October is a crucial period for lawn maintenance across the UK. With temperatures dropping and rainfall increasing, it presents perfect conditions for winterising your grass.
For homeowners grappling with brown, lacklustre and parched lawns, gardening professionals have revealed their expert recommendations for restoring tired turf this October.
Why Lawns Need Recovery
Matt J Adams, founder and lead gardener at The Relentless Gardener, explained: "Whether it has been affected by periods of dry weather, heavy footfall or simply the general wear and tear that comes with the warmer months, now is the time to start putting some of that damage right."
He added: "The good news is that you don't necessarily need to completely renovate the lawn. In most cases, a little well-timed attention can make a significant difference and, importantly, give the grass the opportunity to recover naturally before winter arrives."
Peter Chaloner, managing director of lawnmower brand Cobra, said: "After a long summer, it's quite normal for a lawn to look a little tired. Heavy use, mowing, dry spells and compacted soil can all take their toll, while moss and thatch can build up and prevent the grass from getting the air, water and nutrients it needs."
Overseeding to Thicken the Lawn
Matt said overseeding can help to thicken the lawn and replace grass that has been lost during the summer. He stressed that preparation is just as important as the seed itself, recommending clearing away excess thatch and aerating beforehand to improve the chances of good establishment.
He advised choosing seed according to the characteristics of the lawn rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. For areas with plenty of foot traffic, a hard-wearing mix containing perennial ryegrass and fescues provides greater resilience. For a finer finish, a Fescue Grass Seed is a good choice, while a shade-tolerant mix suits areas with limited sunlight. For an everyday lawn, a perennial ryegrass and fescue mix offers a good balance of durability and appearance.
Aerating to Relieve Compaction
Peter Chaloner recommended aeration as another useful garden job, particularly if the lawn has been heavily used over the summer. Repeated foot traffic can compact the soil, making it harder for water, air and nutrients to reach the roots.
He explained that aerating creates channels through the soil and relieves compaction. For a smaller lawn, a garden fork can be perfectly adequate, while more heavily compacted or larger areas may benefit from hollow-tine aeration from a powered scarifier. This is especially worthwhile on heavier clay soils, where compaction can be more of an issue.
