Stop your lawn turning 'brown, dry and patchy' over winter with simple check

Watering the garden
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


While gardens typically require less watering during the damp autumn and winter months, there are certain indicators to keep an eye out for.

Chrissie Handley, a lawn care specialist at onlineturf.co.uk, has shared some crucial lawn care advice, including signs that your grass may need watering. "In periods of heavy rain over winter, you will find that, generally, you won't need to water your garden as much," she said.

"However, watering your lawn depends on your local climate and weather, so you should always base your watering schedule on the immediate needs of your grass rather than specific seasons. Your grass will appear brown, dry and patchy if it's been underwatered and this is a sign it may need a top up water if rainfall has been low."

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"If your grass appears brown, dry, and patchy, it's likely been underwatered and may need additional water if rainfall has been scarce."

For those concerned about overwatering, Chrissie also provided signs of overwatering and tips on how to avoid flooding during heavy rainfall, reports the Express.

Signs you could be overwatering your lawn include compact, clay-like, and moist soil with pooling water, causing the ground to become muddy. If your garden has uneven ground, water will collect in these spots like puddles, helping you identify which areas may need levelling to prevent waterlogging.

If you notice these signs, wait until they completely dry before watering the lawn again. To prevent flooding, Chrissie advises: "If, during winter, there has been significant rainfall, your lawn may be struggling to cope with the volume of water."

"You may find that the waterlogged areas clear up naturally when it is left to dry out. If not, you can aerate the lawn with a garden fork to encourage drainage."

Chrissie Handley is a lawn care specialist working for Online Turf. With extensive expertise in turf-laying, grass maintenance & seasonal gardening advice, she is dedicated to helping gardening enthusiasts achieve lush, healthy lawns year-round.