Doing three simple jobs in October—clearing fallen leaves, fertilising and giving the grass a final mow—can help lawns grow thicker grass next spring, according to chartered horticulturist David Domoney.
Domoney, best known for presenting Love Your Garden, said autumn lawn care is essential for anyone hoping for thicker, healthier grass. Lawns frequently become parched after summer's intense heat, making it vital to tend to the grass before it enters its dormant winter phase. Dedicating just ten minutes to autumn lawn maintenance ensures grass heads into dormancy in peak condition, while also improving soil health to promote lusher growth in spring.
He said: "Don't leave your lawn to suffer from the summer heat. It's important to give your lawn a bit of TLC to keep it going through the winter months."
Clear the fallen leaves
While autumn is celebrated for its colourful foliage, it is vital to clear any fallen leaves from the lawn, as they can block sunlight from reaching the grass beneath. Grass relies on sunlight to store energy through winter, and without adequate light it will deteriorate and may even begin to die off.
Fallen leaves also retain moisture beneath them, fostering a damp environment that can promote the spread of mould, pests such as slugs, and fungal diseases throughout the garden. Domoney said: "Fallen leaves can suffocate your lawn, damaging the health of the grass. To reduce the risk of diseases and keep moss at bay make sure to collect up any leaves on a regular basis."
Fertilise in October
October is the ideal month to fertilise the lawn, as doing so strengthens the roots while the grass prepares to enter its dormant phase, boosting its capacity to store both nutrients and water for energy reserves. Maintaining these energy stores helps lawns withstand freezing temperatures and enables the grass to bounce back swiftly once warmer spring conditions return.
Fertilising at this time of year also renders the grass more robust and better equipped to compete against weeds that may germinate over winter, ultimately reducing the workload come springtime. Domoney said: "Apply an organic fertiliser to toughen the roots for the coming cold months. Select one specifically designed for autumn as these have been formulated with all the nutrients your greenery needs to keep its strength up. For a dry lawn, opt for a liquid feed which you can pick up from your local garden centre."
Give the lawn a final mow
Fungal diseases, mould and moss can take hold rapidly on lawns during autumn due to damp conditions. Giving the grass a final trim before winter sets in improves air circulation, preventing these problems from taking hold and spreading.
However, the lawn should never be mowed once the first frost arrives in late October to early November, though the precise timing for stopping varies depending on location. After the final cut of the season, it is advisable to carry out some maintenance on gardening equipment so it is in pristine condition for spring. Domoney said: "Grass may be slow to grow this time of year, so it's best to raise your mowing height. This gives the grass the opportunity to recover from summer use and retain water. Now's a good time to give your mower a full clean as the growing season ends. You can do this with your garden hose, rinsing off grime and debris."
