As the garden transitions from summer to autumn, it’s important to give your lawn some TLC
September signals a crucial seasonal transition in the garden. The days become shorter and the soil temperature drops, turning what was once a lush summer lawn into a patchy, parched, or compressed surface from months of heavy usage. Whilst autumn lacks the obvious growth momentum of spring, it represents one of the most critical periods for readying your lawn for winter weather and the following spring revival.
Without proper care, compacted earth and worn turf can lead to moss invasion, thatch accumulation, and inadequate drainage.
These issues can undermine your lawn’s vigour and visual appeal over the long term, reports the Express.
Composite decking specialists TrexPro, working alongside outdoor living authority Simon Parry from Simon Parry Landscaping & Gardening, have shared one essential task to tackle before the first frost arrives.
Aeration might not be glamorous, but it can significantly enhance air flow, moisture uptake, and root development.
Plant expert and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don has consistently advocated for this underrated task, maintaining that it is “always” crucial to complete it during this season.
“You can use a fork by working the tines into the ground at 12-inch intervals or, for a larger lawn, hire a rolling hollow tine or slitter,” Monty advised.
“Ideally, this is followed by working sand into the holes they create with a stiff brush.”
Simon’s guidance aligns with this approach, with the specialist emphasising that the procedure is vital following months of garden activity and summer heat. “Aerating can help by improving air and water flow to the roots,” he explained, recommending that gardeners push in and wiggle the fork, spacing holes 15cm apart.
When carried out correctly, aeration “lets stale carbon dioxide out, in turn, making room for fresh new oxygen to go in.”
It also breaks up compacted soil and penetrates any thatch that might be suffocating the grass.
To finish your September lawn maintenance, follow aeration with a high-potassium, high-phosphorus, low-nitrogen autumn feed to develop strong root systems.
Continue cutting on dry days, targeting a grass height of around 4-5cm.
And if there are bald spots, now is the moment to tackle them, with Monty advising: “The seed should germinate and grow in days. Do not mow it for at least a month and if it looks unsightly going into winter clip the new growth with shears.”