🍂 Autumn Lawn Care: Step-by-Step Guide (Scottish Lawns - September)

Step 1: Scarify the Lawn

Why? Removes thatch (a layer of dead grass and moss), allowing light, air, and nutrients to reach the soil.

How:
- Use a spring-tine rake or a lawn scarifier (manual or powered).
- Work the rake firmly across the lawn in different directions.
- Collect and dispose of the loosened material.

✅ Tip: Scarifying can look rough at first—don’t worry, your lawn will bounce back quickly in autumn conditions.

Step 2: Aerate the Soil

Why? Improves drainage and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots—especially important in compacted Scottish soil.

How:
- Use a garden fork or lawn aerator to make holes 2–4 inches deep.
- Space holes about 4–6 inches apart.
- For very compacted areas, use hollow-tine aerators to remove plugs of soil.

✅ Tip: You can brush sharp sand or fine compost into the holes to improve drainage even more.

Step 3: Overseed Bare or Thin Patches

Why? Encourages thicker growth and helps prevent moss and weeds from establishing.

How:
- Choose a quality lawn seed suitable for your conditions (e.g. shade-tolerant if needed).
- Lightly rake the surface to prepare the soil.
- Apply seed evenly over bare or patchy areas.
- Lightly rake again to mix seed with soil.
- Water gently to help seeds settle.

✅ Tip: Keep the area moist for 2–3 weeks to support germination, especially if there's a dry spell.

Step 4: Apply an Autumn Lawn Feed

Why? Strengthens roots and helps grass recover from summer stress, while preparing for winter dormancy.

How:
- Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium autumn feed.
- Apply evenly using a spreader or by hand (follow package instructions).
- Water in if no rain is expected within 24 hours.

⚠️ Avoid using spring/summer feeds—too much nitrogen encourages soft growth vulnerable to frost.

🌱 Bonus Tips:

Mowing: Continue mowing if the grass is still growing, but raise the cutting height.
Weeds: Spot-treat perennial weeds that survive the summer.
Moss Control: Apply moss killer if moss is a major problem (ideally before scarifying).