Gardeners urged to sprinkle sugar on their lawns this spring - here's why (2025)

Green-fingered Brits should sprinkle sugar on their lawn this spring so they can achieve the perfect green grass in time for summer

Achieving the perfect, bright green lawn free of moss, clumps, or bare spots is a goal for many gardeners in the UK, particularly during periods of spring sunshine like we're experiencing this week.

Although getting your lawn ready for the summer season can be tough and extremely costly - you might find yourself on your hands and knees weeding, or splashing out the cash on expensive fertilisers.

This is why gardening experts are now suggesting that sprinkling sugar over your lawn this spring and summer could be the answer.

It's affordable, easy and has the potential to transform a patchy or yellow lawn into a thick, green paradise just in time for the summer, reports the Express.

Gardening experts claim that sugar can combat thatch - those clumps of dead grass layers that clog up your garden and stops growth. Sugar also boosts the nutrient in your grass and even block the weeds from growing - making it a miricle worker to curing an ailing lawn.

In essence, a bag of white sugar can work wonders for a struggling lawn.

Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield, said: “Weeds tend to thrive in environments with access to sunlight and moisture, and by using sugar on your lawn, you can make it less hospitable for these weeds.

"Sugar will help break down thatch, the layer of dead grass, and other organic material that can accumulate on your lawn over time.

"This thatch can make it difficult for new grass to grow, but using sugar on your lawn can help break it down and improve the health of your lawn."

Bill Glaser, owner of Outstanding Foods which specialises in plant-based products, has backed up this statement but advises moderation, suggesting a monthly application rather than a continuous one.

He said: "[Sugar] allows the grass to overtake invasive plant species.

"Only use a sugar solution about once a month; some sources suggest replacing harsh fertilisers with rice water for more consistent application."

Adding to the conversation, Tom Monson from Monson Lawn and Landscaping highlighted that while sugar can enhance the root strength of grass, it's important to be wary when putting it down as it could lead to unwanted fungal growth, especially in shaded lawns.

He added: "Sugar causes the grass’s roots to intake more nitrogen from the soil, which can boost your lawn’s greenness.

Tom also warned: "Sugar also promotes fungal growth, so you’ll want to inspect your lawn and ensure you do not have excess fungal growth."

For those considering this method, around 450g of regular granulated white sugar per 10 square feet of lawn is recommended - the same type available at any supermarket, for as cheap as £1 for a 1kg bag.

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