Prepping Your Lawn for Autumn: Top 5 Tasks

As August winds down, your lawn is entering one of the most important recovery periods of the year. The heat of summer can take its toll, but with the right prep, you can set your lawn up for a lush, healthy autumn (and even give it a head start for the following spring).

Here are 5 essential lawn care jobs you should do to give your grass the best chance to bounce back and thrive this autumn.

1. Lower Your Mowing Height (Gradually)

In late summer, it’s time to gradually lower your mowing height to prepare for autumn growth. This helps remove any weak or leggy summer growth and encourages your lawn to thicken up before the weather cools.

Tip: Don’t scalp the lawn - lower the height in small increments over a few cuts. Aim for around 2.5–3cm for most UK lawns.

2. Clear Debris and Rake Out Thatch

A build-up of thatch, moss, or clippings can block water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil. Use a spring tine rake or a powered scarifier to gently clear surface thatch and debris, particularly important as rainy weather increases.

Why now? It gives the lawn room to breathe and boosts the success of any upcoming feed or overseeding.

3. Apply a Summer Lawn Feed

If it’s been 8 weeks or more since you last applied a fertiliser, feeding now gives your grass the nutrients it needs to repair from summer stress and build resilience for the cooler months ahead. 

4. Water Wisely (If It’s Been Dry)

August can swing between drought and downpour in the UK. If it’s been dry, give your lawn a deep watering 1–2 times per week so the soil isn’t totally drying out.

Aim for about 20mm of water per session, enough to reach the roots. Avoid light, frequent watering as it encourages shallow roots and weak growth.

Final Thoughts: Why Late August Matters

Doing these 4 lawn care jobs now will give your grass:

• Stronger roots
• Thicker coverage
• Green growth
• A smoother transition into autumn

Late August is the start of the UK’s prime lawn renovation window, so take action now and your lawn will thank you come September.

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