A thick, green lawn from spring through autumn
Is your lawn showing signs of wear — patchy areas, spreading moss, yellowing grass? Professional care makes all the difference. SOS Jardin passes your request on to a professional gardener in your area, who will contact you with a free, no-obligation quote.
What does lawn care involve?
Lawn care goes well beyond simple mowing. It encompasses a full range of treatments designed to keep your grass healthy, resilient and attractive all year round. This includes:
- Regular mowing: the foundation of a great lawn. In Western Switzerland, the mowing season typically runs from late March to mid-November, with frequency dropping from once a week in spring to every 10–14 days in summer.
- Scarification: carried out in spring (late March to April), this removes thatch and moss that suffocate the roots. It’s an essential step that many homeowners overlook.
- Fertilisation: a Swiss lawn needs 3 to 4 applications per year — at the start of spring, in summer, in early autumn and sometimes in late autumn to prepare for winter.
- Overseeding: reseeding bare patches, ideally in April–May or September, when soil temperatures exceed 10°C.
- Moss and weed control: particularly necessary on shaded lawns or the acidic soils commonly found in the cantons of Fribourg, Vaud and Neuchâtel.
Why hire a professional?
Cutting height makes all the difference. Mowing too short is the most common mistake. A professional adjusts the cutting height to suit the grass variety, the season and the weather. In summer, cutting at 5–6 cm protects the roots from heat — a detail that proves crucial during the increasingly frequent heatwaves in Western Switzerland.
An accurate diagnosis of your soil. Moss, clover or weeds aren’t problems in themselves — they’re symptoms of an imbalance. A qualified gardener identifies the root cause — unsuitable soil pH, compaction, lack of light, poor drainage — and applies the right treatment rather than a superficial fix.
A clean cut. Sharp blades promote healthy regrowth, unlike poorly sharpened ones that tear the grass and encourage disease. For scarification, the machine must work at the right depth without damaging the roots.
Optimal timing for every treatment. In Western Switzerland, timing is crucial. Scarifying too early (before the soil reaches 8°C) or fertilising before a frost period compromises results. Local professionals know the ideal schedule for your altitude and aspect.
A lawn integrated into the wider garden. Your grass doesn’t exist in isolation: it interacts with neighbouring hedges that cast shade, trees whose roots compete for water, and flower beds that border its edges. A professional considers your entire garden when planning treatments to prevent imbalances.
Water management — a growing concern. With increasingly frequent dry spells in Western Switzerland, poorly managed watering wastes water without results. A professional gardener can advise on installing an automatic irrigation system tailored to your lawn, programmed to water at the right time and in the optimal quantity.
Seasonal calendar in Western Switzerland
Lawns in Western Switzerland follow a precise cycle dictated by local temperatures and rainfall. Here is the calendar to follow for an impeccable lawn:
Spring (March – May)
- March: as soon as the ground is no longer frozen and the grass exceeds 8 cm, carry out the first high mow (6–7 cm). Clear winter debris. On the Lake Geneva plain, growth can resume from mid-March; at altitude (Jura, Valais), expect early to mid-April.
- April: scarification to remove thatch and moss accumulated over winter. First spring fertiliser application (nitrogen-rich). Overseeding bare patches once soil temperature exceeds 10°C.
- May: switch to weekly mowing. Anti-moss treatment if needed. Liming acidic soils (pH below 5.5, common in pre-Alpine areas). Starting up the irrigation system.
Summer (June – August)
- June: weekly mowing at 4–5 cm. Second fertiliser application (balanced formula). Monitoring weeds: spot treatment if required.
- July: raise the cutting height to 5–6 cm to protect roots from heat. Water deeply but less often (1–2 times per week, 20–30 litres/m²). Avoid mowing during the hottest hours.
- August: maintain the higher cutting height. Third light fertilisation (slow-release fertiliser). Watch for fungal diseases (red thread, rust) encouraged by overnight humidity.
Autumn (September – November)
- September: ideal time for overseeding and reseeding. Core aeration on compacted ground. Autumn fertiliser rich in potassium to strengthen frost resistance.
- October: reduce mowing frequency (every 10–14 days). Carefully collect fallen leaves to prevent smothering the grass. Final anti-moss treatment.
- November: last mow of the season at 4–5 cm. Blow away remaining leaves. Drain and winterise the irrigation system before the first frosts.
Winter (December – February)
- December – February: never walk on a frozen lawn (it snaps the blades). No mowing. Use this time to have mowing equipment serviced and sharpened. Plan spring work: a landscaping project or garden creation is best prepared in winter.
How it works
Step 1: Send your request
Specify the area of your lawn, its current condition (moss, bare patches, weeds), the services you’d like (regular mowing, full restoration, seasonal contract) and your location. Photos are always helpful for an accurate quote.
Step 2: Your request is passed on and you receive a free quote
SOS Jardin passes your request on to a professional gardener in your area. They get in touch, assess your lawn and provide a detailed, personalised quote covering the proposed treatments and schedule, free of charge and with no obligation.
Step 3: The gardener carries out the work
The gardener delivers the lawn care you agreed on, from regular mowing to complete restoration, and can also discuss a seasonal maintenance contract.
What affects the price
The price of lawn care depends on several factors, which the free quote will take into account:
- Surface area: the larger the lawn, the more time the work takes.
- Access and slope: a steep or hard-to-reach lawn is more demanding to maintain.
- Type of work: one-off mowing, scarification, overseeding, fertilisation or a complete restoration.
- Frequency: a one-off visit or a seasonal contract (weekly or fortnightly mowing).
- Condition of the lawn: moss, compaction or bare patches call for additional treatments.
- Materials: seed, fertiliser, topsoil and green waste disposal.
Request a free quote to find out what your situation requires.
Frequently asked questions
When should you start mowing in spring in Western Switzerland?
The first mow usually takes place between mid-March and early April, once the grass reaches 8 to 10 cm and the soil is no longer waterlogged. At higher altitudes (above 800 m) or in the colder valleys of the Jura and Valais, growth may not resume until April. The first cut should be high (6–7 cm) to avoid stressing grass that is still fragile.
Is scarification really necessary every year?
For most lawns in Western Switzerland, yes. Thatch accumulates naturally and prevents water, air and nutrients from reaching the roots. An annual scarification in spring (late March to mid-April) is recommended. On very clay-heavy soils or shaded plots — common in the Lausanne area or along La Côte — two sessions per year (spring and autumn) may be needed.
Mulch mowing or collection: which is better?
Mulch mowing (mowing without collecting, with fine shredding of the clippings) is eco-friendly and naturally feeds the soil. It works well if you mow regularly and the grass isn’t too long. However, if your lawn is overrun with moss or weeds, collection is preferable to avoid spreading unwanted seeds. A professional will adapt the method to the condition of your lawn.
How do you deal with moss in the lawn?
Moss appears when conditions favour its growth: acidic soil, shade, standing moisture, compacted ground. A moss treatment alone won’t solve the problem — the moss will return. A professional will combine scarification to remove existing moss, liming if the pH is too low, soil aeration if necessary, and adjusted fertilisation. In shaded gardens, they may also recommend a partial redesign using ground-cover plants suited to low light.
Can sloped or difficult terrain be maintained?
Yes. Professional gardeners can use equipment suited to sloping ground, such as brush cutters for very steep areas. In Valais or the Lavaux region, many are used to maintaining gardens on terraces and hillsides. Be sure to describe your terrain when submitting your request so the quote can be tailored to your situation.
My lawn turns yellow in summer despite watering — what can I do?
A lawn that yellows in summer often suffers from watering that is too frequent and too shallow, which keeps roots near the surface and makes them vulnerable to heat. It is better to water less often but for longer (20–30 minutes per zone, 1 to 2 times per week) to encourage deep rooting. A properly programmed automatic irrigation system solves this problem. Other causes are possible: compacted soil needing aeration, nutrient deficiency, or an unsuitable grass variety. A professional assessment identifies the exact cause.
Does a lawn in Western Switzerland need watering?
Contrary to popular belief, a well-established lawn in Western Switzerland can survive a moderate dry spell without watering — it goes dormant and greens up again with the first rains. However, to maintain a green, dense lawn all summer, supplementary watering is necessary from June to August, especially in the central Valais, along La Côte vaudoise and in the Geneva countryside. An automatic irrigation system with a moisture sensor is the most effective and water-efficient solution.
What is the difference between seeded and turf lawns?
Seeded lawn is less expensive but takes 2 to 3 months before it is fully usable. Turf provides an instant result but costs more. Both options work well in Western Switzerland, provided you choose mixes suited to the local climate (ryegrass, red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass). A professional can guide you during a garden creation project or a full overseeding.