As the days get longer and temperatures start to rise, now is the perfect time to give your lawn some much-needed attention. However, after months of cold, wet weather, many homeowners find their grass looking patchy, mossy, or full of weeds.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common spring lawn problems and, more importantly, how to fix them to achieve a lush, healthy lawn.
1. Patchy Grass & Bare Spots
The Problem:
Winter damage, heavy foot traffic, pet activity, and disease can leave lawns looking thin and uneven, with patches of bare soil.
The Fix:
- Rake & Aerate – Loosen compacted soil and remove any dead grass or thatch buildup.
- Overseed – Apply fresh grass seed to the bare spots, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.
- Feed & Water – Use a quality spring lawn feed and keep the area moist while the new grass establishes.
Tip: Choose a grass seed blend suited to your garden conditions – shady lawns need different varieties than sun-drenched areas.
2. Moss Taking Over
The Problem:
Moss thrives in damp, shady areas, often taking hold where grass struggles to grow. If left untreated, it can quickly spread, creating a spongy, weak lawn.
The Fix:
- Improve Drainage – Aerate compacted soil and remove excess thatch to help water drain better.
- Reduce Shade – Trim overhanging trees or bushes that may be blocking sunlight.
- Apply Moss Killer – Use a moss control treatment and rake out dead moss after a week.
- Encourage Strong Grass Growth – A well-fed, healthy lawn naturally suppresses moss.
Tip: If moss keeps returning, consider reseeding with a more shade-tolerant grass variety.
3. Weeds Competing with Grass
The Problem:
Dandelions, clover, and other weeds thrive in weak, thin lawns, quickly taking over and choking out healthy grass.
The Fix:
- Hand-Pull Weeds – For small infestations, remove weeds manually, ensuring you get the root.
- Use a Lawn Weed Killer – Choose a selective herbicide that targets weeds without harming the grass.
- Mow Correctly – Cutting your lawn too short can encourage weeds. Keep grass at the recommended height for its variety.
- Fertilise Regularly – A well-fed lawn is naturally more resistant to weed invasion.
Tip: Apply weed killers on a dry, calm day to avoid the product washing away or affecting nearby plants.
4. Lawn Looks Yellow & Unhealthy
The Problem:
If your lawn looks pale, yellow, or weak, it’s likely lacking essential nutrients after the winter months.
The Fix:
- Apply a Spring Lawn Feed – Use a balanced fertiliser rich in nitrogen to encourage green, healthy growth.
- Avoid Overwatering – Too much water can wash nutrients away and lead to shallow root growth.
- Aerate the Lawn – If water is pooling on the surface, improve drainage by aerating the soil.
Tip: Organic options like compost or seaweed-based fertilisers can provide a natural nutrient boost.
5. Lawn Covered in Thatch
The Problem:
Thatch is a dense layer of dead grass, roots, and organic matter that builds up on the soil surface, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots.
The Fix:
- Rake or Scarify – Use a rake or scarifier to remove excess thatch and allow your lawn to breathe.
- Top-Dress – Apply a thin layer of compost or sand to improve soil structure.
- Aerate Regularly – A well-aerated lawn prevents thatch from accumulating too quickly.
Tip: Thatch removal can make your lawn look worse before it gets better – but don’t worry, fresh growth will soon follow!
6. Poor Drainage & Waterlogged Lawns
The Problem:
Heavy spring rains can lead to soggy, waterlogged lawns, which can suffocate roots and encourage moss growth.
The Fix:
- Aerate the Soil – Create small holes to allow better drainage and root oxygenation.
- Add Sand or Grit – This improves drainage in particularly heavy, clay-based soils.
- Improve Lawn Slopes – If water pools in certain areas, consider reshaping your garden to allow better runoff.
Tip: If drainage is a recurring issue, you may need to install a French drain or rethink your garden layout.
7. Mowing Mistakes
The Problem:
Cutting the lawn too short, using blunt mower blades, or mowing in wet conditions can all cause unnecessary stress to your grass.
The Fix:
- Mow at the Right Height – Never cut more than one-third of the grass height in one go.
- Keep Blades Sharp – A dull blade tears the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to brown tips.
- Mow When Dry – Wet grass clumps together, making for an uneven cut and increasing the risk of disease.
Tip: Leave the first cut of the season slightly longer to encourage strong root growth.
Let All Seasons Garden Maintenance Help!
Looking for professional help to get your lawn back into shape this spring?
At All Seasons Garden Maintenance, we provide expert lawn care services in Surrey, helping homeowners achieve lush, healthy lawns all year round.
From grass cutting and lawn treatments to moss control, aeration, and feeding, our team has the expertise to transform your lawn.
Covering Epsom, Ashtead, Banstead, Cheam, Leatherhead, Dorking, Guildford, Kingswood, Tadworth, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today on 01372 610566 or 07368 356520 to book your spring lawn care service!
