Most of us tend to forget about our lawn once summer becomes autumn. The grass stops growing, the weather turns cold and grey, and we no longer spend as much time outdoors. However, while your lawn will do just fine over winter, with a bit of effort, it will be in a much better condition come spring. Here are some essential tasks to help keep your lawn in pristine condition. Here is your autumn lawn care full guide.
Mowing the Grass
One crucial aspect of autumn lawn care is mowing. While the growth rate of grass slows down as temperatures fall, it’s still important to maintain a regular mowing schedule. Set your mower at a slightly higher height than during summer to help protect the grass from frost.
Mowing the lawn regularly throughout autumn keeps it looking tidy while preventing the accumulation of fallen leaves. Be sure to remove any debris from the mower blades before each use to prevent disease spread. Using a mulching mower to finely shred the fallen leaves can provide valuable organic matter for the soil.
Scarifying Your Lawn
Scarifying, or dethatching, is a job for autumn. Over time, a layer of dead grass known as thatch can build up on the surface, preventing air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots. Using a scarifier or lawn rake, gently comb through the grass to lift and remove any dead material to improve the overall appearance of the lawn, leaving it rejuvenated and ready for the colder months ahead.
Aerating Your Lawn
Aerating involves creating small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone. This process helps alleviate compaction and improves drainage, which is especially beneficial when it rains a lot, as happens to be the case here in the UK.
Aeration can be done with a fork, aerator shoes, or a mechanical aerator. Simply insert the chosen tool into the ground at regular intervals across the lawn. This technique encourages strong root development and ensures your lawn remains healthy throughout autumn and beyond.
Applying Top Dressing
Applying top dressing to your lawn is an effective way to improve its condition over autumn and winter. Top dressing involves adding a layer of compost or branded lawn dressing to the surface, to level uneven areas and provide essential nutrients.
Before applying top dressing, ensure the lawn is mowed short and free from debris. Spread a thin layer of the chosen material evenly across the grass. Use a rake to work the top dressing into the surface, aiming for a depth of no more than ¼ to ½ inch. This process helps to fill in any dips or hollows, resulting in a smoother, healthier lawn.
Lawn Feed for Autumn
To help your lawn withstand the challenges of winter, apply a specially formulated autumn lawn feed to promote root development and strengthen the grass for the colder months ahead. Choose a fertiliser with a lower nitrogen content and higher levels of potassium and phosphorus. These nutrients promote disease resistance and support root growth, helping your lawn bounce back in the spring. For best results, use a lawn spreader to ensure even application. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and timings or ask the Carpenter’s team for advice. We’re always happy to help!
Aftercare
Don’t neglect lawn aftercare. Keep your lawn well-watered, especially in dry spells, to prevent stress and encourage healthy growth. In addition, continue to remove fallen leaves and debris regularly. Excess leaf cover can block sunlight and lead to fungal diseases. Consider using a leaf blower or rake to keep your lawn clear.
With proper care, your lawn will be ready to face the challenges of winter and emerge lush and green in the spring!
