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Winter die-back: Plan of action

jimmybarrelljimmybarrell Posts: 2
edited March 2022 in Problem solving

Hi,

My lawn is looking a little worse for wear after winter. Following some Googling, I’m led to believe this is winter die-back.


I had the same issue last year (albeit to a lesser extent) which I resolved to some extent by overseeding. I laid the turf in early 2020 and it was all fine until the following spring, since when it’s been a battle to keep it thick and healthy.

I think part of the issue is drainage although I don’t get much standing water on the lawn itself. Also, although it’s a south-facing garden, the lawn is always in partial shade due to some large-ish trees further down the garden.

My plan of action is to aerate thoroughly with a garden fork and apply a top dressing and some seed. Is this the best course of action?

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I think it will be a permanent battle, given the conditions.  Could you possibly give-up the need for a lawn?
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I think your garden would look much better without a lawn. Grass doesn't die back in the winter. It just stops growing.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Welcome to the forum :)
    I don't think there's really such a thing as Winter die back as far as lawns are concerned, they might turn a bit yellow due to low light levels, but looking at your photo l think you are fighting a bit of a losing battle.
    If you really want to have a lawn l feel that you would have to do serious work with the drainage and start from scratch. In your situation l would seriously consider getting rid of it.
    However, if you are determined to keep it l really hope that the forum can help. 
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    I agree with Bob - the conditions just do not look or sound right for a healthy lawn.

    It's only a small space. Personally I would make a lovely wide, slightly curving path ( at least a metre wide) - perhaps shingle or stone chippings edged with old bricks - and plant up either side. Then you can sell the lawnmower, edging shears, lawn feed, lawn seed and never have to worry about it again🙂
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    Gravel, tons of pots. No more lawn. That’s what I’d do. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree. You're on a hiding to nothing with that.
    I like grass as much as the next man, but when it isn't suitable for the site, it's just a chore, and pretty pointless. Shade is difficult enough without it getting soggy as well. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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