If your lawn is looking a bit worse for wear this late winter, don’t worry.

There are some simple tasks you can do in February to ensure lush, green grass for the rest of the year. It’s not unusual for lawns to appear brittle and waterlogged during the frosty, rainy winter months.

However, gardening gurus at Boston Seeds advise that now is the time to get back out in the garden if you want to give your lawn a boost for spring. They shared: “February is part of the low season for lawns, but that doesn’t mean there’s no maintenance work to do if you want great-looking, healthy grass all year round.”

Earthworms are a boon for lawns as they enhance airflow and drainage, reducing the risk of waterlogging. But if you spot odd coiled soil on your lawn, you likely have a worm cast pile-up which needs clearing as it can muddy the grass and cause patchiness.

The expert explained: “As the soil is damp at this time of year you might notice casts as worms move through the surface of the soil. This is a good sign, as they help to cultivate and improve the soil.

“However, if casts are left to build up they can encourage weed growth, so you can keep on top of them by brushing back into the lawn when dry.” Simply use a broom or rake to clear the castings without harming the grass, reports the Express.

Moss can be a real menace to lawns, competing with grass for vital nutrients, water and sunlight, which can significantly weaken your green spaces. Experts advise against removing moss or weeds from grass in early February when it’s not growing, as this could stress the lawn and hinder its recovery.

Instead, keep an eye on any weedy or mossy patches and plan their removal for when the weather warms up. One expert advised: “Keep an eye on winter moss and schedule a treatment for late February or early March, along with a feed. Getting on top of moss in good time stops it from becoming a bigger problem.”

It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes doing nothing is the best course of action, especially after rain or when the lawn is moss-covered.

Walking on wet grass in winter can cause damage as the blades freeze and become brittle. This leaves the grass susceptible to fungal diseases and mould, and it will take longer to repair itself come spring.

The same expert warned: “Keep off the grass at frosty times, as stepping on it can cause damage. Try to reduce shady patches where possible as they will take a long time to thaw. Protect grass with windbreakers where possible as strong winds can cause extra damage to frozen grass.”

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