Parties, barbecues, football games - our lawns take a real beating over summer! So it's no surprise they're looking a little worn out by the time autumn rolls round. The good news? Autumn is the perfect time to give your lawn some attention, and a bit of care now means it'll bounce back lush and healthy come spring. Here are six simple steps to get you there.
Autumn lawn care tips
- Raise your cutting height to around 5-7cm (2-2.5in). This gives the grass more surface area to soak up the autumn sunshine, helping it store energy to see it through winter.
- Check if your lawn needs scarifying. Get down to ground level and gently pull the grass tufts apart. Can you see soil between the blades? Then you're fine. If instead you find a matted layer of dead grass (thatch) around the roots, it's time to scarify - rake firmly over the lawn with a spring tine rake to clear out moss and thatch. For bigger lawns, a mechanical scarifier will save you a lot of effort.
- Aerate the soil. On smaller lawns, a garden fork does the job, just push the tines in as far as they'll go, lean gently on the handle to lift the soil slightly, then pull it out and repeat at regular intervals across the lawn. Larger lawns are better suited to a mechanical aerator. Aerating breaks up compacted ground, gets more oxygen into the soil, and improves drainage — all of which helps grass grow strong enough to out-compete weeds and moss.
- Apply a top dressing. Spread it evenly with a soft broom or rubber rake, working it into the holes left by aerating. Little and often is the way to go — it's easier to spread and you won't risk smothering the grass beneath. Top dressing improves drainage and soil structure, and helps even out any dips in the lawn.
- Overseed bare patches by hand or with a seed spreader. Sow in two passes at right angles to each other for even coverage.
- Feed your lawn for autumn. Autumn feeds are formulated differently from summer ones, instead of nitrogen-heavy formulas that push leafy growth, they're high in potassium, which toughens up the grass and helps it withstand the cold ahead.
If your lawn needs some love, come and see our great range of garden supplies, you'll thank yourself come spring!
