Long, cold winters can take their toll on lawns, leaving the soil compacted and low in nutrients. As the grass grows in spring, it needs help to get in shape for another summer of hard use. To revive your lawn in spring and make it the envy of your neighbours, gardening expert and managing director of Greensleeves Lawn Care, Cheryl Harper, has shared one crucial job.

She said: “When a lawn looks tired and beyond repair, many homeowners assume that starting fresh is the only solution. But just like updating kitchen cupboard doors instead of installing a brand-new kitchen, a lawn renovation can breathe new life into your grass without the cost and hassle of a complete replacement.” The expert claimed that aerating your lawn is “crucial” as it is like “giving your lawn a breath of fresh air”.

Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil. It relieves compaction and helps air, water, and nutrients reach the roots. 

Gardening experts at Bosch also agreed with this. They said: “If you want a lush, verdant lawn, you’ll need to roll out that lawn aerator during the spring, summer and autumn months. Aeration is the key to keeping your grass greener and thicker for longer.”

Aerating the lawn can either be done with a regular garden fork or with a mechanical aerator machine.

The bigger your lawn, the longer the aeration process will take. As a rule of thumb, it takes about as long to aerate your lawn as it does to mow it.

Once aerated, overseeding is the next step – adding fresh grass seed to “fill in any bare patches to make the lawn thicker and greener”. 

The best results come from choosing a seed mix that suits your lawn’s conditions. 

To give your lawn an “extra boost”, fertilising after aeration and overseeding encourages quicker establishment and overall healthier growth.

If you’re looking for a “quick fix” before a garden party or special event, a bio-boost treatment can give your lawn that “vibrant, freshly manicured look”, according to Cheryl.

Packed with essential nutrients, these treatments don’t just offer a temporary glow-up – they nourish the roots to support long-term growth, ensuring your lawn “stays healthy and lush long after the guests have gone home”.