Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring

What to Do Right Now (March–April in Ireland)

As we move through March and into April, this is the time to get ahead with your lawn before growth really takes off. After winter, many lawns are left with a build-up of moss, thatch, debris, and patchy growth. The good news is that a few well-timed jobs now can make a big difference to how your lawn looks and performs through the months ahead.

The key is to keep it simple. Clear it back, remove what is holding it down, give it a careful first cut, and support new growth. Done in the right order, these steps will leave you with a lawn that is healthier, tidier, and far easier to maintain as spring moves on.

1. Rake and Clear the Lawn Surface

The first step is to remove what winter has left behind. Fallen leaves, twigs, loose moss, and surface thatch all sit on top of the lawn and block light and airflow. Even before you start scarifying or mowing, it is worth taking the time to clear the surface properly.

For smaller lawns, a rake will do the job well. For larger areas, or where debris has built up around borders and patios as well as the lawn itself, a blower or vacuum can make the work much quicker. CLMS currently stocks the Solo by AL-KO Comfort 442 Leaf Blower & Vacuum, which includes a 55 litre collection bag and a shredding system that reduces debris volume by 10:1, making it a practical option for tidying up before lawn work begins.

This stage is not about perfection. It is about opening the lawn up and getting it ready for the more important work that follows.

2. Scarify to Remove Moss and Thatch Properly

Once the surface is clear, the next step is to tackle what is sitting deeper in the lawn. Scarifying removes built-up moss and thatch from below the surface, helping air, water, and nutrients reach the roots more effectively. It is one of the most worthwhile jobs you can do at this time of year.

A dedicated lawn scarifier that suits this job well is the AL-KO Comfort 38E Combi-Care Electric Lawn Scarifier & Aerator built specifically for removing moss and thatch, with a 37 cm scarifying width, interchangeable lawnrake system, and a 55 litre collector. 

If your lawn is heavily mossed or feels spongy underfoot, this is the step that will do most of the heavy lifting. It can leave the lawn looking a little rough at first, but that is part of the process. You are stripping out what is holding the lawn back so stronger growth can come through.

3. Carry Out the First Proper Cut

With the lawn cleared and scarified, you can move on to mowing. The important thing here is not to cut too low. Early spring mowing should be controlled and fairly light, especially if the lawn is only starting to recover.

For small to medium-sized gardens, the Legacy L46SHL-B Lawnmower is a good fit, with a 19 inch steel deck, self-propelled drive, single lever height adjustment, and 65 litre grass collector. That combination makes it useful for a first proper spring cut, where ease of height adjustment and strong collection matter.

For medium to larger gardens, the Legacy L51SHL-TE Self Propelled Lawnmower, which has a larger 21 inch steel deck, a 196cc engine, key start ignition, and a 65 litre collector.

At this stage of the year, raise the cutting height a little and avoid mowing when the ground is overly wet. You are trying to encourage the lawn forward, not scalp it back.

4. Feed, Treat and Repair Bare Areas

Once the lawn has been cleared, scarified, and cut, this is the time to feed it and deal with thin or patchy areas. A spring lawn feed can help drive greener growth, while overseeding can improve density where moss or winter wear has left gaps.

A simple approach works well here. Apply a suitable spring feed, treat moss where needed, and overseed any weaker patches while conditions are starting to improve.

5. Finish the Edges and Tidy the Borders

A lawn can be cut and treated properly but still look unfinished if the edges are untidy. This is where a strimmer comes in. Around walls, fences, borders, and trees, it gives the lawn a cleaner outline and helps create that finished look.

The Legacy B22S Strimmer, which is a lightweight option for trimming along walls, under trees, and around lawn borders. That makes it an easy recommendation for readers who want to sharpen up the lawn after mowing.

There is also the Oleo Mac BCi 30 40V Cordless Brushcutter, a quiet, lightweight cordless trimmer for garden work. With the battery and charger included, it is a good alternative for anyone who wants a lower-noise option for general strimming and finishing work around the lawn.

This final pass is often what makes the biggest visual difference. Clean edges can make even an average lawn look much more cared for.

A Simple Spring Lawn Plan That Works

If you want to keep it straightforward, the order is simple:

1. Clear and rake the surface.
2. Scarify to remove moss and thatch.
3. Carry out a light first cut.
4. Feed and repair weak areas.
5. Finish the edges and borders.

These are not complicated jobs, but doing them now, while the season is starting to move, gives you the best chance of building a stronger lawn for the months ahead.

Final Thought

Spring lawn care is really about giving the grass the right start. Remove what winter has left behind, avoid rushing the first cut, and use the right equipment where it saves time and effort.