As summer fades and autumn’s crisp air arrives, your lawn faces one of the most important seasons of the year. Autumn is the perfect time to give your grass the care it needs to recover from summer stress and prepare for the challenges of winter. By following a few essential steps now, you’ll enjoy a greener, healthier, more resilient lawn come spring. At Bosworth’s Garden Centre, we’re passionate about helping you achieve a lawn you can be proud of — and with these expert tips, you can take your autumn lawn care to the next level. 1- Clear Away Fallen Leaves A blanket of golden leaves might look beautiful, but it can suffocate your grass, trapping moisture and blocking light. Rake regularly — Prevent dead patches and fungal diseases by keeping your lawn clear. Use a leaf blower for large areas — Quicker and easier for big gardens. Compost your leaves — Turn them into nutrient-rich leaf mould for next year’s beds and borders. 💡 Tip: Clearing leaves also helps you spot any lawn issues early, such as moss or bare patches. 2- Aerate the Soil for Stronger Roots After a summer of foot traffic and dry spells, soil can become compacted, restricting air, water, and nutrients. Spike aeration — Use a garden fork or aerator to create small holes for better airflow. Core aeration — Removes plugs of soil to relieve compaction in heavily used lawns. When to do it — Early autumn is ideal, giving roots time to strengthen before winter. 💡 Bosworth’s pick: Our lawn aerators make light work of improving soil structure and root growth. 3- Target Weeds Before Winter Weeds like dandelions and plantains compete with grass for nutrients and space. Apply a selective herbicide — Targets broadleaf weeds without harming your lawn. Follow instructions carefully — Overuse can damage grass health. Spot treat stubborn weeds — Hand removal works well for small infestations. 4- Overseeding & Reseeding for a Fuller Lawn Autumn offers the best growing conditions for new grass — warm soil, mild days, and more rain. Prepare the surface — Loosen the soil and remove debris before sowing. Choose the right seed — Match your seed mix to your lawn type (shade, high-traffic, ornamental). Protect new growth — Lightly cover with netting to keep birds and pets off. 5- Fertilise for Winter Resilience Feeding your lawn in autumn helps it build strong roots and disease resistance. Choose a high-phosphorus, high-potassium feed — This boosts root development and strengthens cell walls. Apply evenly — Use a spreader for consistent coverage. Water in after feeding — Helps nutrients reach the roots quickly. 💡 Bosworth’s pick: Our autumn lawn fertilisers are formulated specifically for UK lawns facing winter weather. 6- Scarify to Remove Thatch & Moss Scarifying clears away dead grass, moss, and debris that can choke your lawn. Thatch removal — Prevents blockages that stop air and water reaching roots. Moss control — Especially important in shaded or poorly drained areas. Best time — Early to mid-autumn, before the first frost. 7- Maintain the Perfect Cut Your mowing routine needs to adjust for autumn: Lower cutting height gradually — Helps grass grow thicker and more resilient. Avoid cutting too short — This stresses the plant and makes it more vulnerable to disease. Trim overhanging branches — Improves sunlight and airflow to shaded patches. 🌱 Why Autumn Lawn Care Matters Skipping autumn lawn care can mean: Patchy growth next spring Increased moss and weed problems Weaker root systems are more vulnerable to frost By investing time now, you’ll enjoy: A greener lawn in early spring Stronger, deeper roots Fewer pests and diseases Everything You Need at Bosworth’s From rakes and aerators to lawn seed and autumn fertilisers, Bosworth’s Garden Centre has everything you need to get your lawn in peak condition. Visit us at Burton Latimer or Elton for friendly advice and top-quality products.