How to care for your lawn in autumn
Autumn is the ideal time to help your lawn recover from summer and prepare it for the colder, wetter months ahead.
Warm soil and increasing rainfall create good conditions for grass growth, root development and repairing worn areas.
Follow these six simple steps for a healthier lawn.
1. Adjust your mowing routine
Continue mowing while the grass is actively growing, but reduce how frequently you cut it as temperatures fall.
Raise the cutting height slightly and avoid cutting the grass extremely short. Longer grass is better able to cope with wet weather, frost and regular foot traffic.
Only mow when the lawn is reasonably dry and the ground is firm enough to walk on without causing damage.
2. Remove thatch and moss
A layer of dead grass, moss and other material can build up around the base of the lawn. This is known as thatch.
Remove it by gently scarifying the lawn with a spring-tine rake or mechanical scarifier. Work methodically across the grass without digging too deeply into the soil.
The lawn may look untidy immediately afterwards, but removing excessive thatch allows more air, water and nutrients to reach the roots.
3. Aerate compacted ground
Lawns can become compacted after regular use, particularly in frequently walked areas.
Aerating creates small holes in the soil, helping air, moisture and nutrients reach the roots more easily.
Use a garden fork or lawn aerator and concentrate on areas that feel particularly hard or remain wet after rainfall.
A soil-and-sand-based top dressing can be applied afterwards to help fill the holes and improve the lawn’s surface.
4. Repair bare patches
Autumn’s warm, moist soil provides good conditions for repairing thin or damaged grass.
Remove dead material, loosen the soil and level the area before applying a suitable grass seed. Lightly rake the seed into the surface and water gently if the weather is dry.
Keep people and pets away from newly seeded sections while the grass becomes established.
Small pieces of turf can also be used where a quicker repair is required.
5. Apply an autumn lawn feed
Choose a feed that is specifically formulated for autumn use.
Autumn lawn feeds generally contain less nitrogen than summer products and focus on encouraging strong roots and greater resilience during winter.
Avoid applying leftover summer lawn feed, as it can encourage soft new growth that may be vulnerable to cold weather and disease.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging and apply the product evenly.
6. Remove fallen leaves
Regularly clear fallen leaves from the grass using a rake, leaf blower or mower with a collection box.
A thick covering of leaves blocks light and traps moisture, which can weaken the grass and encourage disease.
Add collected leaves to a leaf-mould pile or compost them with other suitable garden material.
Should I water my lawn in autumn?
Established lawns usually receive enough moisture from autumn rainfall.
However, newly laid turf and recently sown grass seed must be kept consistently moist while their roots become established. Water gently during dry periods and avoid leaving the ground saturated.
Can I create a new lawn in autumn?
Yes. Early autumn is often a good time to sow grass seed or lay turf because the soil remains warm while rainfall becomes more frequent.
Prepare the ground thoroughly by removing weeds, levelling the soil and lightly firming it before sowing or laying turf.
Avoid walking on the new lawn for several weeks while the roots establish.
Prepare your lawn for winter
A little autumn maintenance can make a considerable difference to the health and appearance of your lawn.
Raise the mowing height, remove excessive thatch, aerate compacted areas and repair bare patches before winter arrives.
Visit Coletta & Tyson Garden Centre in Woodmansey, near Beverley and Hull, to explore our seasonal lawn-care products, tools and gardening essentials.