As autumn approaches, gardeners may be thinking about putting the lawnmower away for the winter. But experts say September is the perfect time to get your grass in order for next year
As the temperature begins to fall and autumn looms, gardening experts insist that lawn care shouldn’t be neglected. While you might be considering packing away your lawnmower until next spring, September is actually an ideal time to prepare your grass for the following year.
Although mowing will be less frequent than in the summer months, Dobbies’ plant buyer Nigel Lawton advises that you should continue to trim the lawn until it ceases growing for the year. However, there’s a crucial rule to adhere to when mowing during this month.
He emphasised the importance of adjusting the height of your mower blade at this time of the year to avoid cutting the blades too short.
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Nigel advised: “Continue to cut your lawn in autumn for as long as the grass is growing. To avoid damaging your lawn, raise the blade height as temperatures dip, and don’t mow in wet or frosty conditions.”
Over-trimming grass blades can cause stress to your lawn. It also diminishes its ability to photosynthesise and makes it more susceptible to weeds and disease, reports the Daily Record.
Lawnsmith UK supports the advice to adjust the height of the mower’s blades. They stated: “Modifying your mower’s cutting height will assist in minimising strain on your lawn whilst the grass blades will preserve greater moisture levels, enabling it to remain verdant and robust.”
Gardeners should only cease mowing when the grass stops growing. This typically occurs in late October or even November, but it depends on the weather. Nigel has some more advice for September lawn care that will help yours to be as healthy as possible next year.
Feed and strengthen
Most patchy or damaged lawns will naturally recover after summer but there are ways to give it a helping hand at this time of year.
He said: “A specialist autumn lawn feed will help to give tired grass a boost. Autumn feeds encourage strong root development and toughen grass ahead of the colder months but be sure to choose a feed designed for autumn use.”
Tidy and treat
When it comes to tidying and treating, Nigel explained: “Brush top-dressing over your lawn to smooth uneven areas while encouraging thicker growth. Rake away fallen leaves to prevent rot, and keep moss at bay by scarifying before it gets too cold to allow grass time to recover.
“It might look patchy at first, but this process allows grass to breathe and will lead to a healthier lawn long-term.”
Improve drainage
To improve drainage and airflow, Nigel advises aerating your lawn with a garden fork or scarifying machine:.
He said: “This helps roots grow strong and resilient and be able to withstand periods of waterlogging. If you have a larger lawn, don’t worry about aerating the full area, just focus on sections that are worn-down.”
Following these steps will allow your lawn to be ready and luscious for next spring.
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