Keep lawns clear of fallen leaves

Rake fallen leaves off lawns regularly to keep them in good condition. Grass at this time of year needs as much light as it can get, as well as good air circulation to help keep fungal disease at bay. A light covering of leaves may look harmless enough, but it can be damaging, particularly on premium areas with fine lawn grasses. Leaves can be left on wilder grassy areas or on border soil, where they create a useful mulch. Use the leaves you sweep up to make leafmould or mix them into your compost bin with other garden waste.

Raking up leaves is great exercise and will warm you up – it’ll help to keep your grass in good condition, too