As Storm Babet brings heavy rainfall across the UK, garden experts have shared advice on protecting lawns from waterlogging. Timothy Greene of iCANLAWN recommends spiking the lawn surface to at least 30mm with a garden fork, moving it forward and backward slightly. He advises doing this before the lawn gets too wet, by keeping an eye on the forecast.
If heavy rain has already started, Greene urges people to stay off the grass to avoid compacting the soil, which can lead to stunted growth next summer and fungal lawn diseases. He also advises against mowing during heavy rain, suggesting waiting for a dry day and using the highest mower setting.
Garden furniture and ornaments should be secured or moved to hard-standing areas during strong winds. Samantha Jones of MyJobQuote notes that grass growth slows in winter, so mowing may not be necessary. She recommends servicing the lawnmower during this period and reducing foot traffic to protect the lawn.
Jones also suggests raking away leaves and moss on dry days, using a long-handled rake to minimise impact, and monitoring for algae and fungal diseases.
