Winter Lawn Care Guide

As winter settles in and temperatures drop, your lawn enters a period of dormancy. While it might seem like there’s little to do, winter lawn care is just as important as in the more active seasons. Proper maintenance in the winter period will reduce compaction, prevent disease, and prepare your grass for a strong, healthy start in spring.

Lawn care in the winter is still essential in preventing your lawn from being overrun by moss or remedying winter grass diseases before they cause lasting damage to your lawn.

This guide will give you the best winter lawn care tips to ensure that your lawn is looked after throughout the colder season. Let TopGrass run you through the best methods of lawn care for the winter period!

 

Do Not Let Leaves Build Up On Your Lawn!

Fallen leaves may look picturesque, but if left to sit on your lawn, they can block sunlight and moisture from reaching the grass root zone and create the perfect environment for pests, moss, and disease to thrive.

Top Leaf Clearing Tips

• Use a light rake or leaf blower to gently remove leaves without damaging the grass
• Aim to clear leaves regularly, especially after windy days or storms
• Compost collected leaves or add them to a green waste bin
• TopGrass Warning: If leaves are left to build up on your lawn, this will lead to the grass being starved of oxygen and vital nutrients. This can lead to long-lasting damage to your lawn, as can be seen in this picture

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Keep Mowing in Mild Winters

Mowing in Winter

Grass growth slows dramatically in winter, especially when temperatures fall below 5°C. However, in milder periods, you may notice some continued growth. This may require you to continue mowing throughout the winter period if the conditions are right.

Top Winter Mowing Tips

• Only mow if the grass is growing and conditions are dry and frost-free
• We recommend raising your mower height to 2-2.5 inches during the winter period, so as not to stress the grass plant
• Avoid mowing on frozen or waterlogged soil, as this can damage the turf and compact the soil

 

Fertilising Your Lawn

Fertilising in Winter

Feeding your lawn in winter can help keep the grass resilient and prepare it for spring recovery. A winter lawn fertiliser should contain low nitrogen and higher levels of potassium to support root strength and disease resistance.

Tips for applying winter lawn feed:

• Apply only during mild, dry spells – never on frozen or saturated ground
• Use a fertiliser specifically designed for winter conditions

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Winter Moss Control

During the winter period, you may notice your lawn developing a carpet of moss. This is because the conditions in winter are perfect for moss to thrive in. Moss flourishes in damp and shady conditions, which winter provides with increased rainfall and lack of sunlight. If you do not want moss to run rampant in your lawn, you will need to take measures to keep on top of it. 

Tips to keep on top of winter moss in your lawn

• If not treated, moss can spread across your lawn, carpeting the grass, blocking sunlight and moisture 
• Our moss treatment, which is a part of our Late Season and End of Season Treatments, helps to dehydrate and inhibit moss to stop it from spreading
• Scarification in late autumn can help to reduce the levels of moss in your lawn going into the winter period

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Keep On Top Of Weeds In The Winter

Weed Control in Winter

Although most lawn weeds slow down in winter, some hardy species may persist.

• Remove visible weeds by hand, ensuring you remove all of the roots
• Chemical treatments are generally not effective or recommended in cold temperatures
• Keeping your lawn healthy and free from stress will naturally reduce winter weed presence

 

Aeration and Drainage

Aeration and Drainage in Winter

Heavy winter rain and lack of sunlight can lead to soggy, compacted lawns. Aeration helps improve drainage and allows oxygen to reach the roots.

How to improve drainage:

• Use a garden fork to spike the lawn, especially in high-traffic or low-lying areas
• Avoid walking on waterlogged areas, as this increases compaction

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Lawn Protection

Protecting your grass through the winter months is essential, especially when it’s more vulnerable to damage.

Winter protection checklist:

• Minimise foot traffic on frozen or wet grass
• Regularly clear fallen leaves and debris to prevent smothering
• Use stepping stones or paths in high-use areas to avoid wear
• Keep an eye out for signs of lawn diseases, such as fusarium patch

Preparing for Spring

Winter is the ideal time to start planning ahead for your spring lawn care routine.

• Get your lawn mower serviced and blades sharpened
• Plan your spring lawn treatment schedule, including scarification or overseeding if needed
• Monitor the lawn for signs of moss, pests, or diseases so you’re ready to act early

 

Need Help with Your Lawn This Winter?

Whether you’re concerned about lawn moss, winter compaction, or want to get ahead for spring, our expert team is here to help.

Get a Free Online Quote for your Lawn Right Now

 

Seasonal Lawn Care Guides

Want to keep your lawn looking its best in every season? Explore our other seasonal lawn care guides for expert treatment advice and practical tips:

Prepare your lawn for a healthy growing season this spring 

To keep your lawn looking lush year-round, it’s important to start strong in the spring. Discover seasonal tips on fertilisation, early weed prevention and tailoring your mowing schedule in our dedicated guide.

Read our Spring Lawn Care Guide for UK Lawns

Prepare your lawn for a healthy growing season this summer 

If you want to keep your lawn looking green and healthy throughout the year, it is essential to keep on top of it during those hot, dry summer months. Discover seasonal tips on fertilisation, watering and keeping on top of weeds in our dedicated guide.

Read our Summer Lawn Care Guide for UK Lawns

Top tips on how to keep your lawn flourishing throughout autumn

As temperatures start to cool towards the latter months of the year, your lawn still requires care and attention to ensure it stays healthy and green. Learn about why it is important to clear leaves from your lawn, expert advice on scarification and aeration, as well as how to keep on top of moss creeping into your lawn!

Read our Autumn Lawn Care Guide for UK Lawns