I’m browned off by troublesome spots
There are a couple of patches on my lawn that keep turning brown. I fertilise them and they turn green, but after a couple of months go brown again. – Mike, Cirencester DAVID: If it’s the same spots, then it may be that there is something just under the soil that is preventing the grass from getting the nutrients it needs. Stick a fork in and check for builder’s rubble, old foundations, or the like. If so, all you can really do is dig it out and lay some fresh soil and grass. centre. The next step to autumn lawn care is scarifying, which is essentially heavy raking with a spring-tine rake.
This will remove thatch – a fine layer of old grass stems, dead moss and other debris that can get compacted between the grass blades over time and can impede water and fertiliser from reaching the soil below.
You need to rake vigorously to loosen the thatch, but not so deep that you damage the turf itself.
DISEASE
Scarifying will also remove moss (it’s easier if the moss is already dead from treatment), and loose debris like leaves.
On that note, ensure leaves and branches do not build up on your lawn as they will smother the grass, killing it off and providing shelter for pests and disease.
Keep mowing your lawn until it stops growing and be thorough with removing your grass clippings.
Next thing to do is look for bare patches and plan on reseeding them.
Loosen up the surface of the bare area with a hand fork and rake
the soil as finely as possible. Sow the seed according to packet instructions (I always add a bit more to make up for the inevitable losses to birds).
Then lightly rake the seeds into the soil and gently water in. Cover with netting if birds are a problem.
Aerating (or spiking) is another important autumn task. Many lawns suffer from compaction. When they get trampled on, the soil compacts,