As the clocks change at the end of next month, an expert from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, says that now is the perfect time to get a head start on getting your garden in tip-top shape. With longer days ahead, you can spend more time getting your garden in order before welcoming the hotter weather just around the corner.
After the rigours of winter, some parts of your garden may have sustained some damage, such as your fencing, which may need repairing or replacing, sheds or wood storage areas, your lawn, or even your plants. If you’ll need the help of a professional to get your garden in shape for the months ahead, an expert is advising to book fast to ensure you get the tradesperson of your choice, as gardeners begin to experience the busiest parts of their working year.
James Lewis, a gardening expert from MyBuilder.com, said that finishing jobs in advance of spring allows Brits to enjoy spending time in their garden as soon as the nice weather kicks in.
“Spring is fast approaching, and with it better weather that will make you want to spend time in your garden. Now is the perfect time of the year to make a good start, so that by the time the sun arrives you can sit in your garden and relax, rather than be still working to fix winter issues. I’d advise using the lengthening days to get jobs done now, whether it be repairing or replacing garden tools, cleaning up debris, or checking wood for rot.
“It’s coming up to the busiest time of year for UK gardeners, as mid Spring typically sees more requests coming in, so if you need support then make sure you book a gardener now.
“And even if you don’t need a tradesperson, if you delay getting jobs done in the garden, you’ll be dealing with these maintenance and repair jobs, as well as the added growth of lawns and plants in spring and summer, and you won’t have time to enjoy your hard work!”
Below are expert recommendations on what to do – and what not to do – to get your garden in tip-top shape for the spring and summer ahead.
DO:
Repair your lawn
Winter can wreak havoc on grass, but there’s plenty you can do now to help it get healthy before summer. Depending on the extent of the damage, consider reseeding or even re-turfing your lawn. If re-seeding, start by raking up any leaves and other debris, then use an aerator to make small holes in the lawn to aid drainage. Once this is done, use fertiliser and grass seeds to repair the damage. If there are large areas of bare patches or dead grass, invest in some new turf rolls.
Repair your fence
Stormy weather, wet ground, and general cold and damp can cause fence posts to rot, and panels to sustain damage. Check your fences; especially the posts to see if they are wobbly, and if so, consider if they can be repaired or need replacing. If they can be repaired, make sure you have the right tools and materials to fix them, including the right screws, spare wood, and woodstain or treatment. If they need replacing, it might be easier to employ a fencer to ensure a long lasting, sturdy fence.
Book a professional if needed
If your gardening job requires an expert, make sure to contact a professional to help you out as soon as possible, as they get booked out very quickly at this time of year. Statistics have shown a trade skill shortage looks to pose a threat to our economy and the country as a whole, with 14.3 per cent fewer workers in 2024 than in 2019. Gardeners are often in short supply as the weather improves, so get your gardener or landscaper booked before it’s too late.
Weed and add mulch
Get rid of old weeds now before they really take hold in spring. Once this is done, add mulch to your flowerbeds. Mulch is a layer of waste that you add on top of your plants to protect their roots and keep the soil moist during the final months of cold weather. By doing this, you can help prevent weeds and keep your plants in good condition,
Care for birds
Welcoming birds into your garden can be a natural way to control pests in your garden whilst also making your outside space a friendly and relaxing place to be. With food being more scarce for birds around winter time, now is the opportunity to top up your bird feeders with high-energy foods, such as peanuts and seeds.
DON’T:
Trim your hedges
If you have hedges in your garden, you will need to check if you can trim them down. A government law prohibits such action from 1 March to 31 August, due to nesting birds. Consult a gardener if you need advice on whether your hedges are affected.
Cut wet grass
Experts say that climate change has increased rainfall in the UK, which has resulted in wetter gardens. Data from MyBuilder.com says that more than a third (38 per cent) of homeowners have been unable to use their garden due to the weather – and close to a fifth (17 per cent) admitted that their lawn has been ruined by the level of rain. While cutting your growing grass can still be tempting, doing so when it is still wet may cause damage to your grass and lawnmower. If your lawn is dry after a good few sunny days, then you can give it a light trim with the blades set on high, to start getting it under control.
Walk on your grass
While cutting grass after wet weather can be damaging to your garden, even walking on it can be a problem, especially during colder periods. Walking on a frosty lawn could crush the grass and leave brown patches when it starts to grow, which would leave your garden in visibly poor condition as summer starts.
