LAWNS

Autumn lawn care: scarify, aerate, feed or leave it alone?

How to decide what your lawn actually needs in autumn — and when doing less is the better choice.

Do not scarify just because it is October

Scarifying is useful when there is a genuine build-up of thatch or moss, but the lawn needs suitable conditions to recover. If the ground is waterlogged, frozen, extremely dry or the weather is persistently wet, wait.

Aeration

Compacted lawns benefit from aeration because it improves the movement of air and water into the root zone. High-traffic areas and heavy soils are the places most likely to benefit.

Feed

If growth is weak, use an autumn lawn feed designed for the season. Avoid using leftover high-nitrogen summer feed, which can encourage soft growth heading into colder, wetter weather.

Mowing

Grass can continue growing in mild weather. Mow only when conditions are suitable and raise the cutting height slightly compared with summer.