This time of the year is perfect to give your grass some TLC, according to Dobbies’ Nigel Lawton
September is the perfect time to get your lawn in shape for next spring(Image: Getty Images)
As temperatures start to drop and autumn is on the horizon, mowing the lawn shouldn’t stop, say experts. While you might be thinking about storing away the lawnmower until next spring, September is actually the perfect month to get your grass in order for next year.
While mowing will be less frequent than in the summer months, Dobbies’ plant buyer Nigel Lawton said you should continue to cut the lawn until it stops growing for the year. But there is a golden rule to follow when mowing this month.
He said it is crucial to elevate the height of your mower blade at this time of the year to prevent cutting blades too short.
Nigel said: “Continue to cut your lawn in autumn for as long as the grass is growing. To avoid damaging your lawn, raise the blade height as temperatures dip, and don’t mow in wet or frosty conditions.”
Scalping grass blades can cause stress to your lawn. It also reduces its ability to create food from the sunlight and makes it more vulnerable to weeds and disease.
Lawnsmith UK echoes the advice to adjust the heigh of the mower’s blades. They said: “Modifying your mower’s cutting height will assist in minimising strain on your lawn whilst the grass blades will preserve greater moisture levels, enabling it to remain verdant and robust.”
Gardeners should only stop mowing when the grass stops growing. This is typically in late October or even November but depends on the weather.
Nigel has some more advice for September lawn care that will help yours to be as healthy as possible next year.
1. Feed and strengthen
Most patchy or damaged lawns will naturally recover after summer but there are ways to give it a helping hand at this time of year.
He explained: “A specialist autumn lawn feed will help to give tired grass a boost. Autumn feeds encourage strong root development and toughen grass ahead of the colder months but be sure to choose a feed designed for autumn use.”
2.Tidy and treat
When it comes to tidying and treating, Nigel advised: “Brush top-dressing over your lawn to smooth uneven areas while encouraging thicker growth. Rake away fallen leaves to prevent rot, and keep moss at bay by scarifying before it gets too cold to allow grass time to recover.
“It might look patchy at first, but this process allows grass to breathe and will lead to a healthier lawn long-term.”
3. Improve drainage
To improve drainage and airflow, Nigel recommends aerating your lawn with a garden fork or scarifying machine:
He said: “This helps roots grow strong and resilient and be able to withstand periods of waterlogging. If you have a larger lawn, don’t worry about aerating the full area, just focus on sections that are worn-down.”
Following these steps will lay the foundations for a lush, green lawn ready for garden living next spring.
Comments are closed.