Protect your lawn this winter by using 1 item in your shed

As the temperatures start to drop the first leaves falling from the trees, it is clear summer is coming to an end once again. As we move into autumn and winter, getting out in the garden may feel like less of a priority, but it is vital to prepare your lawn for the colder months ahead. Taking care of your grass now will ensure it can survive tougher conditions such as snow, frost, and ice, and be left looking vibrant, green, and healthy come spring.

Gardening expert Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob has issued simple advice on keeping your lawn healthy throughout the coming seasons. Autumn and winter will often bring with them increased rainfall, which can leave your garden feeling wet and swamp-like if it is not aerated frequently. Regularly using aeration techniques on your grass and lawn throughout this period will make sure that it drains properly and does not suffer from pooling and waterlogging.

The most cost-effective way to do this is to use a standard garden fork. The expert says to push the fork into the soil beneath your grass to a depth of around 10-15cm and rock it back and forth to create small pockets that will encourage air, water, and improved nutrient flow to the roots. Repeat this process across your entire lawn.

Alternatively, you could use a specialist aerator, which, as well as being great for drainage, can prevent unwanted lawn diseases.

Next, Mr Bodell says to adjust your mowing height. While it is common belief to stop cutting the lawn altogether grass will continue to grow despite the colder conditions.

The expert says the key is to adjust your mower settings to their highest point, or around 5-6cm, as this is designed to maintain your grass rather than cut it. Maintaining at a higher setting will protect the grass from frost and prevent any unnecessary stress.

Alongside mowing, Mr Bodell recommends adding a winter fertiliser with low nitrogen but high levels of phosphate and potassium, which will help to strengthen grass roots and stiffen leaf blades. This will ensure a healthier, stronger lawn when growth resumes in the spring.

Restricting foot traffic is important when temperatures drop to really low levels as frost freezes the grass, which makes it very rigid.

When stepped on, the cells of the grass rupture, causing damage to the blades and visible footprints. These marks will stay noticeable long after the frost has thawed out.