What to do when your lawn is waterlogged

A waterlogged lawn is inevitable in this country, especially during Britain’s increasingly wintry, rainy and stormy starts to the year. So what can you do when your lawn is waterlogged and is there anything you can do to prevent waterlogging in the first place?

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Why does my lawn get waterlogged?

Waterlogging generally occurs after intense periods of rain, usually when there is a lot at once rather than the same amount spread over a few days. Certain types of soil are also more likely to cause waterlogging, such as clay and compacted soils. Should too much rain fall, then it won’t all be able to drain away into the soil, resulting in puddles or at the very least, damp areas. Whilst water is good for lawns, sitting water is not, and it can actually cause nutrient loss and in the long term, cause brown or even bare patches in your lawn. Waterlogging can also encourage weeds, algae and moss.

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What can I do?

There’s not a huge amount you can do in the short term when this happens and prevention is better than cure. However the first thing is to check for debris which may be preventing water from reaching any garden drains. Also avoid stepping on the lawn which will cause the soil to compact and prevent drainage further. You can also apply a balanced fertiliser to help with the potential nutrient loss.

How can I prevent waterlogging?

The steps you take to preventing waterlogging are really important. The main thing to do is aerate your lawn. This is a simple process which can be done at the same time as mowing. You can either buy a mechanical, electric or petrol-powered aerator, or simply buy aerator strap-ons for your shoes. Not only does aerating help with airflow and give water somewhere to go, but it also helps with reseeding. Head to reputable garden machinery retailers selling Briggs and Stratton parts. The wide range of Briggs and Stratton parts includes everything you need to keep your lawn looking spick and span.

Waterlogging is almost bound to happen at one time or another, as even in a well-aerated lawn, a really bad downpour can cause sitting water. Whilst there are some short-term ways to reduce the damage, preventing it happening is always the best course of action.