Gardeners have been advised to monitor their lawns closely as the colder months come on. Frost can cause major damage to your lawn during winter, making it important to understand how to care for your outdoor space and look after your plants. Specialists at garden equipment manufacturer Pelsis Doff have offered guidance on what steps to take during the chilly season.

Tom Clamp, head of technical, discussed what gardeners should watch for when considering lawn care through the winter.

Mr Clamp explained: "While it's tough to predict an exact date, there are several telltale signs to watch for. If nighttime temperatures are forecasted to drop between 0C and 4C, with clear skies and little to no wind, it's quite likely you'll wake up to frost."

The timing of your first frosty night can differ significantly across various regions of the UK. The specialist said: "Higher-altitude and northern areas tend to experience earlier and more intense frosts, while coastal areas, with their milder climates, tend to see frost later."

Mr Clamp pointed to several weather forecasting services you can use, including the Met Office, BBC Weather and AccuWeather. These platforms can issue frost warnings several days beforehand, allowing you to prepare in advance.

A major worry during the harsh winter weather is that these conditions can leave lawns exposed, making grass blades fragile and prone to breaking easily. Mr Clamp explained the dangers here: "Repeated freezing and thawing can damage grass at a cellular level, while cold temperatures limit water absorption by the roots, leading to dehydration. Winter winds can dry out grass further and cold weather also reduces the nutrients available in the soil."

The gardening expert revealed his top recommendations for maintaining lawns in good condition throughout the colder months:

The expert stressed one fundamental rule: "Avoid walking on frosty or snow-covered lawns, as this can cause lasting damage to the grass." If your lawn appears to be damaged, don't fret.

The optimal time for repair work is in early autumn or spring, when soil temperatures exceed 7C and the threat of frost has subsided. Mr Clamp offered a piece of advice on how to fix any damage: "You can overseed thin or bare patches with lawn seed and with the right feed, younger lawns often recover quickly once the weather warms."