3 days Ago By Millie Bull
After months of wear and tear, lawns are likely looking a little worse for wear now autumn is here. With winter just around the corner, rain, snow, ice, muddy footprints, and pets will likely cause further damage. While it may not seem like the time to pick up your gardening tools, autumn is actually the ideal time to give lawns some TLC ready for the seasons ahead.
With this in mind, Easy Garden Irrigation ’s managing director, Sean Lade, has shared five easy ways to ensure garden lawns remain "healthy through the seasons". “It's essential to prepare your lawn for the challenges of autumn and winter and the colder weather they bring," Sean said. 1.
Aerate the lawn Sean said aerating your lawn in early autumn can help it "thrive throughout the winter months". He told Express.co.
uk: "Aeration alleviates soil compaction, improves drainage, and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. "For best results, create small holes across your lawn using a garden fork or a mechanical aerator, focusing primarily on high-traffic areas where the soil tends to get more compacted." 2.
Apply an autumn feed Gardeners should switch to an autumn-specific lawn feed high in potassium to strengthen grassroots and help them withstand the colder weather. However, Sean warned gardeners to avoid using "high-nitrogen fertilisers commonly used in spring, as these promote soft growth which will leave lawns vulnerable to frost damage". Check for slow-release fertiliser that is specifically labelled for autumn to help grass gradually absorb nutrients.
3. Clear leaves and debris Fallen leaves can smother your lawn and increase the risk of disease, especially in damp conditions. Rake up leaves regularly to maintain a healthy lawn.
You can compost these leaves to create mulch, which can be useful in the garden next spring. 4. Raise the mower blade Sean said gardeners should try to avoid mowing grass too short in the winter months.
He explained: "Keeping it slightly longer (about 5-7 cm) provides insulation for the roots, protecting them from the cold. "When doing your final mow, set the mower blade higher than usual, and only mow on dry days to avoid compacting the soil." 5.
Overseed bare spots If there are thin or bare patches on lawns in early autumn, gardeners can overseed them now so new grass has time to become established with strong roots before winter begins. The gardening expert said: "Choose a hardy, cool-season grass variety suited to your region, and apply seed evenly over thin areas. "Lightly rake the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, and water gently but consistently until the new grass begins to grow.
Overseeding can help create a denser lawn that’s more resistant to weeds and disease.”.
