Hannah Stephenson's top tips on how to get your grass looking first class.

Once the weather warms up a bit it’s time to get the lawn shipshape for summer. These basic steps will help your lawn recover from the depths of winter.

1. Scarify

Scarify the lawn with a springtime rake to remove moss, thatch and any other debris smothering the grass. This will let in much needed light and oxygen, promoting better growth.

2. Aerate the lawn

Getting oxygen down into the soil, improving drainage so your lawn doesn’t become waterlogged and reducing compaction can all be achieved by aerating your lawn. Drive a garden fork into patches of your lawn which have particularly poor drainage, working it backwards and forwards to enlarge the holes, which should be at about 15cm intervals. Alternatively, use spiked shoes which are made for lawn drainage, although I’ve always found them cumbersome. Once you’ve made holes, brush in sharp sand, which will improve drainage and stop holes from closing up again.

3. Feed the grass

Feed the grass with lawn fertiliser by hand and follow the instructions to make sure you’ve added the right quantities before watering it in. Some lawn dressings incorporate a slow-release fertiliser but if this isn’t the case, add a little amount of general lawn fertiliser (not containing weed or moss killer) before applying it. Make sure you brush it evenly over the area or it will become patchy when the fertiliser kicks in. A few weeks later, if your lawn is still patchy, oversow it lightly with a quality lawn seed.

4. Get rid of lumps and bumps

Rectify any uneven areas by cutting out the turf over the area and adding or taking away soil underneath. Lift enough to cover the area plus an overlap, remove the lump or fill the hollow and then replace the turf.

5. Repair lawn edges

If you have a damaged lawn edge, first cut out a rectangle of turf incorporating the affected grass with a half moon edger, using a straight edge such as a plank of wood as a guide. Then turn the turf around so that the damaged edge is nearer the middle of the lawn. The gap created by the jagged edge, which is now further into the lawn, should be filled with garden soil, sifted to a fine tilth. Then firm and level it to make sure it is flush with the surrounding grass. Sow grass seed on top, water well and cover the hole with clear plastic sheeting until the seeds have germinated to help retain moisture and keep birds at bay.

6. Deal with worm casts

There are pros and cons to worm casts. Worms are to be encouraged because they help aerate the soil underneath the lawn and add organic matter. But worm casts can be a problem for many as they form perfect seedbeds for weeds, so they need removing from the lawn with a stiff broom before the first mow.

7. Know when to mow

Mowing should certainly not be done when the grass is wet or frozen – don’t even walk on it in those conditions. Wait until the grass is actively growing, when the weather has warmed up. When the grass is about 8cm high, cut it for the first time. Make sure the mower blades are sharp, set them high and don’t leave clippings on the lawn in spring.