Top 3 Autumn Lawncare Tips You Need

Looking after your lawn in autumn properly and accordingly is crucial for setting it up for success through winter, and the right autumn lawn tips can make all the difference.

Here’s exactly what to focus on this May to keep your lawn thriving.

 

1. Autumn Leaves: Regularly Rake or Blow Them Off

This time of year, deciduous trees are dropping their leaves in large numbers. While those rich autumn colours can look stunning scattered across your lawn and garden, leaving them for too long can cause real damage. Thick layers of leaves block sunlight from reaching your grass, leading to patchy, weakened areas. As leaves start to decompose, they trap moisture and create a humid environment — the perfect breeding ground for fungus.

A simple but regular raking or blowing routine will help keep your lawn healthy and protected.

2. Autumn Fertilising is a Must

If you haven’t fertilised your lawn yet, now’s the time to do it. This is especially important if you have a couch lawn as it is not recommended to fertilise them while they are dormant during winter.

Applying fertiliser in autumn promotes extended growth, thick coverage, and stronger, longer-lasting colour. A lawn that’s thick and healthy is far more resilient to weeds and shade stress.

 

When selecting the right fertiliser, here’s what you need to consider:

• Liquid Fertiliser: Liquid options provide a quick green-up and an instant health boost by being absorbed through both the leaves and the soil. They’re easy to apply, ensure an even spread, and supply vital nutrients. Liquid fertilisers can also be more effective in cooler months when lawns naturally slow their nutrient uptake. We recommend Akers Turf Tonic to strengthen root systems, followed by Akers Kelp a month later to further support lawn health.

• Granular Fertiliser: Granular fertilisers deliver essential nutrients directly into the soil, where they are gradually absorbed by the roots over 6–8 weeks. For best results, use Akers Organic Based Granular Fertiliser, ensuring even application and watering it in thoroughly.

• Soil Health: Understanding what your soil needs is crucial. A simple Soil pH Test can reveal nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, helping you choose the right fertiliser. Different products contain different levels of key macronutrients and micronutrients — knowing what your lawn needs will help identify which fertiliser to use.

One particularly important nutrient is iron, essential for producing chlorophyll, which gives lawns their rich green colour. Iron also                  strengthens grass against winter challenges like frost and moss.

If your lawn needs a lift in colour, choose a fertiliser with a higher iron content, such as Akers Turf Tonic, Lawn Solutions Premium Lawn Fertiliser, or specialist iron-based products like Baileys Turfect Green or Lawnporn Green Light.

 

3. Autumn Mowing: Don’t Stop Yet

You might have noticed that your lawn’s growth is starting to slow. It’s time to ease back on how often you mow — but it’s important not to stop altogether.

If you have a cool-season grass like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue, you’ll need to keep mowing regularly, as these varieties grow faster in the cool temperatures.

For warm-season lawns, if you haven’t already, now’s the time to raise your mowing height slightly. Leaving the leaf a little longer allows the grass to absorb more sunlight, creating more food for itself and staying stronger through autumn’s cooler, shadier days.

Important things to keep in mind:

• Never cut off more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time.
• Avoid mowing when your lawn is damp or wet — this can tear and bruise the grass and leave clumps of wet clippings that suffocate the healthy lawn beneath. Mowing wet soil can also create ruts and an uneven finish, setting your lawn back heading into winter.

 

By following these expert autumn lawn tips, you’ll help your lawn stay greener, thicker, and healthier — no matter what the cooler months throw at it.