Autumn is a crucial time for lawns as they recover from the summer drought and prepare for the harsh winter weather, but there is one simple mistake that can ruin them for the whole of next year
Autumn proves crucial for lawns as they’re frequently recuperating from summer’s scorching conditions and must brace themselves for winter’s brutal cold snap.
Grass remains an incredibly hardy plant, making maintenance straightforward, but failing to mow correctly at this time can leave it fragile and faded throughout the following year.
Kris Lord, a specialist from The Lawn Man, has exposed a major blunder gardeners typically commit during September and October – neglecting to adjust their mower blade height.
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He explained: “When considering autumn lawn mowing, it is very important for your grass to raise the height of your mower as winter approaches. You should aim to leave at least 2.0-2.5 inches of grass remaining after cutting.”
Grass requires abundant energy during autumn to ready itself for the bitter winter months, particularly as it’s already battling reduced sunlight from increasingly brief and gloomy days, reports the Express.
Trimming turf excessively short at this stage will hamper its photosynthesis capabilities, preventing grass blades from storing vital energy and stunting root development.
Should roots remain shallow during winter, they’ll face greater exposure to harsh frosts and lack the strength to bounce back from cold-weather damage.
When spring returns next year, the grass will probably be severely compromised, discoloured, and will find it difficult to regain its verdant appearance even as summer approaches. If you’re keen on maintaining a healthy lawn, it’s crucial to adjust your lawn mower to avoid cutting the grass too short and ensure it remains long enough to withstand the winter.
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How to mow your lawn correctly in autumn
Avoid cutting more than one third of the lawn’s height in a single mow as this can shock the grass, causing the roots to halt growth for up to three weeks. Keep the mower blades slightly longer than they were in summer, and ensure you’re only mowing once every fortnight instead of weekly.
Be mindful not to mow the lawn after rainfall as this can cause the grass to clump together due to excessive moisture, which can promote the spread of mould, moss and even fungal diseases.
Taking the time to adjust your mowing blades may seem simple, but it’s the best way to ensure the grass can grow sufficiently to stay protected during winter, keeping it lush and green for the following year.