Looking After Your Lawn This November

Here are the top lawn care tips for November, when cooler temperatures and increased rainfall slow down grass growth — but it’s still important to protect and prepare your lawn for winter.

🌱 General Lawn Care 

1. Keep mowing — but only if needed 

• Grass growth slows right down in November, but you might still need the occasional light mow if it’s mild.
• Set your mower blades high (around 4 cm) to avoid stressing the grass.
• Make sure the grass is dry before mowing to prevent damage and clumping.

2. Clear fallen leaves regularly 

• Rake or blow leaves off the lawn once or twice a week.
• A thick layer of leaves blocks light and air, encouraging moss and disease.
• Compost the leaves or make leaf mould – excellent for soil improvement.

3. Aerate compacted areas 

• Use a garden fork or aerator to spike the soil every 10–15 cm.
• This improves drainage and oxygen flow, especially on clay or waterlogged lawns.
• Brush in a sandy topdressing if puddles tend to form.

🌧️ Dealing With Wet Conditions 

4. Avoid walking on a soggy lawn 

• Walking on wet grass compacts the soil and damages roots.
• If areas are prone to flooding, consider improving drainage or laying temporary boards for access.

5. Edge and tidy borders 

• Trim lawn edges neatly with shears or a half-moon edger before winter sets in. 
• It keeps everything tidy and makes spring maintenance easier. 

🌿 Feeding & Treatment 

6. Apply an autumn lawn feed (if you haven’t already) 

• Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser formulated for autumn/winter.
• This strengthens roots and improves resistance to cold and disease (avoid spring/summer feeds — too much nitrogen encourages soft growth that can rot).

7. Control moss and thatch 

• If moss is taking over, apply a moss killer containing iron sulphate, then rake out the dead material once it blackens.
• Don’t scarify heavily now — it’s best done in early autumn or spring, but a light rake is fine.

❄️ Winter Preparation 

8. Repair bare patches 

• If the weather is mild and the soil isn’t waterlogged, you can still sow grass seed on bare spots or use turf repair kits.
• Cover lightly with compost to protect the seed and encourage germination.

9. Clean and store equipment 

• Before putting the mower away, clean, dry, and oil it. 
• Drain fuel (if petrol-powered), sharpen blades, and check cables. 
• Clean rakes and spiking tools to prevent rust. 

10. Plan for next year 

• Make a note of problem areas (moss, shade, wear patches). 
• In spring, you can tackle these with reseeding, topdressing, or adjusting mowing height.