As the weather finally warms up this month, you’ll likely hear the hum of lawnmowers across the neighbourhood. It’s tempting to join in and mow down the grass, aiming for that “bowling green” look immediately, but I’d urge you to rethink your approach. Before you start any mowing, set your mower blades to their highest setting and keep them there throughout March mowings.

Think of this as a gentle wake-up call for the lawn rather than a military haircut. By giving the grass a light “haircut” instead of a scalp, you’re actually protecting the crown of the plant. This encourages the roots to grow deeper and stronger, whilst the soil is still moist. It’s the best insurance policy you can take out against a scorched, brown lawn if we get a summer heatwave.

If you want a lawn that’s easy to live with, you have to stop seeing your garden as a battlefield. Many of us spend way too much time and money fretting over “invaders” like daisies, dandelions, or a bit of moss. Instead of obsessing over every stray ant hill or worm cast, shift your focus toward making the grass itself as strong as possible.

In my experience, nine times out of ten, a thick and healthy carpet of grass will naturally outcompete the weeds and moss anyway. When your turf is thriving, those little “problems” either disappear or just blend into a lush, green tapestry that looks far more natural. Focus on the health of the soil and the height of your cut, and you’ll find the lawn pretty much takes care of itself.