Autumn is the perfect time to rejuvenate your lawn, preparing it for winter dormancy so it can return lush and vibrant in the spring. The UK’s oldest and most trusted lawn seed brand, Johnsons Lawn Seed, is here to guide you through every step of the process. Why is Autumn Lawn Care Important? Summer’s heavy foot traffic and activities can leave your lawn in less-than-perfect shape. Soil compaction, bare spots, and poor nutrition are common problems after a season of fun in the sun. The wet spring was also a double-edged sword for our lawns. While the increased moisture can promote growth, it can also lead to problems like waterlogging, fungal diseases, and moss. Autumn is a crucial time to restore your lawn’s health. By addressing issues now, you will strengthen your grass, giving it the resilience needed to endure the winter and bounce back come spring. Neglecting autumn lawn care could lead to a patchy, unhealthy lawn next year—something no gardener wants. When to start We recommend you start your lawn TLC in September to give your grass ample time to recover before the cold sets in. The earlier you start, the better your lawn will be equipped to handle winter’s challenges. Over time, a layer of thatch—composed of dead grass, moss and weeds can build up on your lawn, especially as we have had a very soggy year! This layer acts like compacted soil, preventing water and oxygen from reaching the grassroots as the thatch competes for nutrients. Scarifying is the process of removing this thatch layer to improve your lawn’s health. Start by using a rake to remove any surface-level thatch. For deeper-rooted thatch, a scarifier is the ideal tool. Carefully work the scarifier or rake over your lawn, ensuring you don't go too deep and damage the turf. Seeding After scarifying, your lawn might appear thin or patchy. This is where Johnsons Lawn Seed comes in. Overseeding or reseeding involves spreading new grass seed over your existing lawn to fill in bare spots and encourage denser growth. Choose a high-quality grass seed mix suitable for your lawn’s needs. At Johnsons Lawn Seed, we offer a range of blends designed for different conditions. Quick Lawn with Accelerator: A versatile mixture that establishes quickly and is tolerant to shade and drought. Shady Place: Ideal for areas with limited sunlight, offering good drought tolerance. Tuffgrass: A popular lawn seed blend designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and is formulated to be resistant to yellow patches caused by dog urine, making it a smart choice for pet owners. Luxury Lawn: Premium grass seed blend that offers a dense, fine-textured appearance, giving a lush, high-quality lawn.