Autumn Lawn Care: Preparing for a Healthy Spring

As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape, it’s time to turn your attention to your lawn. Autumn is a critical period for lawn care, setting the stage for a lush, green yard come spring. Here are some essential steps to ensure your lawn remains healthy through the colder months:

1. Fertilisation

Early autumn is the perfect time to fertilise your lawn. A balanced fertiliser helps grass recover from summer stress and supports root growth. Look for a fertiliser with a high potassium content to strengthen the grass for winter.

2. Mowing

Continue mowing your lawn until the grass stops growing. Gradually lower the cutting height to about 2-2.5 inches for cool-season grasses. This height helps prevent disease and allows more sunlight to reach the grass.

3. Aeration

Aerating your lawn in autumn relieves soil compaction and improves water and nutrient absorption. Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil, which helps roots grow deeper and stronger.

4. Overseeding

Overseeding is the process of planting new grass seeds to fill in bare spots and thicken your lawn. Choose a grass seed that matches your existing lawn and spread it evenly after aerating.

5. Weed Control

Autumn is an excellent time to apply weed preventers. These products help reduce the growth of weeds in the coming season, giving your grass a better chance to thrive.

6. Leaf Management

Fallen leaves can smother your grass if left unchecked. Regularly rake or mulch leaves to keep your lawn healthy. Mulching leaves with a mower can also provide valuable nutrients to the soil.

7. Pest Control

Keep an eye out for pests like grubs, which can damage your lawn. Treating for these pests in autumn can prevent problems in the spring.

By following these steps, you’ll give your lawn the best chance to survive the winter and bounce back beautifully in the spring. Happy gardening!