Is It Too Early To Think About Spring?

Written by the Turf Experts at George Davies Turf & Stone

Let’s be honest: as the new year begins, Spring is only eight weeks away! So, no, it’s never too early to start thinking about your spring lawn and garden. While you’re waiting for the temperatures to warm up, early preparation for spring is key to achieving a strong, healthy, and vibrant lawn. This article explores the importance of spring lawn planning and what tasks to prioritise for a strong, stunning spring lawn.

Content Overview

• • What happens to your lawn before spring?
  • When does grass start growing?
  • Early Spring lawn tasks
  • Can you lay turf in spring?
  • View our range of natural turf
  • Why Spring planning matters
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • Speak to the experts
  • FAQs

What Happens to Your Lawn Before Spring Arrives?

From mid-winter, when temperatures generally drop below 5 degrees, your grass growth rate slows and enters a dormant state. Although little happens on the surface, beneath the soil, turf roots remain active – storing resources for grass leaves and preparing for rapid recovery in spring.

As early spring rolls around, soil temperatures start warming up, sward thickens, grass prepares for top growth, and your lawn highlights areas where it is struggling – thinning grass, bald patches, and discolouration are signs of winter stress, and that fertilising or overseeding is required.

When Does Grass Start Growing For Spring?

Grass will begin to grow when soil temperatures reach a steady 5-7 degrees. In the UK, spring officially starts on the 1^st March. However, this is very dependent on air temperatures and weather conditions – we have been known to experience snowstorms in April!

Signs that your grass is waking up include:

• • Grass begins to grow (albeit unevenly)
  • Its green colour visibly brightens
  • Moss becomes more visible
  • There’s resistance if you gently tug the grass

Early Spring Lawn Care Tasks

Even before spring arrives, you can start prepping what lawn tasks are a priority. These are low-risk tasks that will give your turf the best chance for spring success. Spring lawn care tasks include:

• • Clearing debris & fallen leaves from your lawn
  • Removing moss & thatch from your lawn
  • Check for water pooling & signs of poor drainage
  • Identify areas of stressed turf
  • In dry conditions, gently brush turf to lift flattened grass
  • Map out where you need to apply grass seed, fertiliser or topsoil

Top Tip: Avoid heavy work until your lawn has fully thawed and dried out. Pressure from foot traffic, wheelbarrows, and machinery can damage soggy or frozen lawns.

Read More: Pre-Spring Lawn Care and Turf Tips for March

Is Spring the Best Time to Lay Turf?

Spring is one of the best times to lay turf, but in all honesty, you can lay turf any time of year! The benefits of laying turf in spring, especially early spring, are that you are aligning with the season’s active growing period. Moisture levels, soil conditions, and mild temperatures also aid a smooth turf installation.

For the best results when laying turf in spring, head to our articles below:

• • How to Lay Turf – Your Ultimate Guide
  • 5 Signs Your Turf Needs Replacing This Spring
  • How to Choose the Best Lawn Turf for Spring
  • How to Prepare Your Soil for Turf

View Our Range of Premium Turfs

• • Trident Turf
  • Clover Turf
  • Wild Flower Turf
  • Species-Rich Turf
  • RTF Turf
  • Shade-Tolerant Turf
  • View All

Why Planning for Spring Makes Sense

Any landscaper or experienced gardener will tell you that Spring is the busiest time for lawn and garden maintenance. Planning your tasks early helps you:

• • Apply effective lawn treatment
  • Repair winter-stressed turf
  • Resolve any lawn fungus, disease or pest problems
  • Schedule landscaping installations
  • Secure materials such as turf and paving
  • Establish a robust lawn ready for summer use
  • Spread the cost of garden tools, materials, and supplies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As eager as you may be to get outside and enjoy your lawn, acting too soon can cause more damage. Patience now can lead to faster recovery and stronger growth throughout the year. Be smart in your Spring planning and avoid:

• • Mowing too early
  • Applying fertiliser during cold snaps
  • Applying the wrong fertiliser – switch to spring/summer feed
  • Walking on saturated or frozen lawns
  • Heavy landscaping on saturated or frozen lawns

Speak to the Experts

At George Davies Turf & Stone, we help homeowners and landscapers get ahead of the season and get the most from their lawns! Whether it’s supplying and delivering high-quality turf, stone paving, or landscaping materials, or answering any of your turf-related questions, we’re here to help! Get in touch, head to our Turf University, or visit our St Albans branch.

Helpful Articles

• • Top Tips on Creating a Stunning Spring Garden
  • How To Reseed a Lawn in the Spring
  • How to Weed and Feed Your Lawn

FAQs About Spring Planning

When should I start thinking about spring lawn care?

Once you put your garden to bed in winter, you can start thinking about your spring lawn and garden care. Avoid major work until spring officially arrives, but you can still plan and prep what needs to be done.

When should I start mowing my lawn?

Mow your spring lawn once conditions are dry, and your grass is actively growing. This may be patchy and uneven to begin with. The first mowing of the year typically occurs in March.

Can turf be laid before spring?

Absolutely! As long as your ground is not frozen and the soil has been correctly prepared, you can easily lay turf before spring.

Should I feed my lawn at the first sight of growth?

No. At George Davies Turf & Stone, we recommend waiting until grass growth is consistent so you can assess its condition. If fertiliser is required, use a spring-based feed and wait until frost has passed before applying.

What grass feed should I use in spring?

Spring is all about growth! So, look for a spring/summer fertiliser like our Envy Fertiliser, which is high in nitrogen to encourage healthy growth.