This autumn lawn care guide will help you maintain a healthy, green, and vibrant lawn throughout the fall season. Lawn care is crucial in autumn, especially as winter approaches. Autumn is an ideal time to focus on your lawn and prepare it for the upcoming seasons. There are numerous tasks to complete in the garden at this time of year, and lawn care is one of them. So, even though the temperature has dropped, bundle up and enjoy the pleasant autumn days and crisp, fresh air.
- Mowing
- Scarifying
- Sowing seed
- Top dressing
1. Mowing
Despite the cooling weather and falling leaves, your lawn may still require mowing, especially if the days remain warm and sunny. As your grass growth slows, gradually raise your mower blade to allow the grass to grow longer and protect it during the winter. Continue raising the blade until you stop mowing altogether.
2. Scarifying and aerating
Good airflow is essential for a healthy lawn. Scarifying can eliminate unwanted weeds and moss, while aerating with a garden fork or specialized tool will improve soil airflow. This process will create holes in the ground. Additionally, weed and feed products can assist in this process and maintain a beautiful lawn for the upcoming summer months.
3. Sowing seeds
If your lawn has patchy areas, now is a great time to sow lawn seed or lay turf. This season is ideal for sowing and growing, as it's not too cold yet and avoids the scorching summer temperatures. By sowing or laying turf now, you'll give the seed or turf time to settle, germinate, and establish itself. Additionally, the higher rainfall in autumn means you'll need less water, saving both water and time compared to sowing in late spring or summer.
4. Top dressing
After aerating your lawn, apply lawn top dressing. You can purchase pre-mixed top dressing or create your own using horticultural sand, loam, and topsoil. Spread the top dressing evenly over your lawn and rake it in. The layer should be no deeper than 2cm, with the tips of the existing grass visible. You can then sow lawn seed onto the top dressing and water it in.
For all your lawn care needs, including tools, seeds, top dressing, and expert advice, visit our garden centre in St. Albans. Our friendly staff is always ready to assist you, whether you need help selecting the best tool, grass seed, or solving any lawn care issue this autumn.
