Gardeners should begin raking fallen leaves from their lawns regularly this September to keep the grass healthy through autumn and winter, according to gardening experts.
Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, says gardeners should pay close attention to fallen leaves and rake them away regularly once they begin to build up on the grass.
The RHS also recommends removing fallen leaves from lawns because they can block light and moisture from reaching the grass. Its autumn lawn guidance says September and October are key months for giving lawns extra care before winter.
Why raking matters for lawn health
Wilson said: "For your lawn to remain healthy throughout autumn and winter, it needs to be able to breathe properly, as well as take in enough water, oxygen and sunlight." He advises gardeners to rake leaves away as soon as they start falling rather than allowing them to form a thick covering.
Wet leaves can be particularly troublesome because they can sit heavily on the grass for prolonged periods. Regular raking also forms part of wider autumn lawn maintenance. The RHS says a spring-tined rake can be used to remove loose debris and thatch, while scarifying can improve air circulation between grass plants.
Pest risk from damp leaves
Wilson also warns that thick layers of damp leaves can create favourable conditions for pests. He says these can cause damage by spreading disease and potentially leave brown patches that need repairing when spring returns.
Gardeners do not necessarily need to wait until large quantities of leaves have accumulated before reaching for the rake. Clearing smaller amounts regularly can make the job easier and prevent a heavy layer from developing across the lawn.
Autumn lawn care tips
The RHS says autumn is also a useful time to assess damage caused during summer. Where necessary, gardeners can repair bare or damaged areas, while autumn lawn care can help grass recover and become more resilient ahead of the following year.
It recommends carrying out scarifying and other maintenance when conditions are suitable, avoiding periods when the soil is waterlogged or the weather is particularly wet, dry or frosty. It also says September and October are generally the best months for autumn lawn care.
So as the calendar turns to September, gardeners do not need an elaborate routine to get started. Keeping on top of fallen leaves with a regular rake is a simple first step that can help prevent lawns from being smothered as autumn takes hold.
