As the long days of summer fade into cooler autumn evenings, now is the perfect time to focus on your lawn’s health. After a season of heavy use and sun exposure, it’s essential to give your grass the care it needs before winter sets in. A few simple steps can ensure your lawn remains green, healthy, and ready to thrive when spring rolls around again.
This guide will walk you through the key tasks for autumn lawn care, explaining why this season is the ideal time to prepare your garden for the colder months. Let’s dive into the steps you can take to keep your lawn looking its best all autumn long.
Autumn provides the ideal conditions for giving your lawn a boost. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth, while cooler air temperatures reduce the stress on the grass. This combination allows the lawn to recover from summer’s wear and tear and prepare for the months ahead.
In the UK, autumn tends to bring more rainfall, which means fewer weed seeds and the extra moisture helps with any treatments or nutrients you apply.
While autumn typically brings more rainfall, it’s not uncommon for the season to be unusually dry, which can affect your lawn care routine. The good news is that you can still carry out plenty of tasks, but some may need to be delayed until wetter conditions arrive. Improving your lawn’s ability to absorb and make use of rainwater is key in dry periods, and there are a couple of methods that can help speed this up.
Using a wetting agent is a great solution during dry spells. It helps the soil retain moisture, allowing any water you apply - either through watering or when the rain eventually arrives - to penetrate more effectively. Combined with shallow spiking, where you make small holes in the soil surface, this technique ensures water reaches the grass roots faster. This treatment can be delayed by a few weeks if necessary, but it will still be highly beneficial before winter sets in, especially if your lawn has been stressed by a dry summer.
To maintain a healthy lawn, there are several key tasks you should carry out as autumn sets in. Let’s explore the most important steps you can take to give your lawn the care it deserves.
After a busy summer of foot traffic, your lawn’s soil can become compacted, making it harder for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. Aeration solves this problem by creating small holes in the soil, allowing essential elements to penetrate deeper. You can use a garden fork or a mechanical aerator to loosen the soil. This process encourages healthier roots, which in turn leads to a stronger, more resilient lawn. You can find out more about lawn aeration in one of our previous blogs: Revitalise Your Lawn: The Ultimate Guide to Lawn Aeration.
Autumn is a great time to feed your lawn with a slow-release fertiliser designed for this season. Unlike summer fertilisers, autumn lawn feeds contain more potassium and phosphates, which support root development and overall plant health. Applying an autumn lawn feed strengthens your grass, helping it to withstand the colder weather and bounce back in the spring. Be sure to choose a product specifically formulated for autumn use, as it will promote hardier growth.
While the growth of your grass will start to slow down in autumn, regular mowing is still necessary. However, you should raise the cutting height of your mower to avoid cutting the grass too short, which can leave it vulnerable to the colder weather. You should mow roughly once a fortnight until the middle of October and aim to keep the grass around 4-5 cm high in order to protect the roots and maintain a neat appearance.
Fallen leaves may look picturesque, but if they are left on your lawn for too long, they can block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to fungal growth and lawn disease. Regularly raking up fallen leaves is essential for maintaining the health of your grass. If left unattended, leaves can suffocate your lawn, making it harder for the grass to recover in the spring.
Over time, thatch (a layer of dead grass and organic material) can build up on the surface of your lawn, preventing water and nutrients from penetrating the soil. Autumn is an excellent time for scarifying – a process that involves removing this layer to improve airflow and nutrient absorption. A simple rake or a dedicated scarifier will help you clear away the thatch and rejuvenate your lawn’s health.
Beyond the essential tasks, there are a few other treatments and practices that may be necessary, depending on the condition of your lawn.
Weeds and moss can quickly spread in autumn, especially in damp conditions. Address any infestations early on by using targeted weed and moss killers. Be mindful to choose products that won’t damage your grass, or opt for manual removal methods if the problem is minor.
If autumn turns out to be unusually dry, your lawn may require additional watering. While rainfall generally provides enough moisture, keeping an eye on soil moisture levels can help prevent your lawn from drying out. A thorough watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
For lawns that need a little extra care, top dressing with a mixture of sand, soil, and compost can improve drainage and boost soil structure. Spread this mix evenly across the lawn to encourage deeper root growth and a healthier, more robust lawn.
As the weather cools, pests and diseases can sometimes become an issue. Keep an eye out for signs of fungal infections, pests, or other problems. Treating issues early can prevent them from spreading and causing more significant damage.
Autumn is a critical time for lawn care, offering the perfect conditions to help your grass recover from summer and gear up for winter. By taking the time to aerate, feed, mow, and clear leaves, you’ll set the stage for a healthy, vibrant lawn that’s ready to thrive in the spring.For all your autumn lawn care needs, explore our range of lawn care products, designed to help you maintain a lush, green lawn throughout the year.
Sources: https://www.lawnsmith.co.uk/lawn-care-problems/seasonal-lawn-problems/autumn-lawn-care
https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/autumn-lawn-care-guide
