Royal Horticultural Society Issues Urgent January Lawn Care Alert
Gardeners across Britain have been issued with a critical warning by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) regarding winter lawn maintenance. The prestigious horticultural authority has specifically advised homeowners to avoid one particular activity during January that could cause significant, lasting damage to their grass.
The Frosty Footprint Problem
According to the RHS's official January guidance, walking on frost-covered lawns should be avoided whenever possible. "This can damage the blades of grass, which go brittle in the cold," the society explains on its website. The consequences of ignoring this advice can be visually striking and surprisingly persistent.
"It may even leave brown footprints, which can take a few weeks to disappear," the RHS cautions. This means that a simple walk across a frosty lawn in January could leave unsightly marks that remain visible well into February or even early spring, disrupting the uniform appearance gardeners work hard to maintain.
Essential Winter Lawn Maintenance Tasks
While January might not seem like an ideal month for gardening, the RHS outlines several important tasks that dedicated gardeners should undertake:
- Repair bare patches around lawn edges using turf cut from other garden areas
- Level uneven areas by cutting an H-shape into turf, adjusting soil beneath, and re-laying the grass
- Re-cut lawn edges with appropriate tools for a neat finish
- Maintain a 7.5cm 'gutter' around lawn edges to prevent grass spreading into borders
What Not to Do in January
The RHS provides clear guidance on activities to postpone until conditions improve:
- Avoid mowing - While February guidance mentions mowing when temperatures rise above 7°C, January is generally too cold
- Don't sow lawn seed - It's currently too cold for successful germination
- Don't walk on frost - As emphasized throughout their guidance
Creating New Lawns in Winter
For those planning new lawns, the RHS offers specific January advice. "Lay turf to create a new lawn, or to repair damaged areas, when the weather is mild," they recommend. However, they caution that "it's too cold to sow lawn seed now – wait until spring" for better results.
Addressing Common Winter Lawn Issues
The RHS guidance extends beyond basic maintenance to address several common winter problems:
- Waterlogging - Improve drainage by spiking the lawn and brushing in sharp sand and loam mixtures
- Regular pathways - Consider installing stepping stones level with the soil surface to prevent damage
- Algae and lichens - Aerate and top-dress affected areas with sharp sand to discourage growth
- Mole activity - Increased in January and February; remove largest molehills and re-seed in spring
- Worm casts - Brush off with a hard broom once dry if appearance bothers you
- Fungal diseases - Yellow or brown patches may indicate fusarium patch, especially in wet conditions
By following these expert recommendations, gardeners can protect their lawns from January's harsh conditions and ensure healthy growth when spring arrives. The RHS emphasizes that while winter might limit gardening activities, proper care during these colder months sets the foundation for a vibrant lawn throughout the growing season.
