As autumn approaches, gardeners are being urged to carry out one simple task to ensure their lawn remains healthy and green throughout the colder months.Nicola Roy Spare Time writer and Chanelle Georgina Senior Audience Writer
11:25, 16 Sep 2025
A general exterior view of a back garden patio area with a luscious green lawn
From Monday, September 22, autumn will begin, but in the week before this seasonal shift, there’s one essential job gardeners must tackle.
Jonathan Davis, a lawn care specialist at Lawnsmith, disclosed that late summer offers one of the best opportunities to scarify your lawn, potentially creating more vibrant and greener grass throughout autumn and winter.
“Scarifying might sound drastic, but it’s actually one of the most beneficial things you can do for your lawn at this time of year,” he explained.
He added: “By removing thatch and surface moss, you allow the grass to breathe, absorb nutrients, and grow back stronger.”
Whilst scarifying is typically associated with spring upkeep, the expert contends that late summer delivers the ideal chance, reports the Express.
“The soil is still warm, which helps the lawn recover more quickly,” he noted.
You’ll want to do one key task this month before autumn sets in(Image: Getty)What does scarifying involve?
Gardening specialists at Gardeners’ World clarify that scarifying involves removing dead thatch – the brown debris situated beneath the green grass blades.
To revitalise your lawn, you might wish to grab a rake or employ a scarifying machine to scratch the grass and eliminate thatch.
Scarifying your lawn will help it flourish during the cooler months(Image: Getty)
Specialists warn that initially it may look “unsightly” but, eventually, you’ll be rewarded with a lush, green lawn.
Why is scarifying so vital?
A thick layer of thatch can stop water and air from reaching the soil.
Jonathan explains: “Scarifying opens up the surface, improving airflow and drainage. That reduces the risk of moss buildup over winter and creates better conditions for healthy root development.”
If you’re thinking about overseeding this autumn, scarifying beforehand can greatly improve the results.
Jonathan explains that loosening the soil surface enhances seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for successful germination.
Without this contact, seeds simply sit on the surface and don’t establish roots properly.
Jonathan adds: “It’s not just about what your lawn looks like in a week or two. It’s about building a lawn that’s thick, healthy, and resistant to disease, weeds, and moss going forward.”
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