Autumn is the perfect time to do one gardening task, according to experts.
Gardeners need to do one lawn task in autumn (Image: Getty)
Gardeners have been advised to carry out one straightforward task this autumn to guarantee a healthier and more vibrant lawn.
The combination of cooler temperatures and increased rainfall provides perfect conditions for autumn lawn maintenance.
The gardening job, known as scarifying, addresses typical issues such as moss, weeds, and bare patches before they become established.
Gardening specialists at Lawn Master emphasised: “Throughout the year, thatch, organic matter, and moss build up.
“Left untreated, this layer suffocates the grass, restricting growth, water penetration, and nutrient absorption. Lawn scarification removes this barrier, so your lawn can stay healthy and green all year round.”
What is scarifying?
Scarifying involves removing thatch (a layer of dead grass and moss) from your lawns that prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil.
Make lawns greener and healthier by scarifying(Image: Getty)
Home and garden specialists at Vonhaus elaborated: “Scarifying is like giving your lawn a much-needed deep clean, using a rake or scarifier to pull out that suffocating layer.
“Think of it as an exfoliation for your grass, letting it breathe and grow stronger. The pay-off? Healthier, greener grass that’s far more resilient to pests, diseases, and whatever unpredictable weather the UK throws your way.”
How to do it
Start the process by cutting your lawn shorter than normal. Next, use either a manual rake or an electric scarifier to work across your lawn, moving in one direction before repeating at an angle to tackle any persistent areas. Lastly, gather up the dislodged thatch and moss.
Your lawn may appear a bit rough initially, but this is a normal part of the recovery process. After scarifying, give your lawn a boost by over-seeding, as suggested by Lawn Master.
Fresh seed rapidly fills in bare patches, promotes new growth, and aids in developing a denser, healthier turf for the upcoming seasons.
There’s a simple way to protect your lawn(Image: Andrew Merry via Getty Images)How to determine when to scarify your lawn
Here are some signs to look out for, as advised by Vonhaus:
Spongy feel: A bouncy surface often means a thatch;Moss growth: Moss thrives in damp, compacted lawns;Poor drainage: This can indicate thatch is blocking proper drainage;Yellow patches: Thatch can starve roots of nutrients.Benefits
The specialists at Lawn Master explained: “Scarifying your lawn in autumn has numerous benefits, the most significant being preparation for winter. It allows the grass time to recuperate from summer stress before the onset of cold weather.”
Scarifying is believed to stimulate new root growth, thicken the grass, and fill in sparse or bare areas, giving your lawn a more robust, healthier appearance.
By eliminating thatch, the risk of pests and fungal diseases such as red thread and fusarium patch is reduced. It also eradicates weed roots before they can establish, which further aids in weed control.
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