Like all living things, your garden deserves a rest after working hard all year. As the temperatures dip and the days shorten, it's time to give your lawn and garden the care they need to rest, recover, and return stronger next spring.
Here's our expert guide to preparing your garden and lawn for winter, ensuring everything wakes up happy and healthy when the sunshine returns.
Timing is key. Keeping an eye on the forecast as temperatures begin to drop. Grass growth typically slows below 5°C, which means your lawn is entering dormancy. This is your signal to complete the essential winter prep jobs before the cold really sets in.
It's not just about air temperature; soil temperature plays a big role, too. Soil holds heat for longer, so even if the air feels chilly, your grass roots may still be active beneath the surface. Take advantage of this opportunity to complete your final lawn care tasks.
Our 5 steps to ensuring your lawn is ready to go into winter and wake up in spring fighting fit.
For your last mow of the year, trim your grass to around 1.5-2 inches. This helps protect the grass from frost whilst still allowing it to photosynthesise. Avoid cutting it too short as this can weaken the grass and invite weeds and moss to take over.
If winter brings a mild spell, and your grass starts to grow again, you can give it a gentle high cut, but only if it is dry and frost-free.
Aeration might sound technical, but it is really about giving your lawn some breathing space. By piercing small holes into the soil, you improve the air circulation, water absorption, and root strength. This step reduces soil compaction and helps the grass absorb vital nutrients.
Top Tip: Use a garden fork or an aerator tool to make small holes across the surface; your lawn will thank you in the spring!
Once aerated, apply a thin layer of top dressing to improve soil structure, followed by a nutrient-rich fertiliser designed for cold weather. Our A1 Lawn Autumn & Winter fertiliser is specially formulated with potassium and iron to toughen grass, guard against disease, and protect your lawn from harsh conditions
Noticing bare patches or thinning areas? Overseed them with A1 Lawn winter repair grass seed. It's formulated to germinate in cooler conditions (as low as 3°C) and is hardy enough to withstand winter wear and tear. A healthy lawn not only looks better but also prevents weeds and moss from creeping in.
A simple pruning of nearby trees and shrubs can make a big difference. More light means healthier grass even during the dim winter days.
Remove old plant matter before it decays and becomes a haven for pests or disease. Compost healthy plant debris, but dispose of anything diseased to prevent spreading problems into next year.
Rake up leaves, twigs and other debris from your lawn and garden beds. A thick layer of leaves will block light and trap moisture, leading ot fungal growth and suffocated grass.
Tip: Shredded leaves can make an excellent mulch for your flowerbeds and vegetable patch.
Sweep your patios, decking and gravel areas. Organic build-up, like wet leaves, can stain and make surfaces slippery. Explore our range of hard surface cleaners to keep paths and patios pristine throughout the winter.
Trim perennials down to just above soil level once they've finished flowering. This protects the roots and encourages regrowth next year.
Even in winter, weeds can take hold. Apply a weed suppressant or mulch layer to prevent them from sprouting. Our New-Way Weed Spray is a great, eco-friendly option that keeps your garden tidy all season.
A layer of organic matter, such as wood chips, bark, or ash, acts as insulation for your soil, helping it retain warmth and moisture. It's a simple yet powerful way to protect delicate roots and encourage healthier spring growth.
Before winter is in full force, be sure to:
