The end of September is a great time to begin thinking about renovating your lawn.
Historically the 'grass cutting season' in the UK usually kicks off the beginning of March and finishes towards the end of October prior to the plummeting temperatures in November before the frosts begin creeping in.
Of course all of this is weather dependent so be vigilant this time of year of the weather forecast and use this to your advantage.
"You want to aim to have your lawns renovated 5-6 weeks ahead of the frosts before the end of November to be safe".
You want to aim to have your lawns renovated 5-6 weeks ahead of the frosts before the end of November to be safe.
If the past couple of seasons are anything to go by it's hard to judge when exactly is the best time, but a rule of thumb we have always worked with is towards the end of September to mid October prior to the frosts kicking in.
"A rule of thumb we have always worked with is towards the end of September to mid October prior to the frosts kicking in."
If you are not ready then a light scarification would be good but you do need to think about doing it before November.
If you haven't made time for this this season, don't worry too much as early spring can be another great time to consider a lawn renovation ready for the new season ahead.
When is your preferred season for lawn renovation Autumn 🍂 or Spring? 🌱
0%Autumn
0%Spring
The recommended course of action for a full renovation entails:
Scarification:
Scarifying involves removing dead grass and accumulated thatch - (thatch is an accumulation of organic matter laying on the soils surface, this is usually loose grass swards from the mower, an underlay of dead grass, leaf matter etc).
The dead grass and thatch act like a sponge fostering the growth of moss and inhibiting the development of deep-rooted grass.
Consequently, the grass becomes less resilient to future dry spells as its roots struggle to access moisture beneath the surface.
Thatch can also harbour turf diseases like Fusarium and red thread and serve as a breeding ground for moss.
Aeration:
Whether using solid or hollow tines, aerating the lawn reduces surface compaction, facilitating the movement of both air and water through the top layer of turf. This aids in water movement within the soil preventing moss growth and promoting root expansion in the lawn. In the case of hollow tining, the removed cores can either be discarded or repurposed as a dressing for the next spring or autumn.
Reseeding:
Target areas with bare patches as well as thin or uneven grass coverage. Reseeding will not only thicken the lawn but also introduce more robust grass varieties helping to suppress weed growth and moss proliferation.
Topdressing:
Utilise a soil/sand blend to cover the newly applied seeds and level out any depressions or hollows on the lawn's surface.
After application use the back of a garden rake, bristle brush or a lute (lawn leveller) to smooth the dressing.
It's important not to attempt to "bury" the grass; ensure that it remains visible through the topdressing to prevent smothering and potential death of the grass beneath.
Fertilising:
Apply an autumn/winter fertiliser that contains lower levels of Nitrogen and higher amounts of Phosphate and Potash compared to summer feeds.
Phosphate and Potash contribute to root growth and fortify the plant's cell structure, enhancing its resilience and health as it enters the winter season. Opt for a slow-release fertiliser to gradually provide nutrients to the lawn without inducing rapid growth.
Adjust Mowing Height:
After the renovations, raise the mowing height to 30-40mm. Diminished light reaching the base of the grass sward translates to fewer moss spores germinating.
Note:
Given the time of year, there's often talk of heatwaves and Indian Summers which might materialise unexpectedly. Before initiating renovations, monitor weather forecasts diligently as prolonged dry periods following renovations could have adverse effects. Be prepared to irrigate if necessary
Comments