Autumn lawn care in Harrogate: what to do before winter

Autumn is the most important time of year for your lawn. What you do in October and November decides how it looks next spring. Here in Harrogate and Ripon our winters are cold and wet, so a little preparation now goes a long way.

1. Clear the leaves, and keep clearing them

Fallen leaves block light and trap moisture, which leads to yellow patches and moss. Rake or blow them off every week or so while they're falling, rather than waiting for one big clear-up.

2. Scarify to remove thatch and moss

Over the summer a layer of dead grass ("thatch") builds up at the base of the lawn. Scarifying pulls it out so air, water and feed can reach the roots. Early autumn is ideal, while the grass is still growing and can recover.

3. Aerate compacted ground

Many lawns around Harrogate sit on heavy, clay-based soil that compacts easily and holds water. Spiking or hollow-tine aerating lets the lawn drain and breathe, and it's one of the best things you can do for a lawn that puddles in winter.

4. Use an autumn feed, not a summer one

Autumn feeds are low in nitrogen and higher in potassium, which toughens the grass for winter instead of pushing soft new growth that the frost will damage.

5. Raise the mower and cut less often

Keep cutting while the grass grows, but raise the blades a notch and stop once growth slows, usually around late October or November. Never mow frosty or waterlogged grass.

6. Overseed thin or bare patches

Early autumn is a good time to sow seed into thin areas. The soil is still warm and there's plenty of rain, so new grass establishes well before winter.

Want it done for you? GardenCare offers lawn programmes and one-off autumn lawn treatments across Harrogate and Ripon. Call 07555 289859 for a free quote.