Taking care of your lawn this Autumn

Taking care of your lawn in the autumn is essential to ensure it stays healthy through winter and looks great in spring. There are lots that you can do in the cooler months, I just assumed you left the garden until Spring – but I have been reliably informed by my grandma that there is plenty to do and starting it now is best. Not only is there the plant care and preparation for Spring, but there is also the lawn care too. 

Here are a few tips on how to look after your lawn during Autumn: 

1. Mow Less Frequently and Keep Grass Longer

As temperatures cool, grass growth slows down, so you don’t need to mow as often. When you do mow, keep the blade height a bit higher than usual (around 4-5 cm). This length helps protect the roots over winter and maintains a healthy appearance. There have been so many times that I have taken chunks out of the lawn as I have mowed to closely to the roots. 

2. Clear Leaves and Debris Regularly

Fallen leaves and organic debris can block light and air from reaching the grass, which can lead to diseases and pest issues. Rake leaves regularly or use a leaf blower to clear them off. You can compost the collected leaves for use in your garden later. I order a compost bin from my local Council, and it’s been great over the Summer, I have put leaves and grass cuttings in it. 

3. Aerate the Lawn

Autumn is an ideal time to aerate your lawn, particularly if it’s prone to compaction or has poor drainage. Use a garden fork or an aeration tool to create small holes in the soil. This allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots, promoting stronger growth. I have never done this before and something I will be doing over the next couple of weeks.

4. Feed the Lawn 

Autumn lawn feed is a great way of preparing the lawn for the colder months as it strengthens the roots. This means the lawn could withstand the cold, storms and frost that will soon be here. You can buy your Autumn lawn feed at The Relentless Gardener, they offer fab tips for looking after your lawn too. You can also get 10% off if you spend £60 or more at the moment too! 

5. Overseed Bare Patches

Repair bare or thinning patches by overseeding. Spread a suitable grass seed for autumn, lightly rake it in, and keep the area moist until the seeds germinate. This will help your lawn grow more densely and improve its resilience over winter.

This is a little checklist for me of things to do and remember, I hope it’s helpful for anyone else that needs to take care of a lawn during Autumn. If you have any more tips for looking after your lawn, I would love to know in the comments below.