Getting Your Lawn Ready for Autumn and Winter
Essential Autumn and Winter Lawn Preparation
The hot, dry spells of summer have been tough on our grass. Whether it is in family gardens, parks or sporting venues, the grass has suffered and despite recent rain it is looking patchy, tired and in need of a little TLC.
The good news is that late summer and early autumn are the perfect times to carry out lawn renovations. With cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall on the way, grass has the best chance to recover before winter sets in.
Here’s how you can bring your lawn back to life and prepare it for the wetter and colder months ahead:
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1. Tidying Up with a Final Summer Cut
Start by giving your lawn a cut, but don’t mow it too short. Keeping the grass at around 4–5 cm helps protect the roots and reduces stress. This initial tidy-up makes it easier to see where repairs are needed.
Homeowners
A neat cut will instantly improve kerb appeal and give you a better view of bare or worn patches.
Professionals
Regular mowing now helps keep large green spaces tidy while also setting up turf for renovations.
Short or long-term hires available.
Delivery is available if you live within a 15 mile radius of RG26 5QW
2. Scarifying to Remove Thatch and Moss
Over summer, thatch (a layer of dead grass and roots) and moss can build up, stopping water and nutrients from reaching the soil. Use a scarifier or a spring-tined rake to remove this layer. The grass might look worse immediately afterwards, but this opens it up for fresh growth.
Homeowners
Scarifying is great for reviving shaded lawns or damp patches prone to moss.
Professionals
Scarifying prevents moss and thatch from spreading across large areas, keeping turf healthier long-term.
Short or long-term hires available.
Delivery is available if you live within a 15 mile radius of RG26 5QW
3. Aerating your Grass
Dry summers can leave the soil compacted, preventing water from draining properly once the rains return. Spiking the lawn with a garden fork or aerator improves drainage, allows oxygen into the soil, and helps roots grow deeper. For heavier clay soils, hollow-tine aerators are especially effective.
Homeowners
Aerating the soil is perfect for smaller gardens, helping to improve drainage and prevent puddling during the winter months.
Professionals
Essential for sports pitches, golf courses and large lawns to improve playability and reduce flooding.
Short or long-term hires available.
Delivery is available if you live within a 15 mile radius of RG26 5QW
4. Overseeding Bare Patches
If your lawn is looking patchy, overseeding is essential. Choose a grass seed mix suited to your garden type – for example, a hard-wearing mix for family gardens or a fine-bladed mix for ornamental lawns. Scatter seed evenly, lightly rake it in, and keep the area moist to encourage germination.
Homeowners
Overseeding helps restore worn patches where children and pets have played.
Professionals
Overseeding maintains turf density on high-traffic areas such as pitches, parks, and business frontages.
Short or long-term hires available.
Delivery is available if you live within a 15 mile radius of RG26 5QW
5. Applying Autumn Lawn Feed
Unlike spring and summer feeds, autumn lawn fertilisers are lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium. This strengthens the grass, improves disease resistance, and helps the lawn cope better with wet, cold conditions. Apply evenly and water in if rain isn’t expected.
Homeowners
A quality slow-release fertiliser will keep grass greener for longer into winter.
Professionals
Feeding now ensures turf remains strong and resilient under heavy winter use.
If you need some lawn fertiliser Elm Park Garden Centre next door to us on our Tadley site offers a good range.
6. Top Dressing for a Smooth Finish
For uneven surfaces or thin areas, spread a light top dressing of soil, sand, or compost over the lawn. This helps level it out, encourages strong root growth, and improves drainage.
Homeowners
Levels out small dips and bumps, creating a smoother, safer surface for lawns.
Professionals
Improves play quality on sports pitches and enhances drainage on larger areas.
7. Keeping an Eye on Fallen Leaves
As autumn progresses, regularly rake up fallen leaves. A thick layer of leaves can smother the grass, trap moisture, and encourage moss growth.
Homeowners
Prevents lawns becoming patchy or slippery.
Professionals
Keeps public spaces, pathways and playing surfaces safe and tidy.
Short or long-term hires available.
Delivery is available if you live within a 15 mile radius of RG26 5QW
A little effort in late summer and early autumn goes a long way. By scarifying, aerating, overseeding and feeding, you’ll give your lawn the best chance to recover from summer drought and face the wet winter months in a strong, healthy condition.
And come spring, you’ll be rewarded with a lush, green lawn that’s ready to enjoy!
Prices correct at time of publishing