There's nothing more beautiful than delicate frosty layers on your lawn in winter, however the experts are urging households to avoid walking on frosted grass as it can cause the frozen leaves to fracture.
According to The Grass People, walking across a frosty lawn breaks the blades of grass (which is why you hear that crunching noise), so it's best to keep off the lawn if there is a frost present.
"The sound of the crunch from walking on a frosty lawn is very appealing, however, grass blades that are walked on when frozen can split and break, meaning when your grass wakes up come spring, it could appear yellowed, brown, or dead," reveal the experts at The Grass People say. "Avoid walking on your grass until the frost has thawed - this goes for pets too!"
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What else to avoid
As well as avoiding walking on frosted grass, the experts explain that we shouldn't forget to sweep up any fallen leaves, which could create a home for wildlife. Winter can be a quiet time in the garden, but there's still plenty to do outside.
"Winter lawn care includes periodically sweeping up fallen leaves and any debris from your grass surface using a light rake or brush," the team say. "Wet leaves on your lawn add an extra layer of moisture, this water then saturates the grass underneath which can lead to lawn diseases such as Fusarium Patch."
"Try using your leaves as mulch around trees and other plants to help retain moisture for those dryer days. Or you can leave it to the side of your lawn for any wildlife to enjoy!" Time to slip on your gardening gloves...
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Another winter staple that can cause problems for our lawns is salt. While you may be tempted to distribute salt on your frosty lawn after clearing your path or driveway, adding salt to your grass can cause serious damage when the ice or snow eventually clears. This is because the salt will leech into your soil and dehydrate it, making it more difficult for your grass or plants to get enough moisture.
Last but not least, even though we want our lawns to look tidy all year round, you shouldn't be mowing your lawn when the grass is wet or extremely cold. Doing so can also increase the likelihood of your lawn developing certain diseases. So, you'll want to hold off until it is considerably warmer or even spring before getting your lawnmower out.
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12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Quilted Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats
H&M Quilted dog jacket
Credit: H&M HomeKeep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Great For Older Dogs — Best Dog Winter Coats
Waterproof Brooklyn Dog Coat - Graphite - Medium
Credit: amara.comDesigned to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Printed Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
Joules Olive Green Waxed Dog Coat
Credit: very.co.ukKeeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
Shearling Dog Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats
H&M Pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket
Credit: H&MIn a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
Thermal Self-Heating Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
Thermal Self-Heating Dog Coat - Black
Credit: petslovescruffs.comThis thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."
Great For Short-Haired Dogs — Best Dog Winter Coats
Hurtta® Expedition Dog Parka
Credit: orvis.co.ukA warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat.
Barbour Dog Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
Barbour Baffle Dog Coat- Olive Medium
Credit: very.co.ukIn olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life.
Cosy Jumper — Best Dog Winter Coats
Barbour Fairisle Dog Jumper, Grey, Small
Credit: John LewisFluffy Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
Rosewood Teddy Bear Dog Hoodie - Large
Credit: very.co.ukMade from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.
Best Dog Rain Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
William Morris at Home Blackthorn Reversible Dog Coat, Small
Credit: John LewisWilliam Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand's classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off.
Sleeveless Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats
OVER GLAM Medium faux leather sleeveless dog jacket
Now 65% Off
Credit: selfridges.comThis sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy.
Microfibre Dog Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats
Microfibre Dog Coat
Now 68% Off
Credit: zooplus.co.ukIn vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.
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