May is one of the most important months in the lawn care calendar. As soil temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, lawns begin to grow more actively and recover from the stress of Winter. It’s the perfect time to refresh tired grass, repair damaged areas and prepare your lawn for the busy Summer season ahead.

At Coolings, we often find that customers are eager to get their gardens looking their best in May, whether that means reviving an existing lawn or starting a completely new one. With the right care now, your lawn can become greener, thicker and healthier throughout the warmer months.

Common Problems You Might Be Facing with Your Lawn – And How to Address Them

Recognise some of the above problems with your own lawn? Don’t despair, there are solutions to every one of these problems and diagnosing what’s happening is the first step to finding the cure. Take a look at your lawn as assess whether it’s exhibiting any of the above problems then read our solutions below!

Uneven coverage and texture: After Winter, many lawns can look patchy, thin or uneven. Bare spots are especially common in high-traffic areas or where water has sat during colder weather. Overseeding these areas in May works particularly well because the warmer conditions help grass seed germinate quickly. Aerating the lawn before sowing seed and applying a pre-seed lawn fertiliser will ensure maximum uptake of your new seed.

Weeds: Weeds also become more noticeable at this time of year. Dandelions, clover and other broadleaf weeds compete with grass for nutrients and moisture. Some people may welcome the additional biodiversity these bring, however, if you’re looking for a more consistent look, applying a lawn weed treatment early in the season can help keep weeds under control before Summer arrives.

Moss: is another common issue, often caused by poor drainage, shade or compacted soil. Many people jump straight into scarifying their lawn to remove the moss, however, hold fire! Killing the moss first by using a product like MO Bacter will secure you a moss-free lawn for seasons to come. If the moss is alive when scarification takes place, it will release spores which can cause the moss to come back. Killing the moss before scarifying will prevent this. You will know the moss is dead when it goes black. You can then scarify the lawn to remove moss and improve airflow, which will make a significant difference, especially when followed by feeding and regular mowing.

Pale-looking grass: You may also notice your lawn looking pale or lacking vigour. This is usually a sign that the grass needs feeding after Winter. A Spring and Summer lawn fertiliser will encourage stronger roots and richer green growth.

Hard, compacted earth: If the soil under your lawn is compact, it’s likely your lawn will be patchy or feeble-looking. Use a fork or specialist aerator to improve airflow, drainage and nutrient absorption around the grass roots. 

How to Sow a Completely New Lawn

Fancy a complete change? May is an excellent time to sow a brand new lawn from seed. The combination of warmth and natural moisture creates ideal growing conditions for young grass.

Which seed is right for your needs? 

• If you’re looking for a more ornamental look, general purpose lawn seed will work just fine and should be relatively hard wearing. If you’re looking for extra security a specialist hard-wearing lawn seed is also a great option. 
• If you need something durable and hard-wearing, a clover mix is a low maintenance option which will survive in higher traffic areas.
• If you’re looking to improve your garden’s biodiversity and want to attract butterflies, a meadow lawn seed is a gorgeous choice, producing wildflowers and a much wilder look than traditional lawns. 

Sowing your new lawn seed

1. Begin by clearing the area of weeds, stones and debris.
2. Dig over the soil or rotovate it to loosen compacted ground, then rake it level to create a smooth surface.
3. Applying a pre-seeding lawn fertiliser at this stage will help encourage healthy root growth and give young grass the nutrients it needs to establish successfully. Allowing the soil to settle for a few days before sowing can help prevent uneven patches later on.
4. Sow the seed evenly across the prepared ground and lightly rake it into the soil.
5. Gently firm the surface afterwards to help ensure good seed contact.
6. Water regularly using a fine spray, keeping the soil consistently damp while the seed germinates.
7. Once the new grass reaches around 5–7cm tall, it’s ready for its first cut. Use a mower on a high setting and avoid removing too much growth at once.
8. Regular light mowing will help the lawn thicken naturally over time.