Turf Tips for March

March is a big month for gardeners and landscapers, as it’s officially the start of spring! Evenings become a little lighter, the sun shines a bit brighter, and we feel like we can finally get outside and take care of our lawns.

But March can still hold the occasional cold snap and frosty mornings, influencing how you tend to your turf. In this article, we’ll highlight the key turf tasks to take up in March that will help your lawn recover from winter and prepare for spring. Encouraging a healthy, vibrant lawn ready for use.

Signs of Turf Damage After Winter

As the last traces of winter melt away, March is the perfect time to assess your lawn’s condition and prepare it for the growing months ahead. The colder months can take a toll on turf, leaving it weak, patchy, or stressed. By identifying the issues early and taking the proper steps, you can restore its health and help produce a lush, green lawn that’ll thrive throughout the warmer months.

Winter can leave several types of damage on your lawn, including:

• Snow Mold – Caused by fungal growth under snow, this lawn disease appears as circular patches of matted grass, often grey or pinkish.
• Thinning or Bare Spots – This is when grass is stressed or not receiving enough nutrients, and areas of grass die due to prolonged cold temperatures.
• Soil Compaction – Frozen temperatures can cause the soil to harden, restricting root growth, water absorption and dull-looking grass.
• Excess Thatch Build-Up – Thatch is a thick layer of dead grass and organic matter. If piled up on your lawn, it prevents water and nutrients from reaching the roots.
• Water pooling – Lawn drainage can become blocked due to debris or compacted soil, meaning water isn’t being absorbed correctly and sits on the surface of your lawn.

How to Treat Post-Winter Turf Issues

Once you’ve identified turf winter damage, here are some practical ways to repair your lawn:

• Rake and Remove Debris – Clear away leaves, twigs, and matted grass to promote airflow, reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and allow more sunlight to reach your grass.
• Dethatching – If you notice excessive thatch build-up, use a dethatching rake or machine to break it up and allow nutrients to reach the soil.
• Aeration – If your lawn feels compacted, aerate it by poking holes into the soil with a garden fork. This will improve water penetration and root development.
• Overseeding – For bare or thin patches, spread grass seed to encourage new growth and fill in gaps.
• Fertilising – Apply a slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients as well as a specific spring fertiliser that supports healthy growth.

Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring

Once you’ve identified and resolved any post-winter issues, you can start preparing your lawn for spring. Here are our top turf tips for March:

Mow your lawn with caution

With warmer weather, giving your lawn its first cut of the year can be very beneficial. If the weather is still wet or frozen, wait another week or so. The height of your mower blade is very important, as we don’t want to stress your grass right from the start! For the first cut, set your mower to its highest height and be sure not to cut more than a quarter of the total height of your lawn.

You only really want to cut the tops of your grass. This will stimulate growth while the grass produces heavy green leaves that aid the photosynthesis process. If you cut your lawn too short, you will put your grass under unnecessary stress, hindering your lawn’s health in the long run.

Trim turf edges

When your lawn has been left to its own devices throughout winter, naturally, its edges might look a bit dishevelled. Not to worry. A quick cut around the edges of your lawn will help define its shape, deliver a neat finish and make it look aesthetically pleasing.

Feed your lawn

You may not need to use a fertiliser on your lawn, but if your grass looks tired, patchy, thin, or discoloured, it will give your grass the boost it needs. Nitrogen and potassium are the key nutrients that aid growth. So, look for a spring fertiliser rich in both. Be mindful to check the weather forecast, as spring showers could wash fertiliser away before it is absorbed.

Start scarification

March is an ideal month to begin scarifying your lawn. This is the process of removing organic matter from around the stem of the grass blades to maintain a healthy growing environment above and below the surface. By removing dead grass blades, debris and lawn clippings, you can keep your lawn in excellent health.

Weed Control

Don’t worry too much about weeds. They’re most likely still dormant from winter, and temperatures remain too low for herbicides or weed killers to work effectively. If you spot any weeds, take note and be ready to suppress them next month.

Check your lawn’s drainage

Winter often leads to the build-up of organic matter, fallen debris and rotting leaves. All of these can cause issues to your lawn and drainage if not handled correctly. Make sure the edges of your lawn are clear so excess water can easily run off. If your drainage has a slope, make sure it’s clear of piles of debris preventing water from draining away and resulting in water pooling on the surface of your lawn and damaging your turf.

Be mindful of lawn diseases

Have you noticed yellowish grass spots that make your lawn look like it’s dying or turning brown? This could be a fungus known as fusarium. Lawn fungus issues can escalate quickly post-winter, with patches increasing in size — some surpassing 30cm in diameter! If you’re experiencing these issues, apply a fungicide to control the effects of the disease. In doing so, you will help your grass fight off fusarium naturally whilst improving your soil’s health and drainage. For more insight, head to our Guide to Lawn Fungus and Diseases.

Can I Lay Turf in March?

Absolutely! March is a brilliant time to lay turf. If it’s been raining, the ground should be softer, making it easier to remove existing turf. March also offers preferable temperatures and plenty of rainfall, making turf laying much simpler. It’ll also give your turf a good few weeks to settle in and establish strong roots ready for the growing season.

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Speak to the Experts

By tackling winter damage and preparing your lawn with proper care in March, you’ll set the stage for a healthy, thriving turf throughout the warmer months. A little early-season effort goes a long way in achieving a lush, green lawn that will be the envy of the neighbourhood! If you need any further tips, check out our blog library or get in touch with the team.

If you’re a landscaper, check out our George Davies Trade Account. We’re here to ensure you have access to premium products and reliable deliveries so you can provide first-class service to your customers.

More Useful Turf Tips

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