May Lawn Care: What to Do This Month

Essential lawn tasks for May in UK gardens

July 24, 2025 | 8 min read
A well-maintained green lawn in May

Hi there, I'm Dave Thompson, a gardener and hedge cutting contractor based in Staffordshire with over 15 years of experience. May is a vital month for lawn care in the UK, as the warming temperatures and increased daylight hours spur on growth. Here's how you can keep your lawn looking lush and healthy this month.

Quick Answer

In May, focus on mowing your lawn regularly, feeding it with a spring fertiliser, and addressing any weed issues.

Mowing: Little and Often

As temperatures rise, your grass will grow more quickly. Mowing regularly is key to maintaining a neat appearance. In May, I recommend mowing once a week. Keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.

Set your mower to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time. This helps maintain a strong root system and reduces stress on the grass.

  • Mow once a week
  • Keep mower blades sharp
  • Do not cut more than one-third of blade length

Feeding: Nourishing Your Lawn

May is the perfect time to apply a spring fertiliser. This helps your grass recover from winter and supports healthy growth throughout the summer. Choose a balanced feed, focusing on nitrogen to encourage lush, green growth.

Make sure to follow the product instructions for the best results and avoid overfeeding, which can cause more harm than good.

Weed Control: Keeping Weeds at Bay

Weeds can quickly become an issue as the weather warms. Hand-pulling is effective for small infestations, but for larger problems, consider using a selective herbicide. Apply on a calm day to prevent drift onto desirable plants.

Watering: Weather Dependent

In the Midlands, May can be quite variable in terms of rainfall. If it's been dry, you might need to water your lawn. A good soak once a week is better than frequent shallow watering, which encourages deep root growth.

Task Frequency Notes
Mowing Weekly Keep blades sharp
Feeding Once Use spring fertiliser
Weeding As needed Apply herbicide on calm days
Watering Weekly (if dry) Water deeply

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I mow my lawn in May?

It's best to mow your lawn once a week during May to keep it healthy and tidy.

What type of fertiliser should I use?

Use a spring fertiliser that's high in nitrogen to promote green growth.

When is the best time to apply weed killer?

The best time to apply weed killer is on a calm day to prevent drift and when weeds are actively growing.

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