A beautiful green lawn is the centrepiece of any well-maintained garden. Everyone wants to have such an oasis of well-being behind the house. However, the difficulty here is that it should not only look beautiful in summer, but must also survive the autumn and winter in good health. There is only one solution: the right lawn care in autumn.
We have put together the most important lawn care tips for you so that you can maintain your lawn perfectly in autumn too. You'll notice the difference.
The right lawn care in autumn
Due to the autumn leaves, the colder climate and in preparation for winter, specific lawn care is required in autumn. In this article, we present the most important measures and show you how a professional can ensure great lawn grass.
The extra treatment for the lawn in autumn
What a lawn needs in autumn is scarifying. This is a particularly effective method of freshening up the lawn and ridding it of unwanted weeds. Many garden owners wrongly assume that it is enough to mow a lawn regularly.
Over the course of the year, weeds, moss and dead plant matter settle on the turf and prevent the grass from absorbing sufficient water, nutrients and air. This layer, also known as lawn thatch, can significantly affect the health of your lawn.
Scarifying - more than just mowing the lawn
With this method, the lawn is treated with a special device that combs the subsoil and removes unnecessary material. The deeper layers of the lawn are also addressed, which loosens up the turf.
The result is good aeration of the soil and improved absorption of nutrients. At the same time, the lawn gets more light and air, which in turn promotes growth. It also has the advantage that summer plants such as millet cannot spread in the lawn.
Scarifying the lawn - how does it work?
Before starting this process, the lawn should first be mowed to a height of around three to four centimetres. The lawn must be neither too long nor too short to prevent damage to the blades. The scarifier is used to work the lawn in parallel paths, just like a lawn mower. For optimum results, the area should then be run over again in a chequerboard pattern to ensure that the entire lawn has been worked evenly.
It is important that the blades of the scarifier do not penetrate deeper than five millimetres into the soil. A deeper cut could damage the lawn roots and weaken the lawn in the long term.
If you need help with lawn care, don't hesitate, to contact us! We look forward to being at your side.
What to do after scarifying
After the entire lawn has been cleaned, a lot of lawn material remains. This usually includes moss and many blades of grass. You should definitely remove these remains to prevent them from settling back into the soil, otherwise all the work would have been in vain.
Autumn fertilisation for a strong lawn
In autumn, when the growth of the lawn slows down somewhat, the lawn not only needs the aforementioned cleaning, but also special nutrients to survive the coming winter months. An autumn lawn fertiliser is therefore essential to keep the lawn healthy.
Special autumn fertilisers have the particularity that they offer a higher proportion of potassium, which increases the lawn's resistance to cold and disease. This not only makes the green area more resistant to winter diseases such as snow mould, but the fertiliser also helps to ensure that you have a green and strong carpet in spring.
Potassium strengthens the plant cells and helps to regulate water absorption, which protects the lawn from frost damage and fungal diseases. When applying the fertiliser, the area should be thoroughly watered for a better effect so that the nutrients penetrate the soil well.
Reseeding - New grasses for a seamless lawn cover
Another important step in lawn care in autumn is reseeding. Even if the lawn is well cared for, small gaps can appear during the summer due to extreme heat, drought, too much rain and even lawn mowing. Nobody wants to have patches in their lawn. These should not be left unattended as they are easily colonised by weeds or moss. With a special lawn reseeding mixture, you can quickly fill these gaps and give the area an even structure.
The reseeding mixture contains grasses that are ideal for autumn and winter and germinate quickly. To ensure that the seed grows well, the area should be watered regularly after sowing. You should not just rely on the weather. A constant supply of water is particularly important in the first few weeks so that the seedlings receive enough moisture and the grass grows strong and healthy.
Further tips for autumn lawn care
In addition to scarifying, fertilising and reseeding, there are other measures and methods that can help make your lawn fit for the winter break:
- Mowing the lawn: The autumn lawn also needs regular mowing, but at a higher level to protect the grass from the cold soil temperature. Avoid cutting the lawn too short, as this makes it more susceptible to frost damage in winter.
- Water the lawn: Long periods of drought can also occur in autumn. Make sure you water the lawn sufficiently, especially if it receives little rainfall. Too little water will cause the lawn to lose vitality and become susceptible to disease. You should pay attention to the weather all year round and water when necessary.
- Keep lawns clear: Regularly remove autumn leaves, fallen fruit, lawn debris and other natural waste from the lawn. Too many leaves in the autumn months can suffocate the lawn roots as aeration is impaired.
The professionals for your garden
It can be a good idea to call in professional help, especially if you have major work to do in the garden or if you need assistance with the maintenance of your lawn. A well-maintained lawn requires expertise and experience to achieve the best results. At egli jona, we offer professional lawn care services and help you get your green oasis ready for the cold season.
Do you have questions about lawn care in autumn or do you need professional support for the ideal preparation of your garden for winter? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and let us work together to develop the best plan for your garden. Our experts will be happy to help and advise you individually.
Let us inspire you. Browse through our website and discover many more tips and ideas. Ideas for your garden. Get valuable inspiration for the next season and turn your garden into an oasis of well-being.
FAQ
How often should a lawn be mowed in autumn?
In autumn, you should continue to mow the lawn regularly, but at a higher level so that it does not become too short. A cutting height of around 4 to 5 cm is ideal to protect the lawn from frost in winter and to strengthen the roots.
Can I scarify my lawn even when the weather is cool?
Yes, scarifying can also be carried out in cooler weather, but it is best not to do it in frosty weather when the ground is frozen. The best time for this is on dry, mild autumn days so that the lawn is well aerated and the plant material can be removed effectively.
What can you do if a lawn forms moss despite regular mowing?
Moss formation is often caused by excessively dense lawn thatch or poorly aerated soil. In addition to regular scarifying, it helps to check the pH value of the soil. In acidic soils, liming can provide a remedy. Good drainage and correct fertilisation also help in this case.
