Alongside spring, autumn is one of the most important times of the year when caring for your lawn. The temperature of soil and rainfall is optimum for repairing your lawn, improving your soil and preparing your lawn for the colder months.
In this guide, we explore everything you should know about caring for your lawn in Autumm.
Mowing in Autumn
At the start of Autumn, it is likely that your grass will continue growing, and we recommend that while the grass is growing, keep mowing. Once grass growth begins to slow, reduce mowing from weekly to bi-weekly and then only when it’s needed. Towards the end of October, early November you may find that your lawn only needs one final mow.
We recommend also gradually raising the mower blades and avoiding cutting the grass too short. Keeping your grass slightly longer as the temperature drops helps protect it against the cold, harsh winter weather.
Keep your Lawn Clear
Autumn is loved by many for the beautiful colours of falling leaves, but when it comes to your lawn, it doesn’t love fallen leaves quite so much. Leaves can block sunlight, air and trap moisture which can cause disease and provide an environment for moss to grow which can both damage your lawn. Make sure to regularly remove leaves and other debris from your lawn. During late autumn you will probably spend more time removing leaves than mowing.
Remove any Weeds
During early autumn weed removal is important, remove any isolated weeds by hand and make sure to remove the roots. For more scattered, smaller weeds we recommend using a specifically formulated weed killer.
Make sure to read the instructions carefully and apply directly as recommended to prevent damaging your lawn. Make sure not to apply weed killer to any new sown grass.
Add an Autumn Lawn Feed
Adding lawn feed to your lawn in autumn is important in strengthening the grass roots and increasing your lawn’s ability to withstand cold weather, disease and heavy rainfall.
We recommend using a lawn feed that has been specifically formulated for autumn, such as our autumn lawn feed. It has lower levels of nitrogen and has been tested to strengthen rather than promote growth.
The best time to apply the lawn feed is while the grass is still growing and before heavy rainfall or any frost.
Aerate the lawn (if needed!)
During autumn you may need to aerate your lawn, especially if it has become compacted through heavy summer use or drought. If your lawn is compacted we recommend using a garden fork or lawn aerator to create holes in affected areas. This helps air, water and nutrients reach the roots while preventing waterlogging which can damage the grass. If your ground feels soft, then don’t aerate just for the sake of it.
Scarify the lawn (if needed!)
Scarifying is the process of removing dead grass, moss or any thatch that has developed on the lawn. Removing these can help important air circulation and allow water and nutrients to reach the soil and roots.
Scarifying the lawn during early Autumn means the grass has time to recover, avoid scarifying late into the season as it can damage the grass and it may not have time to repair before harsh winter conditions.
Scarification can make your lawn look worse, but this is temporary and once conditions are optimal it will repair.
Overseed and Repair Your Lawn
With warm soil and reliable rainfall make autumn the best time to sow new grass seed. After aerating and scarfying (if needed), rake the surface to losen the soil and then sow your grass seed. Make sure to choose a mixture that matches your lawn requirements. Once sown make sure you keep the ground moist while it germinates.
We recommend overseeding during early Autumn to ensure it has time to germinate and establish itself before temperatures drop or rainfall is too heavy.
Control Moss
During autumn you may notice moss growing on your lawn especially due to increased rainfall, shade and poor drainage from compacted soil. Aerating and scarifying your lawn can help solve your moss problems but if you need additional help then using a moss treatment can help. If moss remains later into the season, we don’t recommend scarfiying and aerating due to the damage it may cause your lawn.
Autumn Lawn Care FAQs
Can I repair my lawn anytime in autumn?
Ideally, the best time to repair your lawn is in early autumn before the temperature drops below optimum. Once the temperature begins to drop, you should transition into lighter maintenance and preparing your lawn for the winter.
In short, what do I need to do to my lawn in autumn?
In early autumn, focus on renovation work such as aerating, scarifying, feeding, weed control and overseeding.
During mid-autumn, continue mowing less frequently, complete any final renovation work and keep fallen leaves under control.
By late autumn, concentrate on leaf clearing, occasional mowing and protecting the lawn from excessive traffic, frost and waterlogging.
Does autumn lawn care protect it in winter?
Yes, a well looked after lawn in autumn will get it ready and prepare it for the winter. However, that does not mean you need to do no lawn care in winter. Read our winter lawn care guide to keep your lawn well looked after into winter.
