As the heat of summer fades and the cooler months roll in, autumn is one of the most important times of year for your garden. The work you do now sets the foundation for healthy lawns, strong plants, and vibrant growth in spring.
At Green and Home, autumn is all about preparation, protection and precision.
Here are our top tips to keep your garden looking its best.
Feed Your Lawn for Strong Roots
Autumn is the perfect time to fertilise. Instead of pushing leaf growth like in spring, autumn fertiliser supports deep root development. Strong roots now mean a greener, healthier lawn when warmer weather returns.
- Use a slow-release, balanced fertiliser
- Water it in well
- Avoid overfeeding
Aerate Compacted Soil
After a long summer of foot traffic and dry conditions, soil can become compacted. Even simple spike aeration can make a noticeable difference in lawn health. Aeration allows:
- Better airflow
- Improved water absorption
- Stronger root growth
Adjust Your Mowing Height
As growth slows, raise your mower height slightly. Cutting too short in autumn can stress your lawn before winter. A slightly longer lawn helps protect the crown of the grass from cooler temperatures.
- Mow less frequently
- Keep blades sharp
- Remove excess clippings
Tidy Up Falling Leaves
While autumn leaves look beautiful, they can smother your lawn and garden beds if left to pile up. Tidying up leaves will help prevent fungal issues and keeps your garden looking neat and maintained.
- Rake regularly
- Compost healthy leaves
- Clear leaves from drains and pathways
Prune with Purpose
Autumn is ideal for light pruning and shaping. Strategic pruning encourages healthy regrowth in spring.
- Remove dead or damaged branches
- Trim hedges to maintain structure
- Avoid heavy pruning on frost-sensitive plants
Refresh Garden Beds
Mulch regulates soil temperature, suppresses weeds and retains moisture through winter. Now is the perfect time to:
- Top up mulch (5-7cm layer)
- Remove weeds before they seed
- Improve soil with compost
Plant for a Strong Start
Autumn is excellent for planting trees, shrubs and many perennials. The soil is still warm, which encourages root development before winter dormancy.
Cooler weather also reduces transplant stress, helping plants establish successfully.
Why Autumn Maintenance Matters
A proactive approach now saves time, money and effort later. Skipping autumn maintenance can lead to:
- Patchy winter lawns
- Increased weeds
- Poor spring growth
- Soil compaction issues