Great British rake off

Next, rake leaves and debris. A few leaves are fine, as they will be pulled into the ground by worms, but a large amount can cause rotting, disease and a lack of light, which kills grass.

Springbok lawn rakes are best for the job, rather than a flat head, as they cause less damage and are easier to use.

Moss can become a big problem over winter, as a lack of sunlight plus the damp conditions can cause it to replace damaged grass.

The next step is scarifying, which is essentially heavy raking with a spring-tine rake.

This will remove thatch – the fine layer of old grass, dead moss and debris that gets compacted between blades and prevents water and fertiliser reaching the earth below.

You need to rake vigorously to loosen the thatch but not so deep that you damage the turf itself.

Scarifying will also remove moss – it’s easier if the moss is already dead from treatment.

Rake off moss then purchase turf to patch any bare spots or repair areas damaged by kids, dogs or overuse.

Mowing should be avoided where possible over the winter as damp, wet conditions make it difficult. But if the grass is getting long, it is usually safe to mow if the temperature is above 5C and fairly dry.

In winter, alter the trimming length so the grass is about 63.5mm high after cutting. That will help the grass survive waterlogging.

After mowing, make sure there are no clumps of cut grass left on the lawn. Like leaves, these can cause suffocation and disease.

Weeding is another job that can maximise your lawn’s potential in winter. Although most weeds are not actively growing in this period, they can be tackled if you do it properly.

Use a knife or weeding tool to remove any nuisances, such as dandelions, and make sure the root is removed properly to stop regrowth.

Winter is a perfect time to start edging the lawn, as the soil should be soft and easy to cut, as long as it is not frozen. Use a half moon edger to