Why Autumn Is the Best Time for Lawn Care

After summer drought, heat, or heavy footfall, many UK lawns look patchy and worn. Autumn is the best season to restore and strengthen your grass. Warm soil, cooler air, and regular rainfall create perfect conditions for seed germination, root growth, and recovery. Work done now doesn’t just improve your lawn today – it sets it up for a greener, healthier spring.

Step 1: Mowing in Autumn – Change the Rules

Grass keeps growing until soil dips below \~6 °C, so mowing is still important. The rules shift slightly:

• Mow less often (every 2–3 weeks instead of weekly).
• Raise the cutting height (aim for 4 cm).
• Keep blades sharp to avoid tearing leaves.
  

💡 Pro Tip: For the final cut (late October/early November), mow slightly higher. Longer grass stores more energy in its roots and better withstands frost.

Step 2: Scarify to Remove Thatch & Moss

Thatch and moss choke lawns if left unchecked. Autumn scarifying removes this layer, opening the soil surface for air, light, and water.

• Use a spring-tine rake for small lawns.
• Use an electric/petrol scarifier for larger or moss-heavy areas.

⚠️ Expect short-term ugly: lawns look ragged after scarifying, but recovery is fast with overseeding (see Step 4).

Related products

Alpina ASC1.5E - Electric Scarifier (1500W)

Electric scarifier removes moss and thatch quickly, improving lawn health, aeration, and nutrient absorption for hardier grass.

7-Piece Garden Repair Kit:
Easy Maintenance

All-in-one garden repair kit with seven essential tools for aerating, seeding, feeding, and maintaining lawns with ease.

ProGrow Grass Seed Mix: Fast-Growing

Fast-germinating grass seed for quick, lush growth. Ideal for overseeding, patch repair, or starting a new resilient lawn.

Step 3: Aerate the Soil

Soil compaction leads to puddles, moss, and weak roots. Fix it in autumn:

• Spike with a fork: holes 10–15 cm deep every 10 cm.
• Hollow-tine aeration: removes plugs of soil (ideal for clay).
• Top-dress after aerating with sandy loam or compost.
  

This relieves compaction, boosts drainage, and encourages deeper root growth.

Step 4: Overseed & Repair Bare Patches

Scarifying and aeration leave the perfect seedbed. Overseeding in autumn is the fastest way to thicken your lawn.

• Seed mix tips: rye + fescue blends (durable), fine fescues (shade), tall fescue (drought tolerant).
• Preparation: rake or fork soil, add a thin layer of compost/topsoil.
• Sow generously, cover lightly, water in.
  

💡 Patch repair: For instant results on larger bare spots, use turf. Autumn’s cool, damp weather helps turf establish quickly.

Step 5: Feed with Autumn Fertiliser

Autumn feeds differ from summer ones:

• Low nitrogen, high potassium & phosphorus = stronger roots, tougher grass.
• Avoid high-nitrogen feeds (cause soft growth prone to frost & disease).

Step 6: Control Moss, Weeds & Pests

• Moss: Scarify first, then apply iron sulfate moss killer.
• Weeds: Spot-treat broadleaf weeds in early autumn while still growing.
• Pests: Apply nematodes for chafer grubs & leatherjackets in September while soil is warm.

Step 7: Clear Leaves & Improve Drainage

• Rake or mow leaves weekly to prevent smothering. Compost them into free leafmould.
• Drainage fix: Hollow-tine + sand topdressing reduces waterlogging. Severe cases may need a French drain.
  

Step 8: Winter Prep & Final Cut

• Final mow: early November, higher setting.
• Remove clutter (toys, furniture) to prevent smother patches.
• Keep off frosty or waterlogged lawns to avoid damage.
  

Final Thoughts: Give Your Lawn a Strong Autumn Start

Autumn is your lawn’s make-or-break season. With a few smart steps now – scarifying, aerating, feeding, and overseeding – you can transform tired summer turf into a resilient, healthy lawn that sails through winter and bursts back greener in spring.

The key is to act early, stay consistent, and use the right products for the season. Whether you’re after a family-friendly lawn or a pristine green showcase, the work you do this autumn is an investment in next year’s garden.

FAQ – Autumn Lawn Care UK