Gardening expert reveals easy trick to protect your lawn in the colder months

With temperatures dropping and rain levels increasing, taking care of your garden may feel like less of a priority. But a gardening expert has urged Brits to do some simple things to protect their lawns over the winter.

Gardening expert Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob has shared some advice on how to protect your lawn as the colder months approach. His top tip is to aerate it frequently, saying the increased rainfall of autumn and winter can leave your garden"swamp-like".

Aeration techniques will ensure that it drains properly and does not suffer from pooling and waterlogging. There are a few simple ways to do this, the most cost-effective being to use a standard garden fork. Push the fork into the soil beneath your grass to a depth of around 10-15cm and rock it back and forth to create small pockets that will encourage air, water and improved nutrient flow to the roots. Repeat this process across your entire lawn.

Another of Bodell's tips is to adjust your mowing height. Grass will continue to grow in winter and may still need the occasional trim. Set your mower to 5-6cm to maintain the lawn, only mowing on dry days. This will protect the grass from frost and prevent unnecessary stress.

The expert also recommended a winter fertiliser rich in phosphate and potassium. This strengthens the roots and stiffens the blades, helping prepare the turf for the cold. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that encourage blade growth.

A good job to keep on top of is removing debris and fallen leaves. If left untreated, they can quickly build up and smother your lawn, blocking the already reduced sunlight and encouraging diseases. Use a light rake, and any leaves you collect can be used to make your own compost.

Bodell also recommended restricting foot traffic during freezes. When stepped on, the cells in frozen grass rupture, causing damage and leaving behind footprints that will remain visible after it has thawed. Consider laying stepping stones, but only if they will be permanent.

Another way to protect your lawn is to keep the edges tidy. Wet grass means softer soil, making it easier to work with. If your lawn is very waterlogged, consider installing a gutter along the edge to carry away excess moisture.

Those wanting to prepare their lawn for next spring can start preparations now. This season is a great time to test your soil's pH levels and add any needed nutrients, level out any uneven and bumpy sections with a good quality topsoil and start preparing the ground thoroughly.