As we move into autumn, there are a few important steps to take to ensure your lawn stays healthy.
After scarifying the lawn will look terrible at first, but grow back much stronger(Image: Kinek00 via Getty Images)
The gardening year is drawing to a close, but there’s still plenty to accomplish throughout autumn and winter, according to Tom Brown, head gardener at West Dean Gardens.
He told BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: “The weather and temperatures will fluctuate in the coming months, leading to some challenging times, but with a little and often approach while connecting with your garden on a regular basis, you’ll not only put your garden in a great position but also feel a sense of fulfilment as you become more in tune with it.”
As nighttime temperatures plummet, plants become increasingly susceptible to frosts, and our lawns require additional care.
Autumn gales will scatter fallen leaves across your lawn, obstructing the limited sunlight available during these briefer days and creating unattractive brown patches.
The most crucial task you can undertake is ensuring your lawn is scarified as the growing season draws to a close.
Remove leaves and other debris as soon as you can(Image: Getty)
To guarantee your lawn appears at its finest next year, you should initially clear leaves and any other debris as promptly as possible.
You can eliminate them either using a broad fan-shaped rake or, if you’re feeling somewhat less energetic, simply operate a lawnmower across the area with the blade positioned high.
Gather all those leaves and twigs in your wheelbarrow, and you’ll be prepared for a spectacular bonfire come November. Make the most of any dry periods and sweep any wormcasts you spot into the turf.
You csn scarify a lawn by hand, but dedicated machines are quite cheap(Image: Getty)
Tom advises against attempting this task when the grass is damp, warning: “You will end up smearing the soil across the lawn, causing the grass to die back and weeds to grow.”
If you notice any bare spots on your lawn, rake them over and re-seed them while the soil still retains some warmth.
Scarifying your lawn in autumn can help ward off fungal issues, enhance aeration, and allow those autumnal downpours to drain away swiftly. “If done properly,” Tom notes, “the lawn will look terrible for a couple of weeks, but will grow back much stronger.”
After scarifying the lawn will look terrible at first, but grow back much stronger(Image: Getty)
The simplest method to scarify your lawn is with a dedicated machine, which can be purchased for between £50 and £100. Simply mow the lawn quite short, then utilise the scarifier to remove thatch – the thin layer of old grass stems, dead moss, leaves and other debris that becomes compacted in your lawn over time.
Begin with the scarifier blades on a high setting, and gradually lower them to avoid digging too deeply into the soil and damaging the turf.
Work steadily across your entire lawn in one direction, just as you would with a mower. For your second pass, turn the scarifier 90 degrees and go over the lawn again, lowering the blade height slightly if needed, but taking care not to let the mechanism dig into the soil.
All those leaves will start your bonfire off nicely(Image: Getty)
The next task is to use a rake or – if necessary – a leaf blower to banish all that thatch once and for all.
Your last job is to inspect for any bare spots where the thatch may have hindered grass growth. Gently scatter some grass seed over these areas and lightly rake them into the soil.
To preserve all your hard work, ensure your soil doesn’t become too dry, providing light watering on dry days until new grass starts to sprout. You can also administer a nutrient-dense feed to aid the lawn’s recovery and thickening.
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