaken, causing it to break easily.