Autumn Lawn Care: How to Keep Your Grass Healthy Through Winter
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many people forget about their lawns until spring. But autumn is actually one of the most important times to care for your grass. A few simple steps now will help your lawn survive the cold months ahead and come back greener, thicker, and healthier next year.
At Archway Gardens, we believe that a great garden starts with a strong foundation, and that means giving your lawn a little attention before winter sets in. Here’s how to do it…
1. Clear away fallen leaves and debris
It might look pretty at first, but a thick layer of fallen leaves can quickly smother your grass, blocking sunlight and trapping moisture underneath. This creates the perfect environment for moss and disease.
Tip: Rake or blow leaves regularly through autumn to let your grass breathe. You can compost them to create nutrient-rich mulch for your garden beds.
2. Don’t forget to mow your lawn
Before the temperature really begins to drop and the first frost arrives, mow your lawn but not too short. Cutting the grass slightly higher (around 4cm) helps protect the roots and prevents winter damage.
Tip: Make sure your mower blades are sharp for a clean cut that reduces stress on the grass.
3. Feed and strengthen the roots
Autumn lawn feed is designed to support root growth rather than top growth. It’s lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium, helping your lawn build strength and resilience through winter.
Tip: Avoid using summer fertiliser blends — they encourage leafy growth that won’t survive cold weather.
4. Aerate to improve damage
After a busy summer, lawns can become compacted. Aerating — by spiking small holes across the surface — allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily. It’s especially important for lawns that see a lot of foot traffic or heavy rain.
Tip: You can use a garden fork for smaller areas.
5. Repair bare or patchy areas
Autumn is an ideal time to repair thin or patchy sections of grass. The soil is still warm enough for seeds to germinate, and the moisture helps new growth establish strong roots before winter.
Tip: Loosen the soil first, sprinkle quality seed, and gently firm it down. Keep it lightly watered until it settles.
5. Plan ahead for next Spring
Once your lawn is tidy, fed, and aerated, you can relax knowing it’s ready to face winter. Come spring, you’ll notice the difference — stronger growth, fewer weeds, and that lush green colour every gardener loves.
6. Let Archway Gardens help.
If you’d rather not face the weather, our team can take care of everything for you. From autumn feeding and aeration to leaf clearance and general garden tidy-ups.
We’re local, reliable, and passionate about helping gardens look their best all year round. Get in touch today.