We know many proud owners of some fantastic Irish (front and back) lawns in our audience! A beautifully kept lawn is something to enjoy, but it takes some care.

Nevertheless, some of us may be new to having a lawn or aren’t such expert natural gardeners to begin with! You might find the whole idea of maintaining a lawn quite daunting…

Do not fear; we’re here to help with a straightforward Irish lawn care guide. It includes a month-by-month checklist of all the tasks you need to consider if you aim for an amazing-looking lawn all year round.

We’ve made it simple and easy to follow so you can feel confident in maintaining your lawn.

But first:

What Will You Find Growing On A Healthy Irish Lawn?

Grass

This is the main component of your lawn; there’s a mix of grass species suited to the cool, moist Irish climate:

• Ryegrass: This species is known for its fast growth and tolerance to low temperatures and trodden-on wear and tear.
• Fine Fescue is a species that provides good disease resistance and tolerance to low-nutrient soil, and it even thrives in shade or partial shade.
• Bentgrass (Agrostis spp.): This dense, carpet-like lawn is known for its fine texture and tolerance to intense mowing. It looks luxurious and is associated with highly maintained golf courses.
• Kentucky Bluegrass: This grass requires a bit more maintenance, but it is definitely prized for its lush, green appearance and the ability to recover quickly from damage. The desirable blue-green colour is great to have, but it does require more sunlight and maintenance.

Clover  

Some shun clover, but Irish lawns may contain a small amount of white clover. It is a natural fix and fit for your lawn that balances nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the surrounding grass.

What You WON’T typically find in a Healthy Lawn

Weeds

These traditionally unwanted plants compete with lawn grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight. A healthy lawn with dense, vigorous grass growth will naturally help prevent weeds from developing.

Nevertheless, if you prefer a more natural, meadow-like front garden that is pollinator-friendly, weeds are another way to allow wildflowers to thrive. It depends on your perspective!

Moss

Moss thrives in damp, shady areas with compacted soil. For some, this is an elegant feature, especially when incorporated into a Zen-inspired rock garden.

However, moss is not considered an attractive feature in a conventionally healthy lawn—a lawn with good drainage and aeration will discourage moss growth.

Month-by-Month Lawn Care Checklist for Irish Properties

Spring: Time to Wake up your Lawn!

In spring, be sure to assess your lawn for any damage during those harsh winter months and early spring storms.

February

• Procure lawn seeds and lawn care products to start planning for the warmer, longer days later in spring.
• In late February, if the weather starts to calm down and grow more stable, gently rake the lawn to remove debris and thatch. Check for winter damage.

March

• As the days get drier and milder, you have more opportunities to spend more time outside and continue raking to clear dead leaves, debris, and thatch buildup.
• If it’s a warm, sunny March, your lawn grass will start to grow. You can enhance new growth by patching gaps with lawn seed and applying a light spring lawn fertiliser.
• If growth is strong, you can start mowing. However, ensure your mower blades are high and sharp for the season ahead.
• As your garden emerges from the colder months, the soil may still be compacted. At this stage, aerate the soil where necessary to improve water and nutrient absorption.

April

This is the month when growth begins to really take off in every part of the garden, so you’ll start to see the emergence of weeds.

Some common spring weeds, such as dandelions, may be welcome as early pollinator-friendly growth for the bees. Daisies (Bellis perennis), clover or creeping buttercups are also pretty, so you may be slow to remove them.

Plantain is invasive and can withstand trampling, making it particularly persistent in high-traffic areas. You may want to crack down on this species.

• However, if you have a zero-tolerance approach to weeds, look out for these weed species. You could take a proactive approach and apply pre-emergent weed treatments to prevent common weeds.
• The grass will also grow faster, so you may need to increase mowing frequency as growing conditions improve. At this stage, keep the mowing blades high.

Summer is a time for maintaining Vigor and Greenness

It will get warmer, sunnier and drier in the summer months, so monitor your lawn and water it when necessary. Irish Summers can also be very wet and rainy, so only intervene when necessary to conserve water.

May

• Keep promoting healthy summer growth, especially in areas you are trying to patch up with more fertilising.
• Watch for signs of pest infestation as the bugs emerge and intervene with some pest control methods where needed.
• Common lawn pests include:
  • Leatherjackets: These are the larvae of the crane fly or daddy longlegs.
  • Chafer Grubs: These grubs are the larvae of chafer beetles.
  • Earthworms: While generally beneficial for the soil, earthworms’ casts can be problematic on lawns. They create small mounds of soil that can smother grass and provide ideal seedbeds for weeds.
  • Frit Fly larvae attack the base of grass stems, stunting growth and causing yellow patches.
  • Moles can disrupt lawns significantly by tunneling through the soil.
  • Ant nests can cause uneven surfaces and unsightly mounds on your lawn
  • Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can cause damage similar to chafer grubs and leatherjackets.
  • Slugs and Snails feed on grass leaves, especially in wet conditions, leading to irregularly shaped holes in the blades and overall weakening of the turf.

June

• Water more frequently during dry weather but do so responsibly. Pay attention to hose pipe bans and be a good citizen if the water pressure is low or depleted. Try to recycle grey water during the drier months.
• Adjust the mower to a higher setting to prevent stress during warmer weather.
• Treat any visible weeds with a post-emergent herbicide.

July

• Continue deep, infrequent watering to maintain moisture during potentially hot periods.
• Maintain a higher cut to protect the grass from heat stress when lawn mowing.
• Keep checking for pests and manage any pest outbreaks.

Autumnal Preparations for Dormancy

As the growing season winds down and the weather is still warm enough, you may still mow your lawn in autumn as the last vestiges of growth continue.

August

• Apply a late summer fertiliser to prepare for the autumnal cool months.
• Keep repairing any bare spots with seed or sod that may be upended from all the outdoor play that may be taking place in the summer.

September

• Keep aerating your lawn to relieve compaction from summer traffic, like the kids playing outside and the countless garden parties you will have.
• Overseeding fills in thin areas and improves lawn density where patches need fixing.
• Support the growth by applying a fall lawn fertiliser to strengthen roots for the winter.

October

• As you approach Halloween, the first onslaught of fallen leaves will be, so put time aside to rake any leaves accumulating on your lawn. If left to rot and fester, old piles of leaves will hamper the growth or even damage the grass underneath with suffocation and fungal diseases.
• This is your last month for final mowing, which involves cutting the grass slightly shorter to prevent matting.
• Use a winterizer fertiliser to nourish the grass during the cold months.

Wintertime Protecting and Planning for Your Lawn

Winter lawn care is about taking the right steps to minimise potential winter damage. As the weather darkens and frost emerges, you should start implementing lawn protection strategies.

November

• Clean and store mowing and gardening equipment. Repair and maintain or replace your essential parts and tools during this quiet time in gardening terms.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on the lawn’s health and address any issues before winter fully sets in.

December

• Enjoy the festive season and rest and reflect on your garden. Do avoid using the lawn during frosty days to protect dormant grass. Evaluate what worked this year and plan.

January

• Why not let it all Rest? It would be wise to minimise foot traffic on the frosty grass to prevent further damage.
• As you prepare for the spring, check your equipment for accumulating rust. Sharpen mower blades and service garden tools.
• Start planning for spring! Pull together any lawn care supplies, seeds, extra tools, and kits you will need for the new season.
• Don’t forget to check our LAWN CARE product range to help you!

Ready to Create a Lawn You Can Be Proud of?

We hope our little checklist demystifies the whole act of keeping a lawn and helps you take proper ownership of your front garden.

A gorgeous, well-maintained lawn is something to be proud of!

It enhances the curbside appeal and property value of your house. The rest of the neighbourhood will be grateful, as it enhances everyone’s view. The kids will also be grateful for a clean, well-maintained space to play in.

And it’s the most excellent backdrop when you’re entertaining during the garden parties and barbeques!

If you need more advice – just visit your local Homevalue store for a friendly guide on all the tools and supplies that could help you achieve the perfect lawn!