GARDENERS are being warned that an ‘early autumn’ could wreak havoc on their summer lawns.
The early ripening of berries and apples is causing a stir about the UK’s autumn season arriving earlier than normal.
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Gardeners have been issued an ‘early autumn’ warning over their lawnsCredit: Getty
But there’s another aspect gardeners should be keeping an eye on – falling leaves.
Chris McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People said: “Falling leaves are a challenge for grass, especially when they’re not cleared off quickly.
“When leaves land on lawns they trap in moisture, block airflow and sunlight and become a breeding ground for diseases.
“It’s a common issue in autumn but if leaves fall now it could pose problems for anyone looking to sow grass seed in September.
“It can also be a little disheartening when organic matter starts to cover your lawn, especially after you’ve worked hard to maintain it to enjoy the summer in your garden.”
Experts say trees shedding their leaves early is due to the dry, warm summer weather creating a drought – which gardens have also endured as the UK comes back from its fourth heatwave of the year.
Chris added: “This summer has been particularly harsh on lawns, with heatwaves and a significant drop in rainfall.
“September would usually be the time to sow a new lawn or fill in any bare patches. But if we start to get these conditions now, people can sow early.
“This would give seeds a chance to germinate in warm soil that’s not covered by fallen leaves.
“But all is not lost, with a changing climate, gardeners just need to pivot to match their lawn’s needs.”
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To make sure your lawn survives the ‘early autumn’, Chris recommends raking regularly to prevent leaf buildup which reduces disease risk and improves seed germination.
Gardeners should also aim to monitor soil moisture. Dry conditions may persist, so watering wiselg is important/
Sowing early, if possible, is important too as warm soil and fewer leaves now may offer a better window than waiting.
Finally, you should watch for fungal signs which include discolouration or patchiness.
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Leaves falling earlier than usual can lead to your lawn being diseasedCredit: Getty
Mr McIlroy added: “If you applied a fertiliser in the early summer, now might be time to feed your lawn again.
“You’ll want a product that strengthens roots and boosts disease resistance.
“Ingredients like potassium and phosphorus are key, while avoiding anything that’s high in nitrogen as this can cause grass to focus on top growth rather than root development.”
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