With October drawing to a close and November on the horizon, bringing with it cooler climes and shorter days, it’s essential to tick off certain lawn care tasks in preparation for the season change.
Gardens may not be at the forefront of every homeowner’s mind during the colder seasons, but neglecting your grassy spaces could leave them vulnerable to the harsh winter environment.
GreenThumb‘s Grass Guru, Steve Taylor, emphasises the significance of regular garden upkeep through the frosty months to ensure a robust and vibrant lawn as spring emerges.
Steve said: “While our lawns may be dormant, a little care can go a long way. Taking a few proactive steps now will set the stage for a healthy lawn when warmer weather arrives.”
Here are Steve’s top tips for autumn lawn care:
Remove items from your lawn
Steve highlights the need to declutter your lawn of outdoor furniture and other items, warning that leaving these around, especially if unused, can lead to dead patches where grass might look sparse and unhealthy by the time spring rolls around.
Clear fallen leaves
Regarding fallen leaves, Steve said: “Fallen leaves can block sunlight and air, both of which are essential for your grass’ survival.”
He also notes the potential risks of dampness beneath leaf piles, which could result in fungus or moss, harming your lawn’s health. A good rake session is recommended to prevent such issues.
Mulch your garden
When it comes to garden bed maintenance, mulching is suggested to provide protective coverage against coming cold spells.
After you’ve gathered fall leaves, Steve recommends repurposing them as a natural garden aid. He said: “Shredded leaves not only prevent soil erosion but also act as a barrier against weeds, making it a simple and effective way to enhance your garden’s health this autumn.”
Keep an eye on your lawn’s well-being
Highlighting the importance of vigilance against common garden woes, Steve pointed out how essential it is to monitor your turf for any troubling symptoms. With cold weather adverse effects like snow mould and moss on the rise, the present moment could be crucial in pre-emptively managing these issues.
He added: “If you do spot any signs of distress on your lawn, I’d always recommend calling a lawn care professional for their advice. Remember a good lawn is always a healthy lawn so endeavour to keep all feeding programmes up to date too.”
Advice for autumn and winter lawn care
For those looking to ensure their lawns remain robust throughout the chillier seasons, Steve suggests considering: “If you really want to look after your lawn this winter, I’d advise GreenThumb’s autumn/winter long treatment.”
He clarifies that unlike other treatments aimed at promoting growth, this specific one is geared towards fortifying the grass against winter conditions, controlling moss, and readying your green space for whatever challenges may come with winter.
Steve added a valuable tip for garden enthusiasts: “A little attention now can lead to a beautiful lawn in the spring. Stay proactive, and your grass will thank you when the sun shines again.”