As the long summer days fade and the evenings draw in, your lawn begins to slow down. Growth eases, colour deepens, and the soil starts to cool. It’s a natural pause—but it’s also one of the most important times of year to show your lawn some care.
Autumn lawn preparation isn’t about perfection; it’s about protection. The steps you take now will determine how your lawn looks next spring.

Let’s walk through the essentials.

1. Start With a Good Clean-Up

Fallen leaves, twigs, and thatch can smother your lawn. Left lying, they block sunlight, trap moisture, and create a damp, airless environment that fungi adore.
Use a rake or leaf blower to keep the surface clear. Not only will this allow light and air to reach the grass, but it also helps prevent disease and moss from taking hold.

If your garden tends to collect a lot of debris, aim to tidy once a week during heavy leaf fall. It might feel relentless, but your lawn will reward you with stronger, healthier growth in spring.

2. Aerate to Beat Compaction

After a summer of use—barbecues, pets, children, and the mower—your lawn will likely be compacted. Compacted soil makes it difficult for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Autumn is the ideal time to give it some breathing space.

You can do this in one of two ways:

  • For smaller lawns: use a garden fork and gently press the tines into the soil every 10–15cm.

  • For larger lawns: hire or invest in a mechanical aerator for deeper, more even results.

Aeration not only relieves compaction but also encourages root growth, helps improve drainage, and reduces the risk of moss and waterlogging over winter.

3. Feed for Strength, Not Speed

Feeding in autumn is very different to feeding in spring.
You’re not trying to push lush, fast growth—you’re building strength from within. Choose a slow-release, autumn-specific fertiliser high in potassium (for hardiness) and phosphorus (for root growth), but lower in nitrogen.

The right feed will toughen the grass, improve disease resistance, and help the roots dig deeper before winter sets in.
Avoid using leftover summer feed—it can encourage soft, sappy growth that’s easily damaged by frost.

4. Adjust Your Mowing Routine

Grass growth slows in cooler months, but that doesn’t mean you should put the mower away just yet. Keep mowing while the grass is still growing—usually until temperatures consistently drop below 7°C.

The key change? Raise your cutting height.
Longer grass blades capture more light and protect the plant’s crown (the base of the grass). It also helps insulate the soil and reduce the risk of frost damage.
Aim for a final cut that leaves the grass around 4–5cm tall before winter.

5. Manage Moss and Thatch

Autumn is prime time for moss and thatch to appear, especially in shaded or damp areas.
If you notice a spongy feel underfoot, or patches of dull green moss, it’s best to act now rather than wait for spring.

Scarifying—gently raking out thatch and moss—removes dead material and lets air back into the soil. Follow this with a light topdressing of compost or sandy loam to improve structure and drainage.

For persistent moss, apply an iron-based moss control treatment, ideally followed by reseeding bare areas a few weeks later.

6. Repair Bare Patches

Early autumn is the perfect time to overseed. The soil is still warm, and rainfall helps new grass establish quickly without constant watering.
Rake over the area, sprinkle a quality seed mix, and lightly cover it with soil or compost. Keep the area moist until you see new growth.

By spring, these patches will blend in beautifully with the rest of your lawn.

7. Finish With an Edge

It might seem minor, but trimming and reshaping lawn edges can make the whole garden look cared for and tidy.
Neat borders help define the lawn, prevent encroaching weeds, and give you a clean edge to mow against next season.

The Autumn Advantage

Think of autumn lawn care as building a strong foundation.
You’re feeding the roots, strengthening the soil, and preparing the lawn to face winter head-on. While your neighbours’ grass fades to brown and patchy, yours will emerge in spring thicker, greener, and ready to thrive.

With just a few hours’ work this season, you’ll save yourself weeks of repair and frustration next year.

Want a professional helping hand?
Our team at Shrekfeet Independent Lawncare can prepare your lawn for the colder months with tailored fertiliser, aeration, and moss treatment plans that keep your grass strong all year round.