Autumn garden maintenance guide
Autumn is here with us once again, covering our lawns with leaves. With that falling of leaves comes the drop in temperature and the rains. With this in mind, you’ll be looking ahead and getting your garden prepared for the onset of winter. Mowing will be a crucial part of your garden maintenance programme and a good lawn mower is an important factor in keeping the garden lawn in tip top condition. Make sure the blades of your lawn mower are sharp and of the best quality. Keep the height of your cut high as the winter months’ approach, you won’t need to mow as much once winter arrives.
Feed the garden
Lawn food if you have a grass lawn is essential in making sure the grass gets some nutritional benefit, keep it strong and supple and by feeding it quality lawn food you’ll have a better chance of keeping it in tip top condition.
Weeds
Weeds may be a problem as winter approaches so invest in some good quality weed killer. Lay down some lawn seed so you’ll be able to fill in the bits patchy lawn, which will inevitably form during the inclement weather.
Moss
Moss could be an issue, but you can also buy quality moss killer for this and scarify your grass garden lawn regularly. This will involve using a rake over the lawn and pulling gently through any debris left on the grass.
Scarify the garden lawn
You can also use an electric scarifier as well as a rake and you can usually hire these from garden centres. A garden rake is usually enough, but it’s entirely up to you and of course, the size of your lawn.
Lawn and debris
Again use a rake to clear away any leaves and other debris, or you can hire a leaf blower from your local garden centre.
Planting bulbs
You can plant bulbs in autumn so they flower in the spring, just make sure you plant them deep, at least 2 or 3 times the height of the bulbs. Make sure the tips face upwards and then cover them with soil and press down.
Herbaceous perennials, shrubs & bushes
Cut down yellowed shrubs so they don’t take up valuable soil. Once they start to decay they’re no longer drawing on the sap to take back to the roots, they’re of no further benefit so get rid of them and make way for the younger, healthier plants.
Aeration
Use a garden fork and spike the lawn regularly, or if you want, try hiring or purchasing a spiking machine. Aeration is good for drainage and compaction and allows air into the roots which will help to keep your garden lawn healthy.
Worm
Worm casts are a great idea because they really help keep your lawn healthy throughout autumn and winter, they’ll also help improve the nutrient content in the soil, the soil is therefore richer and better for it.
Brian’s Garden and Fencing Services – Garden Maintenance Specialists
Get in touch should you need any further advice and guidance with regards to what we’ve discussed today or need some garden maintenance work carried out, we’re here to help.