Implementing these steps may help lay the foundations for a lush, green lawn next spring
Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter and Sally McLean
09:40, 10 Sep 2025
September is the perfect time to get your lawn in shape for next spring(Image: rudi_suardi via Getty Images)
As temperatures start to drop and autumn approaches, lawn care experts insist that mowing shouldn’t cease just yet. Whilst you may be considering putting the lawnmower away until next spring, September presents an ideal opportunity to prepare your grass for the following year.
Although mowing will become less frequent than in the summer, Dobbies’ plant buyer Nigel Lawton advised continuing to trim the lawn until growth stops for the season. However, there’s a crucial principle to observe when cutting grass during this month.
It may surprise you to hear that he stressed the importance of increasing your mower blade height at this time to avoid cutting the grass too short. According to the Daily Record, 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.” Cutting grass blades too severely can place stress on your lawn.
It may also diminish the grass’s capacity to produce nourishment from sunlight, leaving it more susceptible to weeds and disease. Lawnsmith UK echoed the advice to adjust the height of the mower’s blades.
“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,” it said, as per the report.
Gardeners should stop mowing only when the grass stops growing. This is typically in late October or even November, but it depends on the weather.
Nigel also offers additional guidance for September lawn maintenance that will ensure yours remains as robust as possible for the following year.
1. Nourish and strengthen
Most patchy or damaged lawns will naturally recover after summer, but there are methods to assist them during this period. He said: “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. Spruce up 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 enhance drainage and air circulation, Nigel suggested aerating your lawn using a garden fork or scarifying machine. He continued: “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.” Implementing these steps will lay the foundations for a lush, green lawn next spring.
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