April Lawn Tips: Essential Tips For Spring

As UK gardens wake up after winter, it is normal to feel unsure about what to tackle first. If your lawn looks a bit dull or patchy, these April lawn care tips: essential tips for spring will help you bring it back to life without fuss.

In this guide you will learn exactly what to do in April, from mowing and feeding to overseeding and gentle tidying, with options that suit mixed UK weather.

Why Lawns Wake Up In April

Spring warmth, brighter days, and rising soil temperatures switch grass back into active growth. Cool season grasses respond first, pushing new blades and roots.

That is why spring lawn care UK focuses on gentle steps that encourage steady growth rather than harsh renovation. With nights still chilly and showers common, a flexible approach works best: mow higher, feed lightly, and improve soil contact for seed and roots.

How Often Should I Mow My Lawn In Spring?

As spring arrives and temperatures rise it is the perfect time to give your lawn the care it needs to thrive. Mowing is a crucial aspect of lawn maintenance during the growing phase.

The frequency of mowing your lawn will depend on several factors, including the growth rate of your grass, the weather conditions, and your specific grass type.

Following these five mowing tips will ensure your grass remains healthy and vibrant:

1. Mow Regularly: Start by mowing every two weeks at the beginning of the month, then shift to weekly as growth accelerates.
2. Set The Right Height: Keep your mower blades setting on the high side until your mowing frequency picks up.
3. Pay Attention To Weather: Adjust your mowing schedule based on weather conditions, as rain and warmth can increase growth rates. Avoid mowing the lawn in wet and frosty conditions.
4. Observe Your Lawn: Keep an eye on your grass height and overall health. If it looks uneven or overgrown, it is time to mow, even if it is not your scheduled day.
5. Mow With Care: The ground can still be soft so be careful when turning the mower. Clean down the mower after use.

For added clarity, use a light setting between 35 and 50mm for most lawns in early spring. Never remove more than one third of the leaf in one cut, and wait until the grass is dry underfoot before mowing.

What Should I Do To My Lawn In April?

April is the month to set the tone for the season. Aim for a simple routine that you can repeat through spring:

• Light Rake Or Brush: Remove twigs, fallen leaves, and worm casts. This helps air reach the crown of the grass.
• Tidy Edges Of Lawn: A clean edge instantly lifts the look of a lawn and reduces encroachment from beds and paths.
• Aerate High Traffic Spots: Use a spike aerator to relieve compaction on worn routes. For clay soil, focus on little and often rather than deep, aggressive work while the ground is soft.
• Topdress Thin Areas: Apply a fine sandy loam or compost blend at 2 to 4mm depth to level minor dips and improve seed contact.
• Overseeding In April: From mid month, overseed bare patches, then keep evenly moist until the seed is up and the new grass is 5 to 8cm tall.
• Spring Lawn Feed: Apply a light, balanced spring lawn feed once growth is steady and you have made your first cut of the month.
• Weekly Checks: After your first April mow, review height, colour, and any moss or weed presence. Adjust the plan rather than waiting for problems to grow.

This routine is practical April lawn maintenance. It builds strength without shocking the lawn and prepares it for warmer weather.

Recommended Products

Can I Overseed My Lawn In April In The UK?

Yes, especially from mid April when soil has warmed and the surface is no longer waterlogged. Overseeding is a fast way to thicken a tired lawn after winter.

Choose from a range of high quality grass seed mixes to suit your lawns conditions so it can thrive all year round. Match the mix to how you use the space. Hard-wearing mixes suit family lawns. Finer mixes give a classic look but prefer lighter use. If parts of your lawn are shaded, look for a shade-tolerant mix for those areas.  

Step by step overseeding in April

1. Prep The Surface: Mow high, then rake to open the canopy and remove loose thatch.
2. Repair The Base: Fill little hollows with topdressing kept to 2 to 4mm so existing grass still shows.
3. Seed Rate: Apply seed. Overseeeding rate 25-50g per square metre. New Lawn 50-70g per square metre.
4. Contact: Lightly rake again to settle seed to soil. If available, roll or tread boards over the area to firm contact.
5. Watering: Keep consistently moist for 2 to 3 weeks. Short, frequent watering is better than soaking.
6. First Mow: When seedlings reach 5 to 8cm, make a gentle cut with a sharp blade and a high setting.

If nights turn cold, cover small patches with fleece overnight and remove in the morning. Avoid heavy foot traffic until the area knits together.

Should I Scarify A Lawn In April?

April is a good time for light scarifying or spring raking to lift dead material and let in air. Avoid heavy scarification until the weather is consistently warm and the lawn is growing strongly. If you see moss, treat the cause as well as the symptom by improving light, airflow, and drainage.

Quick guide

• Do: Light rake, collect debris, and reseed thin patches the same day.
• Do Not: Strip the lawn hard if frosts are still likely or the surface is very soft.
• Follow With: Topdressing and overseeding to fill gaps created by raking.

Can I Use Weedkiller On My Lawn In April?

Often it is a little early for broad spectrum treatments. The best time to tackle weeds is when they’re in prime growth which is usually in late spring and early summer. In early April, focus on hand weeding and spot treatments as needed. A fuller lawn from overseeding in April and regular mowing will also reduce room for weeds to establish.

If you choose to treat later in spring, read the product label carefully, pick a still dry day, and avoid drift into beds. Protect new seedlings by waiting until they have been mown a few times before any selective treatment.

What Fertiliser Should I Use On My Lawn In Spring?

Go for a balanced spring lawn feed applied at the recommended rate once the lawn is growing steadily. Nitrogen drives green growth, while phosphorus and potassium support roots and resilience.

Apply after a mow so the leaves are shorter and granules reach the soil. Water in if no rain falls within a day or two. If you have overseeded this month, wait until new seeds have established and you’ve done the first cut then apply a spring feed to the whole lawn.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Cutting Too Low: Scalping weakens grass and invites weeds and moss. Stick to 35 to 50mm early in the season and lower gradually.
• Mowing Wet Grass: Wet blades tear and clog, leaving clumps that smother patches. Wait for a dry window.
• Skipping Soil Contact For Seed: Broadcast seed that sits on top will not germinate well. Rake in, firm, and water little and often.
• Heavy Scarifying Too Soon: This can leave bare soil that weeds love. Keep it light in April unless conditions are warm and stable.
• Overfeeding: More is not better. Follow the label rate, especially for quick acting products.

How To Build A Weekend April Routine

If you want a tidy lawn without losing your weekend, use this practical order of operations:

1. Walk The Lawn: Mark bumps, dips, shaded or sparse areas, and note any soggy spots.
2. Rake And Edge: Light rake to lift debris, then edge for an instant smart look.
3. Aerate Traffic Lanes: Fork compacted runs and around play areas.
4. Topdress And Level: Fill minor dips with a thin dressing of sandy loam or screened compost.
5. Overseed Bare Patches: Apply seed. Overseeeding rate 25-50g per square metre.
6. Water: Mist little and often if the week is dry.
7. First April Mow: High setting, sharp blade, dry surface. Empty the catcher before it overfills.

This rhythm is simple, repeatable, and keeps the lawn looking good while conditions warm up.

April Lawn Care Tips For Different Lawn Goals

Every garden is different, so tweak your approach to match how you use your space:

• Family Lawn: Prioritise safety, soft surfaces, and recovery. Aerate high traffic zones, overseed regularly, and keep height nearer 45 to 50mm to cushion play.
• Smart Front Lawn: Focus on edges, level, and colour. A balanced feed mid month, mowing at 35 to 40mm, and neat edging will give a crisp look.
• Wildlife Friendly Lawn: Try a partial no mow approach along one edge or under trees. Mow paths but let selected areas flower through April to support pollinators. Overseed with hard wearing mixes in the main play areas to keep them robust.

Final Tips And Seasonal Reminder

April is the month to build good habits. Keep blades sharp, mow high and often, and feed when growth is steady. Use overseeding in April to repair thin areas so they are ready for summer.

Watch the weather and take a tailored approach to lawn care to suit your lawns needs. With these April lawn care tips: essential tips for spring, you will set up a greener, denser lawn for the months ahead.

Bestselling Lawncare Products

Free Lawncare Calendar

Signup for monthly tips, special offers and get a free lawncare calendar

I agree to T&C and can unsubscribe at any time.

Leave this field empty if you're human: