Preparing Your Lawn for Autumn

Get your grass in top shape before the colder months arrive

By late summer, your lawn might be looking a little worse for wear — especially after heat, foot traffic, or dry spells. But August and early September are ideal for giving it a boost so it heads into autumn lush, green, and healthy.

Whether you’re working with a patchy lawn or just want to keep it looking its best, here are our top tips to help you prep like a pro.

🍃 1. Raise Your Mower Height

As we head into cooler months, allow the grass to grow slightly longer. Raising your mower blades helps protect the roots and improves resilience during the wetter, windier weather ahead.

🔧 Tip: Keep blades sharp for a clean cut — frayed grass can lead to disease.

☔ 2. Feed with an Autumn Lawn Fertiliser

Switch to a fertiliser that’s lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium. This strengthens the roots without pushing soft, sappy growth that’s vulnerable to disease.

Try to apply before expected rainfall to help it soak in.

Want to know what to use and when? Check out the RHS guide to autumn lawn care.

🌱 3. Reseed Patchy Areas

August is the perfect time to patch up bare spots. The soil is still warm and germination is quicker than in spring. Loosen the soil, rake in seed, and water regularly.

Light showers and cooler nights help new grass establish.

🍃 4. Scarify Lightly (or Plan for Later)

If moss or thatch is building up, now’s a good time to plan a light scarify — or pencil in a deeper treatment for mid-autumn. For small lawns, a wire rake can do the trick.

Scarifying helps air, water, and nutrients reach the roots.

❌ 5. Keep an Eye on Drainage

Heavy summer rain can compact the soil. Spike it with a garden fork to improve aeration, especially in shady or worn areas.

📍 Local Tip for Norwich Lawns

East Anglia’s dry summers and clay-based soils can stress turf. Adding a layer of compost or lawn conditioner in August helps retain moisture and feeds the soil.